Paul Keenan
The Catholic Bishops of Malawi have signalled a growing threat of famine in the country. In an appeal to the international community for help for six million citizens already affected by food insecurity, the prelates said: “Our hospitals are already reporting higher rates of malnutrition cases with the situation feared to worsen as we approach what we normally call the lean period.”
Emergency
In April, Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika declared a national emergency over food shortages created by adverse weather patterns and severe drought. However, as well as appealing to the global community for help, the local bishops have implored President Mutharika to offer more than words in reacting to his nation’s plight. They have proposed a range of support measures for the agricultural sector to help Malawi avoid famine.
“Our plea is that we should not just have mouthful and beautiful policies that translate into nothing,” the bishops stated.