PRESS STATEMENT(For Immediate Release) 11th June, 2020 FORMER PRESIDENT HER EXCELLENCY JOYCE BANDA IS OUT OFORDER ON COVID-19
Government would like to dismiss as false and irresponsibleremarks made by former president Joyce Banda that thecountry has no Covid-19 cases.Such a statement, coming from a parent and a formerpresident, is not only irresponsible but also unfortunate andlacking in patriotism. It is clear that Mrs. Banda has no love forthe country and does not care if many Malawians die of thepandemic.
2Covid-19 is real and claiming people’s lives. Malawi has so farlost four lives. Other countries have lost thousands of livesaccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO).Government would like to put the record straight that all donorfunds meant for Covid-19 interventions are channeled throughUNICEF and not Account Number One. Even funds coming fromAccount Number One at Treasury are managed using PublicFinance Management which ensures accountability of everysingle tambala.Government is very transparent with the way these funds areused and anyone may wish to check with relevant bodies.Government has been very clear on the trends of Covid-19through the Presidential Task-force which gives daily updates.These updates show new cases, deaths, people tested so farand those recovered among others. In addition, Covid-19 testsare done by well-trained laboratory technologists who followWHO standards. Malawi has well trained and highlyexperienced laboratory technologists.
3It is, therefore, insensitive for the former president to pretend as ifGovernment is hiding information on Covid-19. Governmentappeals to the former president to desist from politicising thepandemic.
MARK BOTOMANI, M.P.,MINISTER OF INFORMATION, CIVIC EDUCATION ANDCOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
