Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) - "People are dying of easily treatable diseases. The poor do not have the money to buy medicine in pharmacies", denounces Martin Chiphwanya, deputy national Secretary of the "Justice and Peace" Episcopal Commission in Malawi. The Country is going through a serious economic crisis due to heavy public budget and the drought affecting agriculture.
To cope with the lack of medicines subsidized by the State, "people are buying medicines in unlicensed pharmacies and shops, and this represents a great threat to the right to life" emphasizes the head of "Justice and Peace" in the text sent to Fides. The situation is so serious that some people are forced to steal drugs.
"Justice and Peace" calls on the government to "ensure that the right to food and essential healthcare services is guaranteed to all citizens of Malawi, making sure that corn is available in the stores of the Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) and that pharmacies receive adequate stocks of medicines. Life is sacred, and all efforts must be made so that people's lives are not at risk". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/02/2016)
