Newly appointed Minister pledges loyalty, hard work, and commitment to improving healthcare and sanitation across Malawi
By Burnett Munthali
Newly appointed Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, has expressed deep gratitude to President Arthur Peter Mutharika for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the nation’s health sector.
Baloyi’s appointment was announced on Thursday, October 30, as part of a new 24-member cabinet, which featured several fresh faces and reflected a balance of gender and regional representation.
Speaking in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday at Parliament, Baloyi said she feels deeply honored by the President’s confidence in her and is fully committed to serving Malawians with dedication and integrity.
“I am truly humbled by this appointment,” she said. “I pledge to dedicate myself to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Malawians and to support the President’s vision for a healthier and more prosperous nation.”
Baloyi commended the President’s leadership, particularly his focus on health sector reforms and sanitation initiatives, noting that these policies will help strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system and improve citizens’ wellbeing.
Commenting on the opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament, Baloyi said she was impressed by the administration’s continued emphasis on women empowerment, the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP), and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“I am delighted to see strong policies promoting women’s participation, support for smallholder farmers, and increased CDF allocations,” she emphasized. “This demonstrates the government’s genuine commitment to inclusive national development.”
Baloyi also praised the government’s financial loan initiatives aimed at empowering women and the youth, describing them as transformative programs that will uplift communities and reduce poverty.
“The women’s financial loan program and the K100 million youth fund are game changers,” she said. “They will open doors for entrepreneurship, create jobs, and give hope to many young people and women in both rural and urban areas.”
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Ntcheu Nzonzi Mvai Constituency, Dyles Moses Mbengo, also commended President Mutharika for his dedicated leadership in navigating Malawi through economic and social challenges.
“The President has demonstrated remarkable leadership and resilience,” Mbengo said. “He has shown that with commitment and unity, Malawi can achieve recovery and sustainable growth.”
Mbengo further highlighted the importance of the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme, saying it would greatly benefit smallholder farmers in Ntcheu, a district heavily reliant on agriculture.
“The continuation of this program is a huge relief for our farmers,” he added. “It ensures food security and economic stability for our communities.”
In his parliamentary address, President Mutharika announced that 1.1 million households will benefit from the Farm Input Subsidy Programme, each constituency will receive K5 billion annually, and free secondary school education will be introduced as part of the government’s broader development agenda.
The new Health Minister’s remarks come at a time when Malawi continues to focus on strengthening its health infrastructure and improving access to essential services, signaling renewed energy and commitment within the Ministry of Health under her stewardship.
