Government rolls out 2025/26 food insecurity programme in Mzimba, pledging timely support for households at risk
By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Jane Ansah on Friday outlined the government’s firm commitment to protecting vulnerable households in Malawi’s Northern Region as she presided over the launch of the 2025/26 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme at Kavitowe Primary School in Mzimba.
During the ceremony, the Vice President emphasized the critical importance of early intervention to mitigate the hardships associated with seasonal food shortages. She highlighted that the government’s proactive approach is aimed at ensuring that communities in areas prone to food insecurity have timely access to essential food supplies, preventing hunger and reducing the risk of malnutrition among children, the elderly, and other at-risk groups.
The programme, implemented under the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen community resilience, enhance food security, and minimize the adverse effects of lean periods on the most vulnerable populations. Vice President Ansah stressed that this initiative reflects the government’s responsibility to safeguard the welfare of its citizens, particularly during critical times when access to food becomes a pressing challenge.
Community leaders and local residents who attended the launch expressed hope that the programme would reach households in need without delay. They welcomed the government’s commitment to providing both immediate relief and sustainable support mechanisms, noting that coordinated efforts are essential to ensure that food aid reaches its intended recipients efficiently.
Vice President Ansah further encouraged collaboration between local authorities, community groups, and government agencies to maximize the programme’s effectiveness. She underscored that the success of the initiative depends not only on the resources mobilized but also on active participation by communities in identifying those most in need and in supporting distribution efforts.
The launch in Mzimba marked the official rollout of the programme in the Northern Region, signaling the beginning of a comprehensive effort to deliver food aid and related services to households most affected by the lean season. The government intends to monitor progress closely, adjusting strategies as needed to address emerging challenges and ensure that the support provided has a meaningful impact on food security and household livelihoods.
By highlighting the importance of early action, the programme aims to reduce the vulnerability of affected communities and prevent long-term socio-economic consequences that often accompany periods of food scarcity. Vice President Ansah’s message was clear: the government is committed to acting decisively and efficiently to protect the well-being of its citizens and to promote resilience in the face of seasonal challenges.
