By Suleman Chitera
Thyolo, Malawi — A powerful show of unity and compassion unfolded in Thyolo District today as Muslim Disaster Relief Aid, a consortium of Muslim organisations, announced an ambitious plan to raise K10 billion to support Malawian households grappling with hunger.
Speaking on the sidelines of a food and cash distribution that benefitted 1,000 vulnerable people, consortium spokesperson Ibrahim Omar Mataya said the initiative is designed to complement government efforts aimed at cushioning communities hardest hit by food insecurity.
“We want to make sure all our brothers and sisters in need are helped,” Mataya said. “This support will continue until we reach as many people as possible. Our immediate target is at least 15,000 families.”
Immediate Relief, Real Impact
During the exercise, each beneficiary received a 20kg bag of flour, soya pieces, cooking oil, and K5,000 cash, providing both short-term sustenance and flexibility for urgent household needs.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, praised the consortium’s swift action, noting that such partnerships are critical at a time when many families are struggling to put food on the table.
“This initiative will go a long way in cushioning households affected by the hunger situation,” Phiri said.
Voices from the Ground
For beneficiaries, the assistance is life-changing. Elizabeth Butao of Katundu Village could not hide her relief.
“I am so grateful for what I have received today. I will have a proper meal for the first time after a while,” she said.
United for Humanity
The Muslim Disaster Relief Aid consortium brings together a broad coalition of faith-based and youth-led organisations, including Limbe Muslim Jamaat, Drop of Compassion, Bilal Trust, Muslim Youth United, Al Mahmood, An Nasiha, Blantyre Muslim Youth, and Ashraful Aid.
As Malawi continues to confront the challenges of hunger, the consortium’s K10 billion drive stands as a bold call to action—demonstrating how collective compassion, faith, and partnership can deliver hope where it is needed most.
