John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated relief items to 17 healthcare workers and nine of its volunteers under the Gateway Project in Chikwawa District.

The 26 are among those that were hit hard when tropical storms Ana and Gombe hit some parts of the district early this year.

One of the volunteers receives a bag of flour from Jhipiego official

Speaking in an interview, Jhpiego Gateway Project deputy director Ernest Nkhoma said the donation will console and encourage beneficiaries, who usually collaborate with the organisation, to continue supporting the health sector.

He said: “We have donated these relief items to victims of tropical storms storms Ana and Gombe, especially healthcare workers and some of our volunteers.

“Our wish is that issues surrounding health should not fail due to the impact of the disasters.”

One of Jhpiego’s volunteers, Aubrey Nile thanked the organisation for the help, saying they will use the items for their intended purposes.

He, however, asked for quick interventions in future once natural disasters occur.

“We are delighted with the items. This is a relief to us as we will be able to cover some gaps the two storms created,” said Nkhoma.

Chikwawa District Jhpiego Gateway Project officer Daniel Pindani urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the items are used for their intended purposes.

Chikwawa District Health Office assistant human resources officer Stanford Jere said the relief items will reduce some problems that employees faced after being hit by storms.

He said they lost a lot of items, including food and shelter.

Jere said: “When the disasters occurred, some of our workers were badly affected and their contribution towards work has not been positive as they were also psychologically affected.

“But with these relief items, I believe it is now the right time for them to rise.”

Jhpiego provided 80 kilogrammes of maize flour, cooking oil, beans and five blankets to each of the beneficiaries.

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