Malawi government addressing drug, medical supply shortages in wake of aid withdrawals

As international donors "remain reluctant to release aid meant for the health sector" in Malawi "amid allegations of pilfering and corruption in the procurement of drugs," "patients seeking medical treatment at government-run medical facilities are unable to access medication such as antiretrovirals (ARVs), anti-malarial drugs and even painkillers," Inter Press Service reports, adding, "Health facilities are also experiencing a shortage of medical equipment such as gloves, and malaria and HIV/AIDS testing kits."

"The government of Malawi has acknowledged the shortcomings in the health system," IPS writes. According to the news service, Health Minister Jean Kalirani said, "Government is addressing the drug crisis by strengthening the capacity of the Central Medical Stores as a long-term solution. In the short term, we are procuring drugs through an emergency tender while resolving issues that have been raised by the donors" (Ngozo, 11/16).