This
site is designed for Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator versions
4 and above and a screen resolution of at least 800x600
|
|
|
Give us the money now
By
Our Reporter - 28-10-2002 |
|
|
Government has a moral responsibility to address the hiccups that are delaying the disbursement of the pledged US196 million (K15.2 billion) by World Bank for fighting the deadly HIV/Aids.
We cannot agree more with President Bakili Muluzi that the delay to December will mean more lives being lost. It is indeed an emergency situation requiring emergency measures. But since the piper is the one who calls the tune, we are of the view that Government should do its part in clearing some transparency and accountability issues as demanded by the donor.
It must be said that since the first person was diagnosed with Aids in 1985, the disease has had a devastating impact in the country, killing many people of the productive age group and leaving thousands of orphans in its wake.
Besides this, the disease has drained public resources that could have otherwise gone to certain sectors of life with a view to improve the living standards of Malawians.
It is in this respect that government must take any promise of aid by donors towards fighting the disease seriously. Government must simply clear all hurdles as put by bank.
While World Bank have a perfect right to demand anything on their money, it is also imperative that the Bretton Wood institution realises that the issue here is about the lives of people, some of whom are already groaning in our various hospitals. Making unreasonable demands, therefore, would not be in the best interest of the suffering souls who know nothing about accountability and transparency.
What they know, however, is that they are suffering and need treatment. The pledged money can make a huge difference. We need it. |
|
|
|
|
|
