The Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, has commended the Social Cash Transfer Programme for significantly improving the welfare of vulnerable households in Ntcheu and across all districts in Malawi.
Navicha made the remarks on Friday during a monitoring visit where she met beneficiaries receiving various forms of assistance under the flagship social protection initiative.
During a stop in Malopa Village under Senior Chief Masasa, the minister said she was encouraged to see how some families have invested their cash transfers wisely, enabling them to acquire livestock and diversify their sources of income.
She observed, however, that despite these gains, the financial support provided through the programme still falls short when weighed against the current rising cost of living, which continues to strain vulnerable households.
Navicha emphasised that government remains committed to strengthening social safety nets so that they effectively cushion the poorest Malawians from economic hardship.
Accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Gender, Martha Mzomera Ngwira, MP, Navicha assured communities that her ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure the programme remains impactful and sustainable.
She said the collaborative approach is crucial for scaling up efforts to empower vulnerable groups and enable families to build long-term resilience.
Navicha concluded by reaffirming that these efforts align with the broader development vision of President Professor Peter Mutharika, who she said remains committed to fighting poverty and improving livelihoods nationwide.
