LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Country Representative, Hyoung-Joon Lim, has urged government and stakeholders to embrace a mindset shift in developing strategies that serve as practical guides rather than remaining on the shelf, if Malawi is to make meaningful progress.
Lim made the remarks in Lilongwe on thursday during the cluster validation of the National Prepositioning Strategy, organized by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and the WFP.
He explained that the strategy, which is still under review, should guide efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and across government, focusing on staff training and building systems that are ready before shocks occur in disaster-prone areas.
“The real success of this strategy will be measured not by what is written here today, but by how effectively we use it to prepare for future emergencies,” Lim said.
He emphasized that prepositioning and preparedness efforts are critical in increasing the speed and efficiency of emergency response, noting that when disasters strike—whether floods, cyclones, or drought—time becomes the most precious resource.
Director of Preparedness and Response at DoDMA, Charles Matabwa, hailed WFP as a reliable partner that has consistently supported government with technical and financial assistance during times of crisis.
Matabwa further underscored that the validation stage should be regarded as a critical step in institutional harmonization and resilience building across Malawi.
Once validated and adopted, the National Prepositioning Strategy is expected to help strategically position supplies closer to vulnerable communities, strengthen logistics hubs and coordination, and shift the country’s disaster management approach from reaction to anticipation.