By Wendy Mkandawire
The government has launched the Accountability to Affected Populations Strategy, a new framework aimed at strengthening communication, community participation, and accountability during disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The launch was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Dowa Community Ground and brought together the Malawi Health Equity Network, UNICEF, development partners, civil society organizations, and community representatives.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadrick Namalomba said the strategy is designed to ensure disaster-affected communities that are actively involved in decisions that affect their lives.
He stated that the framework will guide government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and communities to promote stronger engagement, transparency, and accountability.
Namalomba explained that the strategy promotes two-way communication by giving communities space to express needs, concerns, and feedback, while requiring leaders and service providers to listen and respond. He said this will ensure humanitarian interventions are driven by the priorities of the people they are meant to serve.
The Minister said the AAP Strategy will also help end corruption in the distribution of humanitarian assistance.
He noted that when donors provide relief items following disasters, community members will have safe channels to report cases where leaders divert or sell donated items instead of distributing them.
Namalomba added that the strategy will empower communities to communicate directly with donors and humanitarian organizations about the type of assistance needed to improve livelihoods.
MHEN, which promotes equitable access to health services and people-centered development, joined other partners in supporting the launch, describing the strategy as an important step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and community participation in disaster response across Malawi.
