British International Development Minister to visit Malawi

Blantyre, Malawi - Britain’s International Development Minister responsib le for Africa Gillian Merron will pay a three-day visit to Malawi from Tuesday.

In a press release, the Department for International development (DFID) said the visit would provide Merron with a good understanding of the development challenges facing Malawi and the impact of Britain’s support.

"There will be a strong health focus to this visit," the statement read, adding: "Ms Merron is aware that Malawi has a very strong story to tell on child mortality and its response to HIV and AIDS. But there is still much to be done – particularly around maternal health."

Merron will visit health facilities in the border district of Mchinji where she will talk to community groups in the surrounding villages.

Nick Dyer, the head of DFID in Malawi, said he was very pleased that the minister was coming to Malawi.

"Child mortality has reduced by 42 per cent in the last 12 years," he said, adding: "The number of people receiving ART has increased from 3,000 to 146,000 in five years. These are remarkable achievements. But more needs to be done."

During the visit, Merron will hold talks with President Bingu wa Mutharika as well as other government officials and leaders of the civil society to discuss governance, education and climate change.