Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has announced the introduction of special award for most dedicated health workers in the fight against COVID-19. Speaking during his weekly national address Saturday night, Chakwera said five health workers nominated by various medical associations will be receiving the award every three months for their dedication to work. Chakwera described the health workers as champions who are sacrificing their lives against many odds, including depressing working conditions, depleted medical supplies, and deteriorating health facilities. He says “Without them, we would simply have no chance and no hope against this pandemic, because they are truly our last line of defense.” Chakwera introduced the Zikomo Presidential Award as a token of thanks to the most dedicated health care workers. Health workers say they appreciate the gesture but say awarding only five health workers is not a good idea. The coronavirus situation update report from the Presidential Taskforce Force on COVID-19 shows as of the Saturday evening, Malawi had 4,186 cases of COVID with 120 deaths. The report also said about 100 new cases are being confirmed every day, whose transmission is now almost entirely local.
SOURCE: VOA