The National Organization of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi (NONM) has bemoaned inadequate personal protective equipment in the fight against the covid-19 pandemic.

The sentiments come as Malawi joined the global community to commemorate “World Health Day” which falls on April 7.

NONM president, Shouts Simeza, said Malawi is not ready to fight the pandemic because duty bearers are not doing enough to supporting the nurses.

Simenza said: “Provision of protective equipment, recruitment of more nurses are the key in the fight against the pandemic and in addition, an upward adjustment of risk allowances would also help motivate them to carry out their duties diligently.”

He highlighted that considering such challenges, nurses, as front liners, do not feel safe in their line of duty, since they are the ones directly handling the patients.

Meanwhile government through the Director of Nursing and Midwifery in the Ministry of Health, Tulipoka Soko, admitted that government is aware of the challenges however he appealed for the nurses to use the available resources effectively.

“We are aware that the protective equipment is not enough and we need extra resources and therefore we also appeal to other stakeholders to be forthcoming with any assistance.”

This year’s World Health Day was commemorated under the theme “Support Nurses and Midwives”.