The Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 has disbursed K17.52 billion to 8 clusters in responding to the new Coronavirus wave of infections and hospitalisations.

Minister of Health who is also co-chairperson of the Taskforce Khumbize Kadondo Chiponda said the funds has, among others, been channeled to Clusters of Health, Education, Information, Water Development, Lands and Police Service.

Addressing the press in Lilongwe, Chiponda said the health cluster will receive a lion’s share of about K5.8 billion to be distributed in all the country`s central hospitals.

“Part of this money will be used for risk allowances for the health workers and purchasing the medical equipment needed in respective hospitals,” said Chiponda.

She added that funds amounting K1.2 billion will be allocated to local government to be disbursed into different councils for usage in district hospitals.

The Taskforce has also made available K1 billion in all districts across the country for production of cloth face masks to vulnerable people who cannot afford to buy one.

In addition, the co-chairperson said the education cluster which has been allocated almost K4.9 billion will assist in having makeshift structures as learning facilities.

According to the Health Minister, K100 million has gone to protection cluster to be used for the fight against Gender-Based Violence cases which are common during the pandemic.

Malawi has lost over 550 people ever since the outbreak was declared in the country last year.