Chakwera Opens International Blantyre Cancer Centre, Addresses Misinformation

President Lazarus Chakwera stood and resolute as he addressed the crowd with a solemn expression on his face denouncing the malicious propaganda spreading like wildfire throughout the country that he is the cause of hunger and economic challenges affecting Malawians.

The solemn expression comes against the background of some opposition political leaders conducting motor parades condemning him and the Tonse Alliance government for the hunger and economic instability affecting people’s livelihoods.

Speaking on Tuesday when presiding over the opening of the multi-billion Kwacha state-of-the-art International Blantyre Cancer Centre (IBCC) constructed by the Thomson and Barbra Mpinganjira Foundation, Chakwera said it is sad that that he is being insulted for even the poor rains and the economic woes which are not his making.

“It has come to my attention that there are those who are spreading lies and misinformation, blaming me for the hunger and economic challenges that are currently affecting Malawians,” Chakwera said, his voice ringing clear and strong.

“I want to make it clear that I am not the cause of these problems, we are here to serve the people of Malawi and to work tirelessly to improve their lives. It is truly disheartening to see these false accusations being thrown around, especially at a time when unity and cooperation are needed more than ever,” added the president.

The crowd comprising of local and international invited guests listened intently, their eyes focused on the president as he continued to expounding government plans on the cancer problem and economic issues at hand while emphasizing the importance of unity.

“We cannot afford to be divided at a time like this. We must stand together, united in our efforts to overcome these challenges like cancer and other diseases as we build a better future for ourselves and our children,” Chakwera declared.

The Malawi leader then disclosed that through the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan, his administration plans to build more cancer facilities in addition to the Malawi National Cancer Centre in Lilongwe so that every cancer patient can access treatment within the country by the year 2030.

Commending Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira for the historical project in the fight against cancer in the country, Chakwera said the battle to defeat cancer requires a concerted effort, as the disease does not segregate anyone; hence, the facility is very important

The Malawi leader also reiterated his commitment to serving the people with honesty and integrity. He vowed to continue fighting against the spread of misinformation and propaganda, and to work tirelessly to improve the lives of all Malawians.

In this context, Chakwera made a directive to the Ministry of Finance to immediately register around 100 000 vulnerable families in Blantyre City, mainly those affected by the effects of last year’s devastating Cyclone Freddy to benefit from the Social Cash Transfer Program.

Representing the minister of health who was not available at the function, Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda said the facility is a testament to Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira’s love for the country, as it demonstrates the importance of investing in people’s lilives.

In his statement, Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the International Blantyre Cancer Centre, said the facility represents a new frontier in the fight against cancer in the country.

Mpinganjira who also owns the FDH Bank and Yekhaya Farms, described IBCC as a game-changer, as it will help in dealing with some of the foreign exchange challenges the country is facing by reducing the number of foreign referrals of cancer patients, adding that the facility will relieve the financial burden on cancer patients and guardians, allowing them to be treated in their home environments.

He also said the multi-billion Kwacha facility was inspired by the experiences he and his late wife, Barbara Mpinganjira, went through during her cancer treatment in South Africa, saying the facility is a beacon of hope to all those affected by cancer.