Malawi Government has warned opposition Political Parties namely UTM and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) against misleading Malawians with fake and unofficial messages on coronavirus.
Minister of Information, Mark Botomani, Who also doubles as government Spokesperson issued the warning on Tuesday through a press statement following a planned nationwide tour by UTM and MCP to feed people with unofficial Covid-19 Messages.
“It is inappropriate for groups such as UTM and MCP to involve themselves in coronavirus message development and dissemination without any orientation by the Ministry of Health.
” Incorrect information is a setback to the fight against coronavirus. In addition, even correct information developed and disseminated wrongly, is a danger as well,” reads the statement in part
Botomani further asked UTM and MCP should stop using coronavirus pandemic to gain political mileage.
“Government would like to ask UTM and MCP to cancel their coronavirus sensitization tours and allow the Ministry of Health officials to take lead.
“The UTM, MCP and indeed any other political party, must never use coronavirus for political gains.
People’s lives are at risk and, for once, let parties leave politics aside and think Malawi first.” said Botomani in a statement
According to Botomani, Government, through Ministerial Committee chaired by the Ministry of Health, has been orienting health workers and journalists in the management of COVID-19 to ensure effective preventive and treatment strategies are developed and disseminated.
