By Elizabeth Mandala
Association of Social Workers in Malawi (ASWiM) has committed to provide mental health, psycho-social, counseling and rehabilitation support to children and families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by ASWiM interim President Felix Kakowa and Board Chair Willard Manjolo, the organisation has come forward following government’s consideration on the need to actively involve social workers in efforts to prevent and contain further spread of the virus.
“COVID-19 is bringing with it social, economic and physical suffering such as feelings of panic, fear, shock, grief, loss of income, food insecurity, family disruption, interruption of schooling as well as access to health care.
“We have an essential role to play and therefore, we will reach out to those who face abuse, domestic violence and discrimination that include children, the elderly, those with disability and single parents among others.
“Children should have access to adequate alternative care arrangements as well as protection for those left without care provider due to hospitalisation or death of a parent or guardian,” reads the statement in part.
The statement further says social workers will ensure that factual information about the virus is disseminated.
This will help to dispel misconceptions and fears as well as carry out case management with those suspected and confirmed to prevent further spread of the disease.
ASWiM said it will closely work with the Ministry of Population Planning and Social Welfare and other related partners to ensure continuity of social services to the vulnerable population.
Minister of Health and Chairperson of COVID-19 Special Cabinet Committee, Jappie Mhango continues to appeal to Malawians to observe prevention measures put in place such as observing social distance, regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based sanitizer.
Working both in rural and urban areas, ASWiM is a registered membership-based organisation aimed at improving the delivery of social welfare services to vulnerable people and disadvantaged groups.
Malawi has to date registered 36 confirmed cases with four recoveries and three deaths.
