Six Malawians have died during the government’s ongoing repatriation exercise from South Africa, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma), highlighting the humanitarian challenges facing authorities as thousands continue returning home.
Dodma said five of the deaths occurred while returnees were travelling to Malawi, while one was recorded at Mwanza District Hospital.
The repatriation exercise began on 7 June.The department’s latest update shows that 38,094 Malawians had been repatriated as of Wednesday, 8 July. The figures also show that 9,862 returnees received medical consultations, meaning nearly one in every four people brought back required medical attention.
Among those repatriated are 2,202 children under the age of five and 390 pregnant women, pointing to the need for specialised health and protection services.
The data further shows that 26,407 returnees, representing 69.3 percent, are men, while 11,687, or 30.7 percent, are women.Dodma also reported that 7 July recorded the highest single-day arrivals since the exercise began, with 3,786 returnees transported to Malawi aboard 59 buses.
The repatriation exercise is continuing as the government, through Dodma, coordinates the return of Malawians from South Africa while providing transport, medical care and other humanitarian assistance to those arriving home.
