**First Lady Gertrude Mutharika Named Patron of Malawi Environmental Health Association, Calls for “Storm‑Proof” Systems**
*Salima, Malawi – 28 August 2026* – At the annual conference of the Malawi Environmental Health Association (MEHA) held in Salima on Thursday, First Lady Gertrude Mutharika was formally appointed patron of the organization. In her opening remarks, she urged the government and stakeholders to develop national systems capable of withstanding the increasing frequency and severity of climate‑related disasters.
Speaking to an audience that included researchers, academics, and health professionals, the First Lady warned that cyclones, storms, droughts and floods can no longer be treated as isolated events. “They destroy homes, leave people desolate, contaminate water sources and create ideal breeding grounds for diseases such as cholera and malaria,” she said.
Mutharika emphasized that true climate resilience must focus on prevention rather than post‑disaster response. “It is time to build systems that stand the storm, protecting our natural resources and ensuring access to basic life‑serving services for every citizen,” she added.
The First Lady also called on the scientific community to translate research findings into practical applications. “We need our research to move beyond the pages of books and into real‑world solutions that benefit our communities,” she urged.
MEHA President Bertha Sato praised the First Lady’s commitment to environmental health, citing her attendance at the conference and the establishment of the Beautify Malawi (BEAM) Trust as evidence of her dedication. Sato highlighted the conference’s theme—“Environmental Health, Key to Attainment of Climate Change Resilience”—as reflecting the nation’s growing urgency to strengthen health systems against climate threats.
“The stakes are high,” Sato said. “When disasters strike, we often see systems breaking down, affecting the health and wellbeing of people. Strong environmental health systems are the first line of healthcare on the ground and are essential for building resilient communities.”
She noted that the rising burden of climate‑related diseases and injuries places significant pressure on government resources and has economic implications for ordinary Malawians. The conference provided a platform for participants to exchange best practices, research findings, and knowledge on climate change, environmental health, and community resilience.
The MEHA gathering concluded with calls for coordinated action among policymakers, health professionals, and researchers to develop “storm‑proof” infrastructure and services that can mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events increasingly affecting Malawi.
Article and image source: allafrica.com
