By Sellah Chunda

Lilongwe, August 16, Mana: In a bid to improve service delivery, the Malawian government, through the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, has launched the National Social Protection Call Centre (NSPCC) today.

During the launch at NGORA offices in Lilongwe, Minister Jean Sendeza emphasized that the new call centre aims to bolster support systems within social protection programs.

“We have established this call centre to strengthen our support systems and address the numerous grievances we have received. The NSPCC will ensure transparency in cash transfers through a free toll line,” Sendeza stated.

Michele Crimella, Team Leader for Social Sector and Infrastructure at the European Union, remarked, “Social protection is expanding, and this call centre will make it easier for beneficiaries to address their concerns through a single number. This initiative is a significant step in improving access to support.”

Crimella also highlighted the EU's commitment to Malawi's social protection programs, noting their success in aiding vulnerable populations and promoting self-reliance among the ultra-poor.

Gerge Chikondi Juwawo, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF, praised the call centre as a solution to longstanding issues such as delays in social cash transfers.

“Modern technologies and the new call centre will help address these challenges by providing a platform for beneficiaries to voice their complaints and receive timely assistance,” Juwawo said.

The government of Malawi, supported by partners such as the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, and the European Union, continues to implement various social protection programs aimed at reducing poverty among the country’s most vulnerable populations.