By Judgment katika
Deputy Minister of Health Enoch Phale, says Malawi government is committed to ensuring economic growth while addressing the population boom.
He said this on Monday when he made his statement during the 55th Session of the Commission on Population and Development being held in New York.
Phale, said the Government of Malawi, considers the session as an opportunity to further advance efforts to ensure inclusive economic growth and development.
“This session’s theme, ‘Population and
sustainable development, in particular sustained and inclusive economic growth’ reflects our common agenda and key priorities outlined in the SDGs as well as the ICPD commitments that were
renewed during the Nairobi Summit.” He said.
Phale added “Our national policy and
development goals are closely aligned to these priorities and we look forward to furthering this agenda and accelerating
implementation and as a result attainment of the development
goals.”
According to the deputy minister, the fertility rate in Malawi is currently at 4.2 and the population is forecast to
reach 45.1 million by 2060 saying in the last decade the population
increased by 35%.
He has however bemoaned the large population growth coupled with the impact of climate change which he said has put the natural environment under enormous stress as the
large rural population relies on small scale agriculture for
subsistence.
“This rapid population growth has translated into low
per capita expenditure and made it hard to eradicate hunger and
provide adequate schooling and healthcare.” Phale said.
That being said according to the Health Deputy minister Enoch Phale, Malawi has progressed well in providing increased protection and rights for women and girls in the legal framework.