National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2015.

The National Disaster Risk Management Policy presents an opportunity for effective implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programmes and activities in Malawi. The long-term goal for disaster risk management in Malawi is to sustainably reduce disaster losses in lives and in the social, economic and environmental assets of individuals, communities and the nation. The broad objective of this policy is to create an enabling framework for the establishment of a comprehensive disaster risk management system for Malawi.
The specific objectives of the policy are: i) to facilitate the mainstreaming of disaster risk management into sustainable development policies and planning processes at all levels; (ii) to develop an effective system for conducting comprehensive disaster risk assessments at all levels; (iii) to develop an integrated and effective people-centred early warning system that is comprehensive and effective; (iv) to promote a culture of safety and resilience amongst disaster risk management stakeholders, including communities; (v) to assess and address the underlying risk factors; (vi) to strengthen the disaster preparedness system for effective response and recovery at all levels. .
To increase the resilience of livelihood to disasters, the policy has outlined six priority areas in accordance with the United Nations Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-2015. The priority areas are the following: (i) mainstreaming disaster risk management into sustainable development; (ii) establishment of a comprehensive system for disaster risk identification, assessment and monitoring; (iii) development and strengthening of a people-centred early warning system; (iv) promotion of a culture of safety, and adoption of resilience-enhancing interventions; (v) reduction of underlying risks; and (vi) strengthening preparedness capacity for effective response and recovery. The policy recognizes the linkage ewith food security issues.
In the context of governance, due to the cross cutting nature of disaster risk management, the policy will be implemented by a wide range of stakeholders at all levels. The implementation plan shall be coordinated by the Department of Disaster Risk Management Affairs and closely monitored by relevant stakeholders at all levels. Multi-disciplinary Technical Sub-Committees are in charge of the coordination and guidance in the planning and implementation of disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programmes. Among these sub-committees it is worth mentioning the following: Agriculture and food security; Health and nutrition; Water and sanitation.