Malawi's President Peter Mutharika, has announced an emergency cash transfer programme for the people worst affected by Covid-19.
Eligible households will receive a monthly payment of 35,000 Malawian Kwacha ($47; £38) through mobile cash transfer starting in May.
The announcement came after the High Court in Malawi extended an order preventing the government from implementing a three-week lockdown.
Human rights groups had complained that there was no safety net for the poorest people whose livelihoods would be affected.
The cash transfer programme will target just under one million people and small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, President Mutharika said on Tuesday.
He didn't offer details on how long the programme will run.
Malawi has recorded 36 cases of coronavirus, including three deaths.
The country is scheduled to hold a repeat presidential election next month after last year's vote was annulled by the constitutional court in February, citing widespread irregularities. The president is appealing against the ruling.
Latest Stories
-
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng facing impeachment
37 mins -
Mass wedding plans for Nigerian orphans spark outrage
41 mins -
Election 2024: Our situation may be bad, but better than being at war – Kofi Amoabeng
47 mins -
Parliament to reconvene today for an emergency sitting
1 hour -
Medikal to cover tuition fees for students on upcoming school tour
1 hour -
Cecilia Dapaah’s husband testifies in alleged $1m theft case
2 hours -
Ghana Shippers’ Authority takes steps to reduce the cost of cargo clearance
2 hours -
Stevie Wonder presented with Bridge Builder Award by Diaspora African Forum
2 hours -
Kusaal language goes live on Wikipedia
3 hours -
South Koreans compete to see who’s best at doing absolutely nothing
3 hours -
Scientists may have solved mystery behind Egypt’s pyramids
3 hours -
Court remands man over alleged theft of fuel dispensers
4 hours -
‘That was a lie!’ – Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial
4 hours -
MTN calls for rethink of tax structure
4 hours -
Chad’s Mahamat Deby confirmed as winner of disputed election
4 hours