The Veterans and Ex-Service League of Malawi (VELOM) has called for increased support towards the country’s veteran soldiers, saying many of them continue to struggle to access basic welfare services.

The organization says the remaining veterans who took part in the First and Second World Wars are residing at Kobe Barracks in Zomba and are in dire need of assistance due to old age and family responsibilities.

VELOM Chairperson, Retired General Henry Odilo, lamented the continued challenges facing Malawi’s war veterans despite their invaluable contribution to the country’s peace and stability.

Retired General Odilo emphasized the urgency of supporting the veterans, urging both the corporate sector and well-meaning Malawians to take part in the cause.

He made the remarks on Tuesday after presenting a poppy flower to the country’s Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, in Lilongwe, where he pledged to work with the government in improving the welfare of the former servicemen, many of whom are struggling to support their families.

“With old age and growing family demands, life has become hard for our veterans. We need the private sector to come forward and help in supporting them,” said Retired General Odilo.

In response, Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah assured the veterans of the government’s continued commitment to implementing social and healthcare support programmes aimed at addressing their socio-economic challenges.

“We want to assure you of the government’s commitment to assist our veterans. We will continue implementing health and social support programmes that we believe will ease their challenges,” said Dr. Ansah.

The Vice President also made a donation of K2 million to the veterans.

Malawi is currently observing the Poppy Week, with a target to raise K300 million to support the country’s war veterans.