The district's director of health and social services, Anold Kapachika, says some items that well-wishers provide without consulting do not address real needs hence the call.

He was speaking recently when Heart to Heart International which after consulting health officials in the district donated Personal Protective Equipment and other materials targeting health workers in all 22 health facilities in the district.

"Heart to Heart has been remarkable in this gesture, most of the times we receive items from partners which they procure without having the knowledge of what is needed but we are happy Heart to Heart engaged us before procuring these materials and we urge other partners to follow suit," said Kapachika.

Heart to Heart International country representative for Malawi, Boyce Nyirenda, said the organisation has donated the personal protective equipment to health workers saying shortage of the same in health facilities expose front line health workers to a higher risk of contracting corona virus.

"We have observed the growing risk presented by corona virus pandemic on especially the health workers. They are the people who are working to serve lives but then we noted that there was high shortage of PPEs and other materials required for prevention of covid 19 hence the donation," said Nyirenda.

Meanwhile, Machinga district council chairperson Alexander Shoti has commended heart to heart for the timely support but has expressed worry over the decision by some NGOs that have stopped or suspended operations in the district due to covid 19 saying this is the time their services are needed most.

Meanwhile, paramount chief Kawinga who also graced the handover ceremony of the equipment has asked stakeholders to intensify sensitization on covid 19 in rural areas.

As of 11th June 2020, Machinga had 4 people that have been confirmed to have contracted corona virus.