Dan Odallo, the new UNFPA Representative presented his letters of credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as he starts his term of duty in Malawi. Presenting the papers, Dan outlined the role that UNFPA plays in promoting maternal health, girls’ education, gender equality and interventions that focus on young people in Malawi.

He commended the Malawi government for the great efforts they have been making to address the challenges that exist in the areas that UNFPA supports.

“UNFPA appreciates with honour and gratitude the role that President Mutharika accepted as a UN Youth Champion and I am glad to be here and work with him to achieve the goals outlined in this role”, he said.

Francis Kasaila, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in accepting the letters, recognized the value and support of UNFPA towards health, population and youth programmes in Malawi. “We stand to benefit from your extensive experience, wisdom and expertise while you stay in Malawi and the overall support from UNFPA”, he said.

Dr. Dan Odallo takes over from Violet Kakyomya who was appointed a UN Resident Coordinator in Madagascar. Dan is coming from the Eritrean UNFPA country office where he held similar position.