MANA-online
Drones rescue community in hard to reach areas
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Blantyre, July 20, Mana: Tamandani Chikuni from Jiya village, Traditional Authority Ntholowa in Zomba is a happy mother of three who successfully managed to get all her children vaccinated during the polio vaccination campaign at a go.
Chikuni said she does not take for granted the fact that she took her children to Magomero Health Centre on the day the campaign started and found the vaccine readily available because the facility used to experience erratic supply of vaccine in all the previous campaigns.
“We live very far from the District Hospital and other surrounding health centres. I remember visiting our health centre only to be told that there are no vaccines even for routine immunizations.
“In those cases, I would just go back home for it is hard for me to travel to the District hospital or the other health centers because of distance. We live in a rural set up where many parents and guardians cannot afford transport fare to Zomba District Hospital,” narrated Chikuni.
Another parent, Lucy Phiri added that there were instances her child was due to receive the routine immunizations only to find none at the health centre resulting into given future dates for her to come and check if they will have vaccines in stock.
“That used to put our children at risk as we wait for the dates and in some cases one would go on the given date only to find that the vaccine has finished,” explains Phiri.
Corroborating Chikuni and Phiri’s words, Wyson Matiki, Disease Control Assistance at the facility attested that it has indeed always been hard for Magomero to access drugs for the campaigns and routine immunization because of its topography and distance from the District Health Office.
“We have very bad roads here and the condition worsened after Cyclone Freddy making it hard for vehicles from the District to come and deliver vaccines at our facility in time.
“We also normally have issues with shortage of transport from there end. There are times that the vehicle is engaged somewhere or there is no fuel at the district. This suffocated delivery of important supplies like vaccines during campaigns as well as routine immunizations,” said Matiki.
However, the case was different during the recent polio campaign as drones were used to deliver Polio vaccine to health centres resulting into constant supply of the vaccine during the entire campaign, thanks to United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
Unicef adopted the innovation of Drone Driven Vaccine Campaign which saw drones delivering vaccines to health facilities that are in hard to reach areas in Zomba, Mangochi and Chikwawa Districts.
The child-centered UN agency engaged Swoop Aero to do the job thereby ensuring fast, safe and effective delivery of vaccines to facilities like Magomero and Chisi Island in Zomba as well as Makanjira in Mangochi just to mention a few using drones.
Cold Chain and Vaccine Management Consultant for UNICEF Simon Kondowe said this made it possible for every eligible child in the hard to reach areas to have access.
“We wanted to ensure that when the child comes to the facility for vaccines, they get it right away because it is always available at that facility.
“With the approach, we did not have issues like vaccine stock outs because the drones were able to respond in time hence having consistence supply of vaccine,” said Kondowe.
On top of that, Matiki also indicated that the drones eased the transportation problem which resulted receiving vaccines and commodities in time for the Polio campaign and routine works.
“In the past campaigns, we could stay the whole day during the campaign period without administering vaccines to children as we waited for a vehicle to do the delivery.
“But the drones made our job easy. We were serving the children as they come because the vaccines were delivered on time making it available all the time.
“We had never gone a day without vaccines and we are optimistic that we will reach out to all the over 16,000 children in our catchment area by the end of the campaign since there is always constant supply,” explains the excitedly Matiki.
Operations Manager for Swoop Aero Malawi, Anne Nderitu noted that it had a good experience delivering vaccines in time and making an impact in the immunization campaign.
“We were able to deliver vaccines in three districts for this polio campaign as of Wednesday, 12 July, we had delivered 8500 doses in hard to reach health facilities in Zomba, Chikwawa and Mangochi.
“We had our drone operators based at the district hospitals who received vaccines from the Expanded Programme on Immunisation coordinators and package the vaccines in the drone.
“We put ice packs and cold chain. We package properly so that right conditions are maintained, we also have the temperature logger to track the temperature as the flight is ongoing,” said Nderitu.
She added that at the health facilities, health workers were trained to receive the drone, take out the cargo and the drone flies back to the district hospital.
On the timeliness of drones to deliver the vaccines, Bernard Ndawala, Drone Operator at Swoop Aero felt that time factor is critical especially in health care and drones are the fastest option.
“With a drone, a journey is cut short. We have been able to deliver polio vaccines to health centres which are three and half hours away from the District Hospital within 25 minutes or less.
“We have Chisi Island and for one to reach there, you need to go by road, then take a boat to the island and finally cycle to the health facility which is a long process.
“Using a drone, in less than 20 minutes, we were able to deliver vaccines therefore saving lives of children who could have been denied access if traditional transportation was used,” stated Ndawala.
He also cited another example of how they have been able to deliver vaccines to Makanjira in Mangochi within 45 minutes when initially the journey takes close to six hours when using an ambulance due to damaged roads and bridges.
Kondowe affirmed that Unicef is committed to ensuring that immunization process in the country is up to standard and supply chain system is one of the areas that needs to be strengthened to make sure that facilities have enough vaccine at all times.
“So we are going to continue using drone delivery for future campaigns so long as we still have issues of accessibility in hard to reach areas,” he said.
He added that Unicef aims at expanding its reach to some facilities whom they have not been able to reach out to all in a bid to promote accessibility at all times.
Chitipa United kicks off second round with a win
By WakisaMyamba
Karonga August 7, Mana: Chitipa United FC started the TNM Super League second round with a win after defeating Karonga United 2-0 at Karonga Stadium on Sunday.
The two goals were scored by Ramadan Ntafu in the 11th minute and China Chirwa in the 73rd minute respectively.
In a post-match interview, Assistant Coach for Karonga United FC, Luka Bruno Milanzie was not pleased with the results, saying that his players were not utilizing chances.
On his part, Coach for Chitipa United FC, Macdonald Nginde Mtetemera expressed satisfaction with the results.
“The boys played very well and we plan to maintain with the performance,” he said.
Chitipa are on second position with 32 points while Karonga are on position 10.
Silver Strikers off to winning ways in 2nd round of Super League
By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe August 7, Mana: Silver Strikes completed the season double over Blue Eagles with a 2-1 win at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday to kick off their second round campaign in the TNM Super League.
Following a 1-0 loss to their city rivals in the first round, Blue Eagles were out looking for a better result and came out playing with an absolute sense of urgency.
Blue Eagles’ Richard Lapson was the first to register successive chances that proved that keeper Pilirani Mapila would have a busy afternoon.
On the other end Silver’s rookie Adiel Kaduya showed early signs of a promising attacking connection with veteran Atusaye Nyondo.
Blue Eagles’s first half was highlighted by the flawless through balls swung forward by Ian Chinyama and McDonald Lameck.
Though Silver Strikers lagged behind in terms of chance creation they made the most of a rare opportunity in the 33rd minute when Chinsisi Maonga scored from Attended M’balaka’s cross.
After finishing the first half with seven chances while Silver had five, Blue Eagles’s sense of urgency was on full display to begin the second period with Blessings Malemia threatening early with a shot attempt following a pass from Lankeni Mwale.
Lapson came closest for Blue Eagles in the 60th minute when his shot from the right flank smashed off the cross bar.
Kaduya continued to pester the Eagles defense and he had his shot saved by goal keeper Chakonda Majanga before substitute Stenie Davie pounced on the rebound to put Silver up by two in the 71st minute.
Blue Eagles found their consolation goal in the 76th minute after Sankhani Mkandawire released a pass from midfield to substitute Christopher Gototo whose effort was punched away by Mapila with Mwale in position for the rebounding goal.
The Blue Eagles players, appealed for a penalty kick after it seemed Moanga had handed the ball in 18-yard box with the referee awarding a free kick which Gototo smashed the post.
Speaking after the match coach of Silver Striker, Pieter De Jong appreciated his team for the concentrated effort and also hailed the match officiation.
“We had control of the game of course but we were unlucky with injuries but non-the less Blue Eagles are a good team,” De Jong said.
Meanwhile coach for Blue Eagles Elia Kananji expressed disdain with the match officiation.
“Silver’s first goal was a clear offside, then we were meant to have a penalty in the second half after a hand ball, the lines man had awarded it but the referee thought otherwise,” Kananji said.
Silver returned top of the log table with 32 points while Blue Eagles sit 13th with 18 points.
Bullets Dump Extreme out of FDH Bank Cup
By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, August 5, Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets survived a resilient Extreme FC side to progress to the semi-finals of the FDH Bank Cup by a 4-2 with through penalties 4-2.
The match played at Civo Stadium was well patronized with larger parts of the crowd dawning red regalia in support of the people’s team.
There were no substantial chances in the first 20 minutes as Bullets looked to grow into the game stringing up passes while Extreme FC observed Bullets build up and anticipated counter attacking opportunities.
The right was Bullets active flank as Patrick Mwaungulu and Gomezgani Chirwa took turns to create through it. Mwaungulu created the first chance with cross that was headed wide by Clyde Senaji.
Extreme FC produced a shocker in the 21st minute when goal keeper Blessings Juma’s free kick from his own half eluded the Bullets defense to Gregory Mwase who slot home the opener.
Bullet’s remained patient. However, Extreme grew more confident enjoying passes and capitalising on their opponent’s mistakes to the joy of a minority who were rooting for them.
Immediate changes were made for Bullets to begin the second half, introducing Mcfallen Mgwira and Lanjesi Nkhoma for Chawanangwa Gumbo and Righteous Banda.
The half proceeded at a slow pace as play was constantly stopped for Extreme FC players to get medical aid.
Extreme FC had chances to kill off the game but Bullets looked hungrier in search for an equalizer.
Juma was at the Centre stage, dishing out a stellar performance by racking up save after save denying Bullets.
Lanjesi Nkhoma missed a golden opportunity after latching on to the ball but couldn’t beat Juma.
Fate wasn’t on Extremes’ side as Bullets eventually saved their FDH Cup hope after late substitute Ephraim Kondowe headed home Mgwira’s cross in the 92nd minute for the 1-1 equalizer.
During the penalty shot out, Extreme scored their first two kicks, Bullets scored their first three penalties with Keeper Richard Chimbamba saving Thokozani Mwangata’s third kick.
Bullet’s Frank Willard and Extreme’s Chikondi Chasowa missed their kicks before Nickson Nyasulu won it all for Bullets.
In a post-match interview Kalitso Pasuwa said they had anticipated a tough outing and noted the need to careful manage his squad ahead of the semi-finals.
“Well done to the opponents besides their position in the league they played well because that’s how cup games are,” said Pasuwa.
Coach for Extreme FC, Elvis Kafoteka attributed the loss to fatigue as well as elements of complacency however he also noted that the team will bounce back in the league.
De Jong responds to Moyale Barracks Coach’s remarks
By George Mponda
Mzuzu, August 3, Mana: Silver Strikers Coach, Peter de Jong has replied to remarks made by Moyale Barracks Coach, Nicholas Mhango who called him stupid for labeling Mzuzu stadium as a poor pitch.
He made the remarks last week after DeJong said that his team lost the FDH Cup match against Moyale Barracks because they failed to play good football due to the stadium’s bumpy surface.
In an interview Wednesday at the end of the last match of their first round TNM Super League against Moyale Barracks which ended in a barren draw at Mzuzu Stadium, de Jong repeated that the stadium is terrible.
"It is difficult to play here because this pitch is not good. Off course my colleague said that I am a stupid guy for expressing my concern over the bad condition of the pitch, yet I have coached in over 40 countries around the world so who is stupid here?
My opinion is that proffessional football which is supposed to be offensive should not be played on pitches like this one, but still we played a good game today only that luck was not our side as we hit the post twice," De Jong said.
Silver Strikers played the game without Flames defender, Nickson Mwase who is on suspension, Chimwemwe Idana who did not travel with the squad for unknown reasons with Stain Davie their marksman who joined the match from the bench.
Assistant Coach for Moyale Barracks, Victor Chingoka said their side struggled in the first round and they are looking to boost their attack by bringing in two new strikers.
Silver Strikers have finished the first round on position two with 29 points while Moyale have wrapped up on position nine with 18 points.
Dedza District Council elect’s new chairperson
By Blackson Mkupatira
Dedza, August 2, Mana: Dedza District Council Monday elected Councillor for Thiwi Ward, Themuka Nkhwewu as the new Council Chairperson and Councillor for Magomero ward, Shyreen Gamulani as Vice Council Chairperson.
Nkhwewu won after gaining seven out of the 18 votes, defeating Joseph Kwenda (6), Isaac Ziyaya (2), Gift Balaka (1), and Stanley Manase (1), whereas Gamulani amassed 10 out of the 19 votes casted to defeat Joseph Kwenda (7), and Numerie Kanjere (2).
In his acceptance speech, Nkhwewu who has taken over from Councillor Francis Chimpikizo pledged to strengthen the relationship between the council's elected members and secretariat, promote professionalism among council staff for better service delivery and to push for timely completion of developmental projects in the districts.
"I am very happy and thankful to my fellow councillors for having faith in me to lead them as the new chairperson," Nkhwewu said, who also served as the council chairperson in 2020.
On her part, Gamulani said she would use her newly acquired position to transform the lives of her fellow women in the district socio-economically by ensuring that they are given equal opportunities as men and include them in decision making and developmental activities taking place in the district.
"Most of the times women do not hold leadership positions because people think that women cannot perform as men. I am glad I have been given this chance, I hope to deliver," she said.
District Commissioner (DC) for Dedza, Thomas Chigwenembe advised council members to render their full support to the newly elected members for development to flourish.
Extreme FC advances to next round
By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, August 2, Mana: Extreme FC Tuesday secured a spot in the 2023 FDH Bank Cup round of 16 after defeating Mbabzi United 1-0 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Mbabzi United had the better first half amassing 12 chances against Extreme FC’s 7.
They were close to breaking the dead lock seconds after kick off when Patrick Joseph directed a cross into the penalty box for Sosten Esau who managed to create space away from goalie Maclean Mwale but drifted too far right to score.
Momentously Mbabzi launched yet another attack, piling pressure on the Super League side however Extreme FC maintained a hold on the game as they tried to unlock the proceedings from their midfield led by Grevin Ng’anjo.
Mbabzi were given a scar when Francis Pukusu’s well curved corner was heading for goal but goal keeper Mpondabasi Mwale tipped it over the bar.
Extreme, kept begging from the corner kicks and in the 25th minute Sanudi Frank’s corner landed at Innocent Chipolopolo’s feet who blasted the effort wide.
Chipiku Premier Division side began the second half on a high note as Tony Moyo grabbed the first chance an effort over the bar.
Esau had the brightest of chances when he had a 1-v-1 moment with the keeper who made himself big to deny the effort.
The well-disciplined Mbabzi, shined the most when defender Mike Chimkwasa consecutively cleared off counter attacks by Babangida Ishaya and Innocent Chipolopolo respectively.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute through Beston Jimu who headed home a Tonny Phiri corner.
Coach for Extreme FC, Elvis Kafoteka expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance while remaining optimistic of their round of 16 tie.
“The players have done well, of course we had moments were we lost concentration, there was a bit of fatigue and you noticed we used our goal keeper Blessings Juma as a second half substitute because most of our usual strikers are nursing injuries,”
“Ahead of the Bullets encounter we know it’s going to be a challenge but we shall be ready since it’s a motivation for our boys to play a team that’s at the top of the Super League,” he said.
Coach for Mbabvi, Justine Waya on the other hand said his team got punished for not maximizing their chances but hopes improvements will be attained as they focus on the Castel Cup and the League.
Extreme FC will play FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe for a spot in the quarter finals.
Moyale sends Silver packing out of FDH Cup
By George Mponda
Mzuzu, July 24, Mana: Moyale Barracks Sunday send Silver Strikers packing out of FDH Cup 10-9 on post-match penalties at Mzuzu Stadium to advance to quarterfinals.
The match which was highly patronized started on a low note and the first half ended goalless with Silver Strikers’ Mark Fodya's well taken freekick saved by Macdonald Harawa as Gasten Simkonda blasted the ball over the cross the bar missing only notable chances.
In the second half, Moyale Barracks veteran defender, George Nyirenda was pulled out after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 49th minute and immediately after, Silver Strikers took the lead with Mark Fodya curling in a beautiful free kick which beat Harawa, sending their supporters into frenzy.
However, Moyale did not relent and they pushed hard for an equaliser which they got in the 75th minute after Brown Maganga found their talisman captain, Gasten Simkonda with a perfectly weighted cross into the box which Simkonda calmly controlled and smashed into the net making it 1-1.
After that, although both sides pushed to get the winning goal, it did not work for both teams until the referee blew his whistle taking the match into post match penalties.
Moyale Barracks were first to take the penalty and their captain Simkonda stepped up but he turned from a hero to a villain after Charles Thom went the right way and saved his penalty.
Silver Strikers and Flames attacker, Stain Davie blasted the ball over the cross bar for his fifth penalty which was supposed to win Silver the game and the shootout went into sudden death.
However, Harawa emerged hero of the day after saving Tatenda Mb'alaka’s last free kick sending Moyale Barracks FC fans into jubilation as they invaded the picth to carry their long serving goalkeeper.
Coach for Silver Strikers FC, Peter de Jong blamed the condition of the stadium for his side’s poor performance.
"It was a difficult game because football on this very bumpy pitch is not possible. We scored once and then they equalised and we lost in post match penalties which are everyone’s game,” he claimed.
Coach for Moyale, Nicholas Mhango hailed his charges for winning the match in front of their supporters who had turned out in large numbers.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game and we prepared well, that is why we won. And if some are blaming the pitch for their loss, then I want to assure them that these are the conditions of pitches in Malawi and we have been playing on such grounds for a long time. There is nothing strange here,” he added.
Queens staged a comeback to beat Scotland
By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe July 29 Mana: Malawi Netball team, the Queens have started their seventh World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion after completing a daunting come back against the 10th ranked Thistles of Scotland wining 55-49 at the Cape Town Convention centre, in South Africa.
The match, monitored through, the live direct sports channel on YouTube, Scotland skimmed through the Queens to establish total command of the first quarter which ended 17-9.
The Queens did about everything to remain in the game and sure enough began to play like themselves as the game proceeded which resulted to them outscoring the Thistles 13-12 to conclude the second Quarter while trailing 29-22.
Takondwa Lwazi thrived in her role, distributing the ball to watch the delightful connection between Mwai Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula, as both eventually finished the game with 100 percent shooting with 15/15 and 38/38 scoring respectively.
Responding to how they hoped to swing back during a half time interview, Jane Dambo said the team would continue working hard because of its self-belief.
The fourth quarter started with Scotland narrowly leading 41-35 but Malawi tied the game with 10 minutes left making it 42-42.
The Queens would eventually grab their first lead, then pushed it to 45-43 and never took their foot off the pedal.
Malawi suffered a scare with seven minutes to play when wing defender, Grace Mwafulirwa was suspended for two minute after committing an intentional foul as scores stood on 47-44 before ably out scoring Scotland 20-8 in the fourth quarter for the victory.
In a post-match interview, player of the match, Mvula said tactical changes enabled them to get back in the game and is hopeful they will remain consistent during the rest of the games.
“We told each other to mark man on, which forced them wide and made it easier for us to get the ball and in attack, we played short and went for goal,” she said.
In an interview at the beginning of the third quarter, Kanyenda acknowledged that his team had given away a lot of balls while noting tactical changes made.
“I introduced Mvula because she is agile with her colleagues and our initial goal attacker was shorter compared to their goal defender,” he added.
During a half time, Head Coach for Scotland Tamsin Greenway relished challenging Malawi tactically but anticipated that the Queens would get back into the game.
In another Pool B match played on Friday, England defeated Barbados 90-29.
The Queens will be back in action on Saturday as they take on England.
Chipala wins it for Dedza Dynamos
By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe July 24, Mana: Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC secured a 1-0 victory over Extreme FC through Charles Chipala strike on Sunday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe to return to winning ways in the TNM Super League.
Dedza Dynamos was coming from a 2-2 draw against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets while Extreme FC so had a goalless draw against Bangwe All Stars.
Extreme FC looked comfortable to begin the first half and were first to attempt to draw first blood in the fourth minute after a free kick from Francis Pukusu which was headed wide by Beston Jimu.
The next play saw Dedza Dynamos unpack their attacking prose as Lameck Gamphani found space and shot straight at goalkeeper Blessings Juma.
Dedza were at it again moments later as Chipala’s positioning out classed the defence but his headed ball went south of the goal.
Extreme FC had a pair of grand chances in the 20th minute when Dedza goalkeeper Donnex Mwakasinga made two saves punching Innocent Chipolopolo’s close range effort as well as parring away for a corner Jimu’s shot from the rebound.
After 25 minutes, Dedza began to grow into the game and while red hot striker Clement Nyondo was kept at bay in the first half,
Chipala and Gamphani had several stints of excellent passes in attempt to dislodge the Extreme FC defence.
Extreme FC piled seven chances in the first half, while the visitors racked up 11.
To begin the second period Dedzaswitched things up and introduced Limbani Phiri for Lughano Kayira.
It was all Dedza in the second half, Nyondo had the chance to score following a fumble in the penalty box but Juma once again brought order.
In the 80th minute, Chipala squandered an effort wide when he was left unmarked however he vindicated himself in the 82nd minute when he latched onto a cross from Gamphani for the winning goal.
Coach for Dedza Dynamos, Gilbert Chirwa hailed his team for having picked up form in recent league games.
“It was a tough game but in the last minutes we came into the game and scored a beautiful goal of course for the better part Extreme were better and hence we made changes,” he said.
Coach for Extreme, Elvis Kafoteka expressed confidence that the team would remain in the top flight league besides the relegation threat they face.
“We have accepted the loss we had chances but could not convert them and I hope the officiation of the games improves as the season goes on,” he added.
