MANAonline
Drugs go missing at Karonga District Hospital's paying section
By George Mponda
Karonga, November 26, Mana: Assorted drugs of unknown value went missing on Friday at Karonga District Hospital's (KDH) paying wing and police have since instituted investigation into the issue
According to Director of Health Services for Karonga District Council David Sibale, the hospital officials realized that the drugs were missing on Friday although there are no signs of burglary.
"The drugs which are missing are Amoxyllin Syrup, Ciproflaxilllin, Doxycycline and Erythromycin and we have since informed the police who have instituted an investigation into the matter,"said Sibale.
Public Relations Officer for Karonga Police Station, Margret Msiska has since confirmed having received a complaint from officials of the hospital and that investigation has commenced.
In July this year, a report released by the Malawi Human Rights Commission acused Karonga District Hospital (KDH) of mismanagement of resources.
"There are cases of drug pilferage from Karonga District Health Office to private owned health facilities as confirmed by investigations which revealed that some health workers operate private clinics within the district depriving patients the necessary services at the district hospital where they are employed," reads part of the report.
Malawi Government Rolls Out 10,000 Houses for Security Institutions
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe November 26, Mana: Minister of Lands Deus Gumba has announced the construction of 10,000 houses for Malawi's security forces, with phase one already completed, as part of the Chakwera administration's nationwide initiative,
In his remarks, during a Parliamentary morning session of day two of the mid-year budget review, Gumba, emphasized that the Chakwera administration is committed to implementing a project to build 10,000 houses for security institutions such as the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Immigration, Police, and Prison Services.
He clarified that the construction of these houses will be completed soon, as earlier announced.
The President had also pledged the construction of 50 houses in Nkhatabay Central, contingent on the availability of land hence Minister Gumba assured the Member of Parliament for Nkhatabay and the people of Malawi that the construction of these houses will begin soon.
“The Member of Parliament assured us that the land is now available as a result very soon, the contractor will be on the ground as the land has been provided this means even in those areas where they have identified land there is indeed to construct houses, as a Ministry of Lands is going to construct across the country,
“We are already building 50 houses for the police region in Thyolo and Chikwawa, Nsanje, and Mangochi, right now we are in the second phase, once we finalize all the contractual obligations that are required for a contractor to be on the ground,” He said.
Speaking in a separate interview, Member of Parliament of Nkhatabay Central Symon Vuwa Kaunda thanked the President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera for directing that the government should construct 50 houses for the police officers working at Nkhatabay Boma.
The ongoing construction of 10,000 houses for Malawi’s security institutions underscores the government's commitment to improving infrastructure, with progress visible across the country, ensuring enhanced living conditions for security personnel and strengthening national security.
The construction of 10,000 houses is an ongoing process, divided into three phases whereby in the first phase, 1,028 houses have been completed and handed over, and the second phase will involve 3,300 houses, with most contractors already on-site, while others finalize contractual obligations.
7 envoys present letters of credence to President Chakwera
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 26, Mana: Seven non- residential envoys on Tuesday presented their letters of credence to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu palace in Lilongwe.
The seven are from Rwanda, Qatar, Jamaica, Sweden, Algeria, Georgia and Chad.
In an interview after presenting her letter, new High Commissioner of Republic of Jamaica to Malawi, Joan Elaine Thomas Edwards said her country is here to build partnership with Malawi and strengthen bilateral relations.
“We are interested in building strong relations with Malawi in areas of tourism, sports and culture. We would like to work with Malawi in promoting these sectors,” she said.
She further stated that they want to provide technical assistance on how they can advance tourism in both countries.
The Jamaican envoy observed that Malawi lags in sprint sporting events and expressed a desire to assist the country in participating in international competitions.
In his remarks, ambassador from the Republic of Sweden, Per Lingärde, said his country will continue to support Malawi.
“Recently we have provided financial support for US$10 million to the people of Malawi particularly in the Southern region, we know many people were affected by drought that is why Sweden has delivered 19,200 tons of maize which was acquired from Ukraine to help the needy people,” he explained.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Nancy Tembo, stated that the arrival of various envoys from different countries in Malawi reflects the confidence many governments have in President Dr. Chakwera's leadership and his commitment to the well-being of Malawians.
“This is an opportunity for Malawi through these bilateral relations, as there is much we can benefit from each other. In this age of innovation, we have the chance to learn from others. We also receive significant developmental support from them,” said Tembo.
Among the diplomats who presented their letters are Emmanuel Bugingo, the High Commissioner Designate of the Republic of Rwanda; Fahad Rashid Saqr Al Marekhi, the High Commissioner-Designate from Jamaica; Rida Nebaïs, the Ambassador-Designate of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; Roland Beridze, the Ambassador-Designate of Georgia; and Sagour Youssouf Mahamat Itno, the Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Chad.
Healing Mchinji’s land
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, November 26, Mana: Group Village Head (GVH) Chimtazi from Traditional Authority (TA) Nyoka in Mchinji is a witness to the changes that the environment has taken in his area.
The traditional leader said the forest that cover the area once and was enjoyed is gone, a thing that has led to degraded soils.
He said Mchinji used to be known as a food basket feeding other districts but now that narrative is slowly going away.
“We used to have natural forests, and our hills used to be fully covered with various natural trees. We enjoyed natural fruits and our crop’s fields were protected,” said GVH Chimtazi.
GVH Chimtazi now narrates a sad tale of the transformation that has taken place in his area.
He said communities in his area are struggling with diminishing crop yields and natural resources as a result of deforestation, soil erosion, and unpredictable rainfall.
In Mzenga Village, in the area of TA Kapunula in the district, communities have abandoned a large area of farm fields because water from nearby Malendo Hill used to wash away all the crops in their fields.
Deep gullies define the land and a large extent are bare, with a few small trees growing here and there.
Dorothy Phiri one of the smallholder farmers from the area said the abandoned land has caused many problems as people have sought solace from other hills for cultivation.
“Abandoning the land which is at the foot of Malendo Hill means people looking for land somewhere else. People are now encroaching on other hills as they have not learnt the lesson of soil degradation,” said Phiri.
However, despite all this, smallholder farmers in the areas believe that the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) which was introduced in the local councils, will be a lifeline because it has assisted communities in developing water and soil conservation measures.
Through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), the Malawi government is carrying out the programme, which is a part of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP Tidzidalire).
The World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund are providing support for the program.
James Phiri who is a participant from Katungulu Micro catchment in TA Nyoka said the interventions that have been introduced by CSEPWP have the potential of healing the land that is now not producing as it used to be.
Phiri said the programme has seen communities working on making structures that control soil degradation in the area thereby protecting fields downhill.
“The interventions that the programme has brought have made sure that we start with taking care of the hills by caring for the trees and then make structures that control water runoff to allow the water to settle.
“The water then easily infiltrates into the ground which improves the water table and provides the much-needed moisture to the crops downhill,” said Phiri.
Apart from caring for natural regenerating trees the structures that participants at Katungulu Micro catchment have made include infiltration pits and swales. They have also established nurseries where they are raising seedlings to plant trees in all bare lands.
At Kamphoro Micro catchment which also encompasses Mzenga Village in TA Kapunula, communities under CSEPWP have come up with soil and water conservation structures just like in Katungulu catchment.
Catchment Management Committee (CMC) Chairperson, Paul Mwanza said with a large area abandoned by the communities they are hopeful that the land can be reclaimed.
“We have Malendo Hill which brings down a lot of water at a high speed so we thought of checking the water by putting down proper structures. We have a stone bund and swales around the hill which we feel will reduce the water runoff and afford the communities to continue using the land they abandoned,” said Mwanza.
The programme has repaired deteriorated landscapes and sparked a shift in perspective through creative initiatives including afforestation, natural regeneration, and soil and water conservation.
Aware of the long-term advantages for their livelihoods and ecology, the villagers who once felled trees for survival now plant and care for them.
Desk officer for CSEPWP in Mchinji, Rhoda Njikho said considering that Mchinji is engaged in extensive agricultural activities there is need to conserve the environment.
Njikho said Mchinji is filled with smallholder farmers growing maize, groundnuts, soybeans, beans, and some even tobacco.
“The interventions have been welcomed by the communities because they understand the value of restoring the environment. The communities wholeheartedly work in the sub-projects like soil and water conservation, nursery establishment and forest management, and river bank protection,” said Njikho.
With 25 micro catchments and over 27, 000 participants in Mchinji, there is hope that communities will drive the process of repairing their land.
GVH Chimtazi whose area is covered by Katungulu Catchment testifies that he is sure that there will be fruits from the interventions.
“For the short period we have cared for the trees in Kalibenjere Hill we have seen that the environment is coming back in its place. We will plant more trees in the bare lands and continue with other interventions. Salvation is around the corner through this programme,” said the chief.
The conservation of the land and replenishing the environment is one side of the coin in the programme, as the communities restore the land the consumption element of the programme provides wages which people use in their households.
The programme is giving hope of healing Mchinji’s wounds caused by land degradation.
Government ensures food security for Nkhotakota
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, November 26, Mana: Communities from Traditional Authority Mwadzana in Nkhotakota, have expressed gratitude towards the maize distribution initiative by the government of Malawi that is currently ongoing in the district under the lean season food insecurity program.
Speaking after receiving a bag of maize for his household on Tuesday, Iphani Goliati from Njoka village T/A Mwadzama said he was happy with the initiative and that the bag of maize he has received is going to solve some of the problems in his household as far as food was concerned. He has urged government to continue supporting families in the district by giving them food relief items.
“I want to thank government for giving us maize. This month I am not going to buy maize and I will allocate the money I would have wanted to buy maize to farm activities,” said Goliati.
Another beneficiary of the maize, Bright Gudani from Phakwe Village, T/A Mwadzama in the district appreciated government’s effort to provide maize to the people saying it is difficult to buy maize on the market due to high prices offered by vendors.
“Maize prices are very high and it is difficult for the poor to afford it and when government comes in to rescue us, we know they consider us,” said Gundani.
District Disaster and Risk Management Officer, Romachinga Nkhata says the exercise is ongoing and about 19,822 households are expected to benefit from this lean season maize distribution exercise.
Kasungu District Council plans MK363m emergency health response
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, November 26, Mana: Kasungu District Council health authorities have planned to source MK363 million to operationalize a strategy devised to prepare and respond to health emergencies such as cholera, which traditionally cause havoc during the rainy season.
Unveiling the plan to stakeholders on Tuesday, Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Coordinator for Kasungu District, Chrispine Thomo said the best approach to deal with outbreaks is to prepare for them.
“To win the war against health emergencies like cholera, we don’t have to wait until we register a case. We just have to prepare, putting resources together and executing the devised strategy,” Thomo said.
The response plan outlines enhanced community awareness and sensitization campaigns on preventive measures, along with training for health personnel on emergency management and preparedness activities.
“A word to the communities out there is that the rainy season is here. Let us make use of the information we get on prevention, especially for waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea which spread fast during the rainy season,” Thomo said.
Senior Health Surveillance Assistant at Kasungu District Hospital, Dickson Mbewe appealed to stakeholders and well-wishers to help in mobilizing resources.
“We urge partners to support this exercise because we know we cannot do this alone.
“Already, we have intensified awareness messages and would like to get to every corner of the district using various approaches so that everyone gets the message and stays safe from diseases,” he said.
In the 2022/23 season, Malawi was heavily hit by cholera registering close to 59, 000 cases with at least 1, 768 fatalities before it was declared ‘no longer an emergency’ early August 2023.
While Kasungu did not register alarming cases during the previous outbreaks, the district has always been on alert and actively involved in the Tipewe Kolera campaign through which authorities have been disseminating messages on prevention and control, targeting local leaders and the community at large.
Health Promotion Officer for the district, Catherine Yoweli said in an interview that the health office also carried out house inspections in communities checking the availability of proper sanitary facilities and intensified surveillance of cases.
In 2024, cholera resurfaced in September, about two months after it was declared over, with Chitipa and Karonga districts reporting the most cases.
At least six people have died in the lakeshore district of Karonga, which has reported 49 cases while the neighboring Chitipa District has registered 61 cumulative cases with two fatalities.
Salima District Education Office calls for collaboration to enhance school performance
By Yankho Kandio
Salima, November 26, Mana: The Salima District Education Office has called for collaboration among various stakeholders in the education sector to enhance learners' performance in the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education.
Some of the contributing factors to poor performance have been attributed to learner absenteeism, teacher absenteeism, lack of motivation, and lack of teaching and learning materials.
Speaking on Monday during a district stakeholders’ meeting to map solutions on learner's performance, Principal Education Officer, Eliam Banda highlighted that coordinating and collaborating is the best way to improve performance.
"Collaboration and coordination are critical because if there is no collaboration and coordination, there will be a high concentration of interventions in one area while others are neglected, such as Chilumba and Chitala, where there is no organization working with the schools,” Banda stated.
He also underlined the importance of involving more partners, stating that government alone cannot solve all challenges.
Despite the challenges facing the district's performance, Banda expressed hope that things are changing because Salima had moved from number 32 to number 25 on the national level.
Chairperson of the District Education Network, George Kanyemba said various intervention measures have been put in place, such as meetings with parents and guardians.
"We need to identify and discover feasible solutions to this situation. There are also plans to visit underperforming schools to identify areas for improvement," he said.
Care Malawi, Kindle Orphan Care, Ndimoyo Palliative Care, were among the organizations that were present at the meeting.
President Chakwera opens Malawi-EU investment forum
By Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, November, 26, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has today officially opened the three days Malawi-European Union (EU) Investment Forum 2024 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the function, the president highlighted that the forum main aim is to cement the investment partnership with EU member states, paving the way for Malawi's economic development.
"Malawi has great potential in agriculture, tourism, and mining, providing opportunities for European member states to invest. Additionally, the reforms implemented by the government further enhance this potential," Chakwera said.
The European Union Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, emphasized on the EU's strong commitment to investing in Malawi.
"We aim at advancing the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy in alignment with Malawi's development priorities, unlocking investment opportunities that drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth," he said.
In his remarks, Deputy Director General for International Partnerships, European Commission, Myriam Ferran outlined that EU is committed to remain a steadfast partner in Malawi's development.
"Our partnership is built on shared values: respect for human rights, commitment to sustainability, and a belief in the transformative power of trade and investment,” she noted.
During the function, three agreements were signed: the grant agreement which will enhance energy policy performance, implementation agreement which will strengthen public financial and economic management (PFEM) and Ratification of commitment for financing the AGCOM 2.0.
These agreements will pave the way for European investors to engage in various ventures in Malawi, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Exciting Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 Matches Set for Tomorrow
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, November 26, Mana: The Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 is well underway with two exciting fixtures set to take place tomorrow 27th November.
Bangwe All Stars will meet Fomo FC at Balaka Stadium, while Karonga United will go head-to-head with Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium.
Both games are expected to be closely contested, with each side eager to make a statement and advance further in the competition.
Bangwe All Stars, who have shown impressive form in the tournament so far, will be hoping to secure their place in the quarter finals at Balaka while Fomo FC, on the other hand, will be looking to upset Bangwe All stars and continue their strong run in the tournament.
At Karonga Stadium, Karonga United will be aiming to build on their solid performances in the earlier rounds as they face the experienced Moyale Barracks, The Barracks, known for their tactical discipline and strong squad, will be determined to secure a win and progress to the next stage.
Will Bangwe All Stars and Karonga United live up to expectations, or will Fomo FC and Moyale Barracks cause an upset?
As the Round of 16 unfolds, the pressure is on, and only 90 minutes of football will decide which teams will advance to the quarter-finals.
Blantyre City Council to plant 1.1 million trees
By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, November 26, Mana: Blantyre District Council, Forestry Officer (DFO), Noel Moyo says the council, through the forest sector is expected to plant over 1.1 million trees seedlings during this year’s forestry season.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Moyo said the exercise will begin mid-December and ends mid-April 2025.
He added that despite some challenges, such as droughts, the past forestry seasons had been successful.
‘’We had drought which affected us but at least 65% to 70% of the seedlings we planted last season survived,’’ said Moyo.
The DFO expressed optimism that this year’s tree planting season will be more successful due to good rains and he encouraged communities to work with the forestry extension staff in their respective areas during the forestry season.
Communities are expected to plant tree seedlings in their homes, farmlands and other areas that require afforestation to ensure vegetative cover.
Executive Director of Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) Charles Mkoka said community participation in forestry season was a good initiative in helping to conserve the environment, address issues of land degradation and promote biodiversity.
He added that afforestation also improves ground water recharge, regulate water flow in rivers and reduce the risk of floods.
‘’By planting million trees, this initiative aligns with global climate actions goals, contributing to carbon neutrality and sustainable development for Blantyre District,’’ said Mkoka.
Blantyre District Council planted one million trees in the 2023/2024 forestry season which started on December 15 to April 15 per the forestry calendar.
