MANAonline
Ministry of Health to strengthen drug supply chain in public hospitals
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, November 27, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has assured Malawians that her ministry will strengthen supply chain of medicines to ensure availability of drugs at both district and rural health facilities.
Chiponda made the sentiments in Parliament on Tuesday in response to queries raised by Member of Parliament for Machinga East Constituency, Esther Jolobala.
Jolobala expressed concern that there are no drugs in many hospitals across the country.
In response, Kandodo Chiponda said everyday people are being discharged from the hospital due to good care and availability of medicines in all hospitals in the country.
“As a ministry, we have an essential package for medicines which will address 70 to 75 percent of diseases.
"There are many conditions or diseases in the country, but we look at which ones are the most common for example Malaria, Flue, ART, antibiotics and under five diseases. We make sure that all medicine concerning these are found in all hospitals in the country," she said.
She said despite some communication breakdown between district hospitals and health centres, Ministry of Health is working on improving it to ensure availability of medicines in every hospital in the country.
Chiponda said drug situation in the country has tremendously improved due to availability of resources and funds from the government and the World Bank.
AIP beneficiaries hail timely distribution of inputs
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, November 27, Mana: Farmers benefiting from the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) in Salima district have commended timely distribution of farming inputs before commencement of steady planting rains in the district.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday, a beneficiary from Nthiwatiwa Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kalonga, Brown Kapoloma said he has redeemed two bags of fertilizer enough for his yield to do well and accord him a good harvest.
The father of 5 said he is optimistic that with the two bags of fertilizer he has received, his family will be food secured as his biggest challenge was farm inputs especially fertilizer.
"Receiving two bags of fertilizer for growth and maturing of my maize means I will not be troubled this farming season. My role will be to ensure that my field is free from weeds and being optimistic that we will have good rains," he said.
Kapoloma said he has made compost manure which will supplement the fertilizer he has received because adding enough nutrients to his field will guarantee him good yields.
Another beneficiary from Group Village Headman Daniel, Sakinna White said she has bought the affordable inputs on time a development she has described as lifesaving because her field was already ploughed and tilled awaiting planting.
"I believe in planting on time and applying fertilizer in good time for me to have good yields therefore once the first rains come I will plant my maize seeds, this will help me to have a bumper harvest because in the past years we used to receive inputs as late as December," she said.
A beneficiary from the area of Traditional Authority Maganga, Hannifa Mustafa said this is her first to be included amongst beneficiaries of AIP.
Mustafa expressed optimism that with the inputs she has affordably redeemed hunger will be alleviated in her household.
According to Principal Agriculture Officer for Salima Agriculture Office Reuben Banda, said 29,688 beneficiaries have been targeted to benefit from the programme.
"I can confirm that in all the 12 Traditional Authorities in the district the inputs are being sold, all the selling points are having stocks of inputs from time to time, we are estimating that by mid-December all our targeted beneficiaries will have received their inputs," he said.
He however mentioned that some unscrupulous sellers are managing to maneuver the system and sell inputs without the knowledge of beneficiaries, he was quick to mention that police have been involved in the such matters and some people have been brought to book.
"Challenges are inevitable in this programme the advantage is that these challenges are being reported and rectified within the quickest of time, we have also been facing network challenges in some areas but this is just minor because network is being restored quickly," he said.
On her part Traditional Authority Maganga, hailed the programme for its efforts to alleviate hunger in her area by pointing out that beneficiaries of programme are buying inputs in her area without many challenges.
"It is pleasing to note that beneficiaries are redeeming their inputs on time because we have not received serious rains warranting planting of maize, therefore I can confidently say that the programme is on course in my area," she said.
Beneficiaries under AIP are redeeming inputs at K15,000 and are also redeeming maize seed, the AIP aims to provide affordable fertilizers and agricultural resources to farmers capable of cultivating enough food.
Zomba farmers hail government for AIP
By Leah Malimbasa
Zomba, November 26, Mana: Farmers in Zomba District have expressed gratitude to government for the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), which has enabled them to purchase fertilizer and other essential farming supplies at subsidized prices.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Kelise Kuloweka, who is one of the farmers from Magwira Village, Traditional Authority(TA) Malemia, said the program has eased her financial burden during this planting season.
“I have bought my fertilizer at MK15, 000 per bag. I can now prepare my field on time without worrying about fertilizer,” she said.
Another farmer, Charles Likoya from Mpasye Village, TA Malemia, said he is optimistic that this season he will at least triple the yields he normally gets from his two-hectare maize field.
“This fertilizer will help my family achieve food security. Despite irrigating my field, it was still difficult to harvest enough due to the soil’s infertility,” he said.
He added that it is unfortunate that some farmers sell their affordable inputs to vendors.
“Government has done its part by subsidizing the inputs and it is our responsibility to utilize the inputs for its intended use,” said Likoya.
According to AIP Coordinator for Zomba, Limbani Thangata, the district has 35,174 beneficiaries in this year’s program.
“This program is crucial for addressing food insecurity and poverty, that’s why we are urging beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly and avoid selling them to ensure the program achieves its intended impact,” said Thangata.
Relief Maize Arrives in Liwonde as Government Scales Up Food Insecurity Response
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, November 26, Mana, The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has confirmed the arrival of relief maize at the Liwonde Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) depot.
The move is part of the 2024/25 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Program (LS-FIRP) aimed at improving distribution efficiency and cutting costs.
Speaking during an interview, DoDMA’s Director of Disaster Preparedness, Moses Chimphepo, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that maize supplies are closer to communities in need, particularly in the Eastern Region.
“We’ll begin with Mangochi because people in Balaka and Machinga have already started receiving distributions, Mangochi is the remaining district in the Eastern Region and by the end of this week, and trucks will begin delivering maize there.” Chimphepo explained.
Chimphepo also revealed that 1,200 metric tons of maize have been transported via rail so far, out of the 4,000 metric tons expected. The department aims to complete deliveries by December.
The decision to use rail transport has been praised for its cost-effectiveness and safety. Daniel Zanda, Warehousing and Logistics Supervisor at Liwonde ADMARC, explained that rail transport allows for faster and larger deliveries.
“For instance, one wagon carries 800 bags, or about 40 tons. Offloading 10 wagons delivers 400 metric tons at once, making it very efficient,” Zanda said.
The District Commissioner for Machinga, Rodrick Mateauma, expressed gratitude for the relief efforts.
He noted that his district has been receiving maize since October and that the additional deliveries will help expand support to underserved communities.
“This initiative has come at the right time,” Mateauma said. “The maize will help us reach those we missed in October while also supporting November’s beneficiaries.”
The ongoing maize delivery initiative highlights the government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and ensuring timely support for vulnerable communities as the lean season progresses.
Mzuzu City Council courts investors
By Namon Chitukuta
Mzuzu, November 26, Mana: Mzuzu City Council has called on investors to contribute towards various development activities outlined in its action plan.
MCC Chief Executive Officer, Gomezani Nyasulu made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing ahead of Mzuzu City Executive Summit to be held on November 28, 2024.
In his statement, Nyasulu said the city has plans to construct international convention center, an international airport and roads in various wards within the city among others.
“The transformation plan will start very soon and the council is asking all the investors and other partners to give their support in implementing the plan” Nyasulu said
He said that by implementing the action plan the city will be economically boosted and jobs will be created.
He further added that the city is a center of tourist’s attraction in the Northern Region as it is surrounded by Nyika National Park in Rumphi and Lake Malawi in Nkatabay.
The summit is held annually and this year’s summit will be held under the theme; ‘Co-Creation of Resilient and Sustainable City towards Malawi 2063.’
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.
