MANAonline
Unsafe abortions among girls in Thyolo raise alarm
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, November 8, Mana: A recent assessment conducted by the Women’s Rights Institute (WORI) has revealed that at least 662 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Thyolo procured unsafe abortions between January and September this year.
The findings shared during a dissemination meeting on Thursday, underscored challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including limited privacy, cultural beliefs and inadequate communication between parents and young people.
Reacting to the findings, WORI Thyolo District Project Officer, Kuunika Kamende observed that the barriers have contributed significantly to the rise in complicated abortions in the district.
She stressed the need for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges.
“Our goal is to improve access to SRH services by August next year under a €30,000 project. This will involve engaging various stakeholders to tackle restrictions and foster dialogue,” said Kamende.
Thyolo District Hospital Youth-Friendly Health Services Coordinator, Steve Dimba echoed the concerns, emphasizing the critical role of collective efforts in addressing the problem.
“The health sector alone cannot solve the issue of early pregnancies. We need coordinated actions to enhance uptake of youth-friendly services and address the underlying factors contributing to unsafe abortions,” Dimba said.
The assessment which focused on Bvumbwe Health Centre and other district health facilities underscored the urgency for interventions to protect adolescent girls and young women from the dangers of unsafe abortions.
Data key to decision making – Finance Minister
By Patience Longwe, Charles Nkhoma and Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, November 8, Mana: The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda, Friday officially launched the Power of Data initiative in Lilongwe
The Power of Data initiative is an extensive programme designed to utilise data to enhance decision-making processes, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation across various sectors of the economy.
The minister said the initiative will aid in assessing sectoral needs, forecasting economic trends, and optimizing resource allocation, promoting fiscal responsibility and guaranteeing that every kwacha spent supports Malawi’s sustainable growth.
“It will enhance our ability to monitor progress toward the Malawi Vision 2063 and it will serve as a critical tool in our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Banda.
Chithyola Banda among others also highlighted three key pillars of the initiative: strengthening data infrastructure, building data literacy and capacity, and promoting greater accessibility and transparency of data.
He further underscored the significance of the programme, noting its potential to improve resource allocation, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation in both public and private sectors calling for close collaboration between all parties to build a data ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Said Chithyola: “I have faith that by working together, we can bring about long-lasting change and open fresh avenues for social and economic advancement.”
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Collen Zamba, emphasised the transformative potential of the data initiative in providing valuable insights that could shape future trends and accelerate development.
She stressed the importance of policymakers remaining vigilant and ensuring that policies are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a clear focus on achieving meaningful progress by 2030.
“As we have heard today, better data is the indispensable scaffolding that supports progress across all Sustainable Development Goals and is one of the means of implementation that we are showcasing today across the High Impact Initiatives,” adding that “reliable and responsive data is essential in achieving socio-economic and development goals. Data gaps result in missed opportunities.” she said.
Commissioner of Statistical at the National Statistics Office (NSO), Shelton Kanyanda, said that data helps policy and decision makers especially in government to understand complex issues that they would find difficult to comprehend and understand.
Adding voice to the initiative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) deputy country representative Ezizgeldi Hellenov, said the UN family and other agencies ‘will work together with the Government of Malawi to take further power of data.’
The initiative is expected to be a cornerstone in Malawi's efforts to modernise governance and create an evidence-based framework for sustainable development.
United Nations resident coordinator for Malawi, Rebecca Adah-Donto was among the high level delegates at the launch event.
Mwanza welcomes digital money transfer
By Glory Asibu,
Mwanza, November 8, Mana: People in Mwanza district have welcomed Digital Financial Service Project (DFSP), which is facilitating migration from traditional way of hard cash transaction to electronic way of transaction, e-payment, saying this is the modern and secure way of transaction.
Reserve Bank of Malawi and the Ministry of Finance are implementing DFSP, which will see e-payment will see people across Malawi including those in hard to reach areas transacting through mobile cash agents in receiving, depositing and paying for goods and services.
During an e-payment awareness meeting Thursday, in Mwanza, Senior Chief Govati of the district, said the e-payment was the way to go and commended the system, saying that e-payment is easier way of transacting compared to the traditional way of using hard cash.
He therefore encouraged his subjects to adopt the system, describing it as the most secure means of transaction for people in harder to reach areas that could not access the banks for cash deposit and other ways of payment for goods and services.
“Among others, the new system will cut distance that people travel when they want to access money from banks because some walk not less than 40 kilometers to access banking services at Mwanza Boma. People will now be assisted within localities,” added Govati.
He appealed to network service providers to ensure uninterrupted network, saying some parts of Mwanza district have problems with network, which might result in compromising the e-payment.
Govati pledged to engage his subordinate chiefs to raise awareness on the benefits of the e-payment, saying that further awareness will continue in all social gatherings in his area.
In his remarks, Mwanza District Disability Forum, Chairperson, Gideon Chikasamba, commended the system but asked for special consideration to make the system friendly to people with visual impairment to enable them transact on phone without difficulties.
Anna Siyamphanje of Pitala Village, from Inkosi Kanduku Maseko’s area, who is a member of a Village Savings and Loan group expressed gratitude over the modern system, saying this will help her group buy shares through e-payment other than paying with cash.
“At this campaign we have been sensitized that we can buy shares on phone through Mpamba or Airtel Money as such problem of theft is prevented,” said Siyamphanje.
During the campaign, DFSP, District Supervisor, Andrew Chafwala warned community members in the district against disclosing personal identity number (PIN) to other people, saying this is not the secure way to transact.
The campaign which is in third phase seeks to sensitize people on significance of using phone to send, receive, deposit and making payments of goods and services among others via Mpamba, Airtel Money.
The African Development Fund is supporting DFSP, which is expected to roll out to all districts in Malawi by February 2025.
Heavy rains injure two learners and woman in Balaka
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, November 8, Mana: Heavy rains characterized by strong winds have injured two Standard Five learners at Balaka Primary School following the destruction of a roof of their classroom.
Confirming the incident, Head Teacher for Balaka Primary School, Dayton Malefula said the tragedy occurred on Thursday afternoon when the area experienced a heavy down pour while classes were in session.
He said due to the heavy winds which accompanied the rains, the roof of the classroom collapsed, injuring the two learners in the process.
“Immediately after the accident, I took the kids out of the class room with the help of other teachers and rushed to the hospital for the children to receive medical attention,” he said.
In a related development, a woman from Mgawanyemba area, Agnes Makata was also rushed to Balaka District Hospital for treatment after the roof of her house collapsed.
An eye witness, Esther Phiri said she heard a loud crack followed by a deafening crash of the roof leading to collapsing due to pressure of the windy rainfall.
“I was in my living room when I heard this huge noise and I ran outside seeing the roof had collapsed. I immediately called people who live around to help,” said Phiri.
She added: “When other people arrived at the scene, we entered the house of Agnes and found her trapped under the rubble so we quickly took her to Balaka Hospital where she was admitted.”
Meanwhile, Balaka District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Alick Milanzi has confirmed the incidents, saying a team is currently on the ground to provide immediate help to the survivors and also assess the magnitude of the damage.
Milanzi, therefore, urged all people to stay indoors during severe weather and to report any incident to relevant authorities.
Apart from injuring people, the storm has also destroyed ESCOM powerlines and trees, among others, in some parts of Balaka.
Farmers in Blantyre encouraged to adopt modern farming methods
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, November 8, Mana: Blantyre District Council has encouraged farmers and agriculture experts to change their mindset by adopting modern methods of farming to make the most out of their production.
Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Elsen Dumùka made the remarks on Friday during the opening of 2024 - 2025 Agriculture Fair under the theme: "Market oriented agriculture through innovation and commercialization," held at Mdeka ADMARC ground, Lirangwe EPA in Traditional Authority Chigalu.
Dumuka said government through the Ministry of Agriculture is playing a very big role in making sure that there is food security in the country such that farmers should have more than enough harvest and sell the surplus.
"We need to realize that climate change has become a threat to both farming and development in the country; therefore, we need to change our mindset, let's take farming as a business too because farming is a source of food security, economy and country's development," he said.
Director of Agriculture Services for Blantyre District Council, Edward Katunga said the agriculture fair is very important because it coordinates farmers and the people or organisations who buy their produce.
"During this time, farmers learn different farming methods from each other and also from their service providers," he said.
Katunga added that Blantyre District Council is working very hard in assisting farmers with new farming methods including irrigation technologies.
"You have seen Bakasala Irrigation Scheme stand and what they portrayed on their stand, also Nkawinda Irrigation Scheme which currently has about 600 hectares and it's been developed whereas the water comes from Shire River. 600 hectares is a big size which is enough to serve the whole Mdeka area," he added.
One of the farmers from Chisesele Village in T/A Chigalu, Macdonald Kampira said he has learnt a lot during the agriculture fair including the use of local methods in fighting pests in the field.
"We have learnt the benefits of using such local and cheap methods like the use of Neemu tree leaves and Chikhawo portrayed by other farmers here," he said.
Parliamentary Committee concerned with MACRA’s delayed project
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, November 7, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communication has expressed a concern over the delays by Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA), on the construction of computer laboratories in schools under project dubbed Connect A School (CAS).
Speaking during the site visit at Kalumba Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalumba on Thursday, Chairperson for the Committee Susan Dossi said, it is sad to see that the project that was supposed to take three months only, is not yet even roofed after several months.
“As members of Parliamentary Committee on Media as well as Education Committee, we are not happy with what we have seen. We are therefore requesting MACRA to speed the process of construction of these laboratories so that leaners and the surrounding communities should start using the equipment as planned,” She said.
Dossi then disclosed that very soon the committee will engage the Universal Service Fund (USF), as well as the board for MACRA so that they explain what has caused the delay and make a way forward.
“This project is very important and we need to take it seriously knowing that the world is going digital and we don’t want our country more especially the youth in rural areas to remain behind in a digital world,” Dossi said.
In his remarks, one of the members of the Committee, Kamlepo Kaluwa, said the delays are affecting the youth in the communities where MACRA is constructing the ICT labs, and urged MACRA to speed up the process so that the people at Kalumba can start benefiting from the computer laboratory.
MACRA’s Human Resource Manager, Glad Ngwira, said they have taken note of the concerns raised by the committee and they will make sure to work on the concerns.
“As MACRA we thought it was wise to invite the parliamentary committee to come and appreciate what MACRA is doing, and as you know in any project there are different challenges and this one is no exception.
“But what I can say is that we have taken note of all the observations and I am optimistic that the management will find a way forward,” he said.
Construction of sustainable assets gives hope to Mangochi communities against flooding
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, November 8, Mana: World Bank funded Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) empowers communities in Mangochi to adopt means and ways of responding to land degradation through construction of sustainable assets such as deep trenches and stone bunds.
Mangochi was amongst districts that were heavily affected by Tropical Cyclone Fredddy, which induced floods that caused havoc to communities, and left thousands of Malawians homeless and food insecure.
Speaking during a tour of catchments in the district this week, community member in the area of Traditional Authority Jalasi, Emily Thomas said that the area has for so long been heavily affected by floods and a dry spells which in turn left many households food insecure as a result of low crop production.
“Due to deforestation, a number of areas in our community are bare, and as a result, we have been affected by water run-off from highlands.
“As such, we believe that the construction of assets such as deep trenches and stone bunds will assist to minimize the impact of the hazards as they are able to control run- off of water. We are thankful to government for introducing the programme,” Thomas added.
In his remarks, Agricultural Extension Development Coordinator (AEDC) for Ntiya Extension Planning Area, Frank Banda said that apart from minimizing effects of flooding, interventions that are carried out through CS-EPWP in the area will also help to improve food production at household level.
“Deep trenches, swales, as well check dams are able to catch water, and they help moisture content in the soil which help to improve crop production,” Banda added.
Desk Officer for CS-EPWP in Mangochi, Francis Mbirisa, said the programme is a sub-component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project and is being implemented in 28 district councils in Malawi to restore and conserve the environment.
“In Mangochi the programme is being implemented in 22 catchments of the district, and at the moment about 25, 465 participants are benefiting from the project. The council is for far satisfied with its progress,” said Mbirisa.
China donates 33 tons of maize flour to Malawi
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, November 7, Mana: The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated 33 tons of maize flour worth over MK42 million to households that are food insecure across the country.
Speaking on Thursday, during the official handover of the donation in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalumbu in Lilongwe, the Director of Welfare Affairs of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malawi ,Wang Hao ,said the donation is in response to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jimping in China.
Hao said the Government of the People’s Republic of China is prudently aware that in the past years Malawi has suffered a severe impact of natural disasters, other factors resulting to a serious food security crisis.
“As we all know that Malawi is an agricultural country, and the government has put agriculture and food security as top priority of economic development.
“China therefore appreciates the efforts made by the Malawi government under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to respond to the natural disasters and address people’s need for food,” He said.
Hao then said the Government of China will continue supporting African countries including Malawi because of its strong and sound bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.
“There is an old Chinese quote, which goes like: Timely help is like sending charcoal in snowy weather. Today’s food donation to the people in hunger is another real reflection of our strong relationship,” He said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, thanked the Chinese government for the timely donation saying many people are in dire need of such support due to their food insecurity.
Kalemba said, apart from the maize flour, the Chinese government will soon support the country with yet another consignment of a donation of rice.
Speaking earlier, Senior Chief Kalumbu urged his subjects to use the donation for the intended purpose and not to sale it.
“There are several people across the country that are in dire need of such donation. It will therefore be unfair to hear that some beneficiaries are selling the donated maize flour,” He said.
Currently, over 2 Million farming households have been affected by hunger due to the effects of the ongoing E-l Nino conditions.
MACRA launches Cyber Security Awareness Month
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe 30 October, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched Cyber Security Awareness Month, aimed at enhancing public understanding awareness of cyber security issues.
The launch took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday and will run throughout the month of November with a series of events such as public outreach campaigns to educate and empower citizens on safe online practices.
Speaking during the launch, MACRA’s Board Director Malla Kawale said cyber security has become a critical concern in the digital age, as more Malawians engage with technology in their daily lives.
She said, the rise of internet use presents both opportunities and challenges and therefore it is necessary for individuals, businesses and organizations to understand how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
“As MACRA, we would like to emphasize the importance of this initiative. As we embrace the digital revolution, we must equip our citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the online landscape safely,
Cyber security is a shared responsibility and through awareness and education, we can foster a safer digital environment for all Malawians. We therefore encourage all citizens, businesses and organizations to participate actively in cyber security awareness month,” Kawale said.
MACRA’s Consumer Affairs Officer Brave Kaira said 27000 cases of mobile money fraud worth 180 million kwacha have been reported from January to August this year.
He said, 90 percent of the mobile money fraud cases emanate from prisons, especially Zomba Maximum Prison.
Kaira also said it is very important to empower consumers and mobile money agents in order to reduce the number of fraud cases.
“This is the reason the money fraud invasion task force was set up as one of the initiatives to combat mobile money fraud,” he said.
He added that MACRA is hoping to introduce National Identity cards from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to be the one single source of truth and should be linked to biometric data in order to avoid cases of people registering SIM cards using other people’s National IDs.
Food insecure households in Mzuzu to get cash grants
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, October 7, Mana: Project Officer for GiveDirectly, Bahat Ngwira says the organisation intends to roll out unconditional household cash grants to 450 food insecure households in Mzuzu.
Ngwira disclosed this Thursday during a meeting with Mzuzu City Executive Committee members.
She said through the program, called Urban Lean Response Program, each of the households will receive K210,000 delivered in monthly tranches of K70,000, starting from January 2025.
“All the payments will be distributed through mobile money using Airtel as mobile network operator. Airtel was selected on the basis of its market share, reach and experience working on similar projects.
“In order to facilitate mobile payments, all recipients will be provided with an Airtel SIM card through which they will receive their cash grants,” Ngwira said.
She said GiveDirectly will take a universal targeting approach, enrolling every eligible household in all the wards in Mzuzu.
Ngwira added that the organisation is working in close collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs to ensure there are no duplications as well as exclusions of beneficiaries.
Youth Officer responsible for Mzuzu City, Misheck Msokwa asked GiveDirectly to properly mentor the beneficiaries to ensure they don’t use the cash grants for unintended purposes.
“This is a safety net programme intended to help families buy food for household use. However, you find that in some instances, the beneficiaries tend to use such cash grants on some other things not related to food including alcohol,” he said.
In his remarks, Director of Planning and Development for Mzuzu City Council, Philemon Maseko, asked the organization to engage relevant stakeholders including community leaders in the identification of beneficiaries to ensure only deserving households are targeted.
GiveDirectly will implement the programme with funding from Scottish Government Climate Justice Fund.
