MANAonline
Drug Fight Malawi hails new guidelines for quitting smoking
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, July 5, Mana: Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi, Nelson Zakeyu, has applauded the World Health Organization (WHO) for the new guidelines on quitting smoking, saying it has come at a right time when other tobacco manufacturers are deceiving people with fake methods of quitting tobacco use.
Zakeyu made the sentiments following the release of the first-ever clinical treatment guideline for adults who wish to quit smoking.
“There is substantial evidence through studies conducted worldwide that six million people die annually from tobacco smoking and Malawi is not spared. These guidelines will help alleviate problems as a result of smoking if domesticated in our land and when they’re implemented effectively,” Zakeyu said.
The guideline focuses on helping more than 750 million tobacco consumers who want to quit all forms of tobacco.
In the guidelines, WHO has recommended a comprehensive set of tobacco quitting interventions, including behavioral support delivered by health care providers, digital interventions and pharmacological treatments.
WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the guidelines as a crucial milestone in the global battle against the dangerous products.
“It empowers countries with essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco related diseases,” he said.
WHO Director of Health Promotion, Dr. Rudiger Krech, said the immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overemphasized and that there is need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes to overcome the addiction.
“These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance to those on this challenging journey,” Krech added.
Chikwawa District Council geared to combat El-Nino induced hunger
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, July 5, Mana: Chikwawa has been named as one of the districts in Malawi which has been highly affected by effects of dry spells due to El Nino weather patterns.
This was disclosed Thursday during an agriculture field day at Group Village Head Chinjala in Traditional Authority (TA) Chapananga in the district.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Chikwawa Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jackson Mvula, said over 60 percent of cereal farmers have been affected, representing over 60 percent of households affected by hunger in the district.
Mvula disclosed some of the interventions the district is undertaking to mitigate effects of dry spells.
He said agriculture extension workers are encouraging farmers to practice irrigation and integrated farming.
“With irrigation, farmers are able to grow crops in winter and have bumper harvest and through integrated farming farmers also harvest much because there is interdependence of crops,” said Mvula.
Chikwawa District Council Chairperson, Wyson Bush, commended farmers who are practicing irrigation farming, saying it is the only effective way to avert hunger.
“We can keep hunger away from our homes only if we desist from laziness. Let's be productive by emulating the life of others who are already doing well with farming,” said Bush.
Bush, therefore, urged different development partners to help farmers with resources as one way of empowerment.
One of the lead farmers from Chandile Village, Mary Kambeya, commended government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rendering continued support to farmers with resources and extension services.
Kambeya, who is now able to provide for her family from irrigation proceeds, said farmers are able to produce more because of the support from NGOs.
Apart from irrigation and integrated farming, Chikwawa District Council is also encouraging farmers to construct check dams, practice livestock farming, backyard gardens and tree planting.
Malawi set to reap benefits from world Bank’s IDEA programme
By Chisomo Sumani & Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, July 5, Mana: World Bank has approved funding for the implementation of phase 2 of the Digital Malawi Project, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, through the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme.
The IDEA programme, which is poised to accelerate digital inclusion for 180 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa, will see the implementation of the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project which aims to leverage improved connectivity and public digital service delivery capacity to accelerate digital services growth across sectors.
Secretary for Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, said through Malawi Digital project government will increase access to and inclusive use of the internet and improve its capacity to deliver digitally enabled services.
He disclosed that through the first phase of the project government has achieved significant milestones.
“The project enhanced and increased access to affordable, high-quality internet services for government, businesses and citizens and improved government's capacity to deliver digital public services. There is still a lot to be done but it is not the same as it was five years ago,” he stated.
Director for E-Government in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Paul Katema, said: “Government is actively promoting digital inclusion through several initiatives which include, free internet zones, school connectivity, capacity building as well as support for women and girls.”
Katema said specific programmes are aimed at increasing digital literacy and skills among women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy.
“Government is actively promoting digital inclusion connecting 2,000 secondary schools to the internet, providing students and teachers with the necessary tools for digital education
“The construction of the primary data Centre in Lilongwe is nearing completion. This will also enhance data management and storage capabilities,” Katema added.
Other programmes include connecting 500 government institutions to the internet, establishing free Wi-Fi zones in Malawi, with over 39 sites currently operational, increasing public access to the internet and developing legislative frameworks to safeguard data privacy and security.
In a press release Vice President for the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa region, Victoria Kwakwa, said IDEA is a holistic programme that will unleash opportunities for hundreds of millions of Africans to actively participate in and contribute to the advancement of the region’s digital economies.
This she underscored the critical importance of public and private sector partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth.
Kawale hails rice planters’ innovation
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, July 5, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, says improving farming through mechanisation has the potential to increase agricultural productivity.
Kawale was speaking Thursday at Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme in Zomba during a demonstration of a rice planter by Mahindra Company.
Mahindra Company brought two rice planters, the ‘Walk Behind’ planter which can plant rice on approximately two hectares per day and the ‘Ride On’ planter that can cover over three hectares per day.
Kawale said time has come for Malawian farmers to adopt mechanization farming for improved crop production.
“By using the rice planter, more hectares can be covered hence the need for our farmers to have access to the machines,” he said.
Kawale said it is government’s wish to ensure that the country moves from traditional ways of farming and seriously invest in modern and mechanized farming.
He disclosed plans to expand Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme which has a perennial water source to benefit more farmers.
“Government has invested a lot of money in mega farms for farmers to boost their productivity and prevent hunger. I am personally impressed with Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme and plans are underway to increase the hectare for massive rice production,” said Kawale.
Kawale, therefore, applauded Mahindra Company for the support of the planter, saying the machinery would ease labour and save time.
Sales and Marketing Officer for Mahindra Company, George Livuwo, said the demonstration was aimed at familiarizing farmers with the machines and for them to realise benefits of the planters.
“We need to be productive as a country by adopting new farming technologies which can directly boost our harvest. We would like to encourage cooperatives to try these machines which can boost their production,” said Livuwo.
Chairperson for Zomba District Council, Bester Chirwa, urged farmers at the scheme to utilize the opportunity for their benefit.
Chirwa thanked government for its effective coordination with Mahindra Company saying the initiative will not only benefit Zomba but the nation as a whole.
Construction of Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme, which is currently being utilized by farmers in Chingale, started in December 2022.
The scheme is located in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita and pumps water using solar power from the Shire River.
Kaonga dangles K6 million to top six MSCE performers
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, July 5, Mana: President for Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM), Ernest Kaonga, has pledged a whooping K6 million to six best performing students sitting for the 2023/2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations as one way of motivating them.
Kaonga, who is also Director for Maranatha Private Academy, said they believe that motivation is one factor that inspires students to work hard.
The offer, which will see three boys and three girls getting K1 million each, goes to students in both private and public schools.
“We need to motivate these students. Our aim is to see them scoring highly in exams. As PRISAM President, l have set aside K6 million to six students who will emerge top performers during these examinations,” said Kaonga.
He said the offer is for the love of education and to complement government’s efforts in promoting education standards.
Kaonga has been decorating MSCE, Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) top performers by offering scholarships to such excellence from the marginalized.
This year he has promised to also splash out cash to top students who sat for the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examinations.
In a separate interview, Chifundo Mawindo, one of the students who are currently sitting for MSCE examinations, expressed gratitude with the offer saying it has come at the right time.
He said, as a candidate, he will fight very hard to claim the prize.
“I will be writing with much effort in order to dominate and qualify for the award. I know there are other fellows who are writing these exams as such I am encouraging them to push hard and fight for success because this will be a starter-pack for our tertiary education,” said Mawindo.
In 2022/2023 academic year, Kaonga awarded Esnart Chiwala, Don Chikopa and Joseph Mathias who obtained six points from St. Mary’s and Dedza Secondary Schools with K1 million each.
He also offered a job to Mathias as a student teacher at their Lilongwe campus after noticing that he struggles financially. The arrangement was meant to assist him raise money for his tuition in college.
Government commits in supporting refugees and asylum seekers
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, July 5, Mana: Government has committed to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the country while at the same time urged refugees to continue to honor the laws of the country.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security, Erica Maganga, made the remarks Thursday at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa when Malawi observed World Refugee Day.
Maganga said Malawi continues to be a nation that has opened her doors to people fleeing conflict and persecution from their countries, offering them sanctuary, dignity and hope.
"Today we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of compassion, generosity and solidarity that defines us as a people. We stand as a beacon of hope in a world too often marked by division and discord, demonstrating that when we come together in cohesion, there is no challenge too great for us to overcome," she said.
However, she urged refugees and asylum seekers to respect the laws of Malawi.
"I wish to emphasize that such a collective action comes with responsibility on refugees and asylum seekers to respect and uphold the laws of Malawi," said Maganga.
She said as the country observes the day, it is imperative to recognize the immense challenges faced by refugees across the world, too hard to imagine.
Maganga said refugees demonstrate extraordinary resilience, courage, strength and determination for a better tomorrow.
She further said government and partners should rekindle that hope by offering support for them to rebuild their lives.
"As we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable world, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that refugees are not only protected but also empowered to thrive.
"This requires us to invest in education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and psychosocial support for refugees and host communities alike," she said.
Government has identified a new refugee camp site in Chitipa where it will ensure that there are improved services, facilities and land for agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Law Society has started review of the 1989 Refugees Act in order to create a favorable legal environment for refugees.
Commissioner for Refugees General Ignacio Maulana said there is work to be done to see an improved management of refugees and asylum seekers in the country.
"Unfortunately we cannot do this alone; we need assistance of the whole society so that together we build solutions that are sustainable and in the interests of all the persons of concern and the nation at large," he said.
He called for peace at the camp and for partners to understand the needs of refugees in order to provide the right support.
Dzaleeka Refugee Camp Manager, Elton Phulusa, commended partners for their help towards the camp.
He said congestion is a big challenge as there are daily arrivals of refugees at the camp which, currently, hosts over 54,000, way beyond the initial 12,000 recommendation.
"This has brought challenges in terms of provision of shelter, security, education, food and health services. So, the establishment of a new camp in Chitipa will help ease some of the challenges here," said Phulusa.
Abdikarim Taashir Ismael, who spoke on behalf of the refugee community applauded stakeholders in ensuring dignity for asylum seekers.
He bemoaned that some articles in the country create restrictions for refugees to access some fundamental rights and opportunities, hence hindering the development and quest for their self-sufficient lives.
"By lifting these restrictions, we can empower refugees to work, move freely and integrate into society. It would allow refugees to support themselves and their families, reducing the financial burden on partners.
"Furthermore, fostering an environment where refugees can thrive and contribute benefits not only the refugees but also the broader community. Refugees bring with them diverse skills, experiences and perspectives that can enrich the cultural and economic fabric of Malawi," he said.
Group Village Head Chimtengo of Traditional Authority Mkukula asked for a vehicle for police officers saying it becomes a challenge to respond to emergencies during the night.
Instituted in 2001, the day is annually cerebrated on June 20 to honor the plight and bravery of refugees. This year Malawi observed the day on July 4 due to the recent 21 days mourning period the country was in following the death of the immediate past Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima.
Super League teams urged to consider football as a business
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, July 4, Mana: Sports analyst and journalist, Frank Kandu, has expressed the need for Super League teams to start considering football as a business and seek to operate as companies as a major way of earning more profits.
Kandu told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday that when football teams operate as companies they start to see football as an entrepreneurship in such a way that they start looking for ways on how to generate profits like selling replica jerseys and getting into partnerships with various sponsors.
“In our elite league most of the teams rely on gate collections to boost their finances, but when they operate as companies they are encouraged to find means of generating revenue to survive in the league,” he said.
Kandu said taking football as business and operating as a company would create the possibility to promote football in Malawi as teams would be able to produce talented football players who are later exported to international clubs.
He cited an example of Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Ekhaya Wanderers and Silver Strikers who usually export more players.
Kandu observed that teams which operate as companies have higher opportunities to attract sponsors than those operating as mere football clubs.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) General Secretary, Williams Banda, said when teams consider football as business and register as companies, they begin running in a professional way.
“In our elite TNM Super League, most of the teams are now operating as companies, strictly considering football as a serious business,” Banda said.
Call for increase in the health sector funding
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, July 4, Mana: Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Balaka District Council, Dr. Chimwemwe Thambo, has disclosed that Balaka District Hospital was struggling with a number of challenges to provide quality health care service owing this to the devaluation of the Kwacha which has resulted into rising cost of most of the commodities.
He said this Wednesday when Parliamentary Committee on Health visited Balaka District Hospital to appreciate how the hospital was fairing on feeding patients.
Thambo added that hospital was struggling to provide patients with adequate nutritious meals to speed up their recovery.
“We prepared our budgets before devaluation of the Kwacha was effected. The situation has affected the ceilings that we had anticipated to be spent on food to feed our patients,” he explained.
While calling on government to consider adjusting funding upwards to health sector, Dr. Thambo believed that joint farming ventures with Malawi Prison Services would be an ideal way to address food challenges at Balaka Hospital.
Chairperson of the Committee, Dr. Matthews Ngwale expressed concern over the state of affairs in most public hospitals as far as provision of meals is concerned.
“We have discovered that patients at the district hospital are given porridge in the morning, and in rare instances they are given lunch. There is nothing for supper and the amount of food that patients are given is not adequate.
“Government must step in immediately and address the situation, it is pathetic that our patients are being fed once like prisoners. They say the best medicine is food, if patients do not eat, even if you give them medicine, they cannot improve,” he added.
Ngwale appreciated various infrastructural development taking place at the Hospital saying; “On a positive note, I must commend the various infrastructural renovations taking place, once refurbishments are done in the near future, health service delivery would be enhanced,
He commended Balaka Hospital for at least trying, saying some hospitals like Thyolo District Hospital only give patients porridge.
Parliamentary Committee advocates for direct funding to health facilities
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, July 4, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on Health, Vice Chairperson, Eurita Valeta has said Direct Facility Funding (DFF) was critical in addressing some challenges faced by health facilities in the country.
Valeta who is Member of Parliament for Nsanje South West, made the remarks when the committee members visited Jalawe Health Centre and Rumphi District Hospital to appreciate facilities where DFF was being piloted.
The DFF pilot programme in Rumphi is part of the Health Sector Strategic Plan funded by UNICEF through CHAI.
“We are impressed with how Jalawe Health Centre is implementing the DFF, with grants they received from UNICEF they have managed to construct toilets, bathrooms and some maintenance works at the facility,” she said.
She said the Parliamentary Health Committee would advocate to government through the Ministry of Health and Parliament to ensure that all health facilities implement DFF to enable them procure various items at their facilities according to their needs.
Valeta stated that the direct funding would reduce delays in procuring resources at the health facilities,
Jalawe Health Centre In-Charge, Kennedy Nyirenda said DFF has encouraged ownership of resources to help in running the facility.
Head of Programmes for AMREF-Health Africa in Malawi, Madalitso Tolani said since implementation of DFF in health facilities in Rumphi district there has been improvements.
“We are supporting the Ministry of Health to develop guidelines on how to implement DFF because this is one of the key interventions that has been highlighted in the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSS3) to be done across the country. They have identified districts in the first Phase, starting with Rumphi district,” he added.
Tolani said they engaged Parliamentary Committee on Health to visit the facilities to help mobilize resources in Parliament through the Ministry of Health to help implement the programme nationwide.
“DFF advantages our health facilities, they rely on support from the District Council and most of the times their funding is small and they face challenges, very few facilities get the support from the ORT budget, they sometimes fail to do maintenance of their facilities but with DFF some of these challenges will be addressed as they will have autonomy to make decisions on how to use their funds,” he explained.
Parliamentary Committee on Health visited Mzimba and Dowa Hospitals to appreciate nutritional services provision to patients.
Flames in Group L for AFCON qualifiers
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, July 4, Mana: Malawi National Football Team, the Flames has been drawn alongside Senegal, Burkina Faso and Burundi in Group L of 2025 Africa Cup Nations qualifiers.
The draw was conducted on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The qualifying group phase matches will be played over FIFA international windows of September, October, November, 2024
Two teams from each Group will make to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals to be hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025.
The following is the full list of qualifying group phase games;
Group A- Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, Gambia
Group B- Morocco, Gabon, Central African Republic, Lesotho
Group C- Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana
Group D- Nigeria, Benin, Libya, Rwanda
Group E- Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia
Group F- Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger
Group G- Cote D’Ivoire, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad
Group H- Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Group I- Mali, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Eswatini
Group J- Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe,
Group K- South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan
Group L- Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi
