MANAonline
Malawians mourn the death of legend musician
By Gomezgani Msiska and Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, July 1, Mana: Malawians express their sorrows following the death of an iconic singer, song writer, and social commentator, Lucius Banda, on June 30, 2024 after a long time of suffering from kidney failure in South Africa.
The death of Lucius has left behind a legacy of inspiring music and a nation in grief.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow artists, Malawians will remember the life and impact of a true Malawian treasure.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), some Malawians have shared their grief by expressing how Banda’s music has been an inspiration to them.
Kenneth Jimmy who does A Phone Repair at Post Office Premises in Lilongwe, Kenneth Jimmy said the death of Lucius has touched him deeply.
“The death of Lucius is unforgettable and it has touched me a lot. We were expecting that he was going to come back home healthy from South Africa.
His songs have been uniting and inspiring us as Malawians, most of his songs have been comforting to the soul in times pain and trouble,” he said.
Another fan of Lucius, Estelle Tambala said that his death has left a huge gap to the country’s music industry.
“Malawians have lost an important person in the country whose music was inspiring us such as “Dzirimbikirire wekha” which tells the one listening to it to depend on oneself,” she said.
Meanwhile, the government through the Ministry of Information and Digitalization says it was saddened with the death of the music legend through a Press release.
“The Nation will live to remember Hon. Lucius Banda, fondly referred to as ‘Soldier’ as a dedicated and selfless son of Malawi who gallantry and courageously fought all his life for the betterment of lives of ordinary people,” the Press release reads in part.
Chitipa admits contributing flooding in Karonga
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, July 1, Mana: Chitipa District Council has conceded that due to human activities along river banks in the district, it has contributed a lot to disasters especially floods that occurs in Karonga.
Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Chitipa District Council, Jossen Tembo said that most people cultivate along River banks which results in running of surface water downstream up to Karonga, resulting into floods.
He was speaking on Monday to Karonga District Disaster Risk Management Committee (DRMC) which visited the council on a learning visit to enhance collaboration between the two districts.
Tembo said that human activities which are mostly environmentally unfriendly have done more harm than good to the two districts and even to the country.
“As a district, we have a hand to reduce severity and impact of the disasters by intensifying awareness campaigns on the dangers of cultivating along the river banks for the safety of our friends in Karonga,” he said.
District Risk Disaster Management Officer for Karonga, Humphrey Magalasi said the objective of the learning visit was to learn and share experiences in risk and disaster management.
He echoed that floods in Karonga originate from rivers in Chitipa hence the visit to exchange notes on how best the two parties can coordinate in addressing the risk of flooding.
“As one way of strengthening local structures we intend to revamp Village and Area Risk Disaster Management Committees,” Tembo suggested.
MCGs playing critical role in vaccination
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, June 30, Mana: District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO) for Lilongwe, Paul Chunga said community based Mother Care Groups (MCGs) are playing a critical role in assisting the work of providing vaccination to children in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing refresher trainings for MCGs which Malawi Equity Health Network (MEHN) is conducting in nine districts in the country, he said the MCGs are supporting health workers to successfully provide immunization to the children.
“The MCGs are assisting the community based health workers to reach each and every child as they live within the communities and are always in contact with the mothers that have children that are eligible for immunization.
“Additionally, it is easy for them to identify a child that did not receive immunization or has missed under-five scheduled static outreach clinic and they make a follow up as well as reminding the mothers to take their children for immunization,” he noted.
Chunga added that vaccine uptake for children has improved with 95 percent in all the areas in Lilongwe District where the MCGs are supporting the vaccination work after being empowered by MEHN.
Secretary for one of the Lilongwe based MCGs known as Kakoma, Elinati Chikumbutso said with the skills and knowledge which they have gained they are able to make door to door visits in their community to encourage mothers to get their children vaccinated.
She said as MCG they are able to lobby for resources needed for vaccination from relevant authorities in order to enhance the vaccination work.
MEHN Assistant Project Officer, Tumpale Kalobo said that with their initiative among other things they want to support government in reducing child mortality rate in the country.
“We want the MCGs to assist in the immunization of children as we understand that community based health workers cannon manage to reach out each and every child on their own for vaccination.
“By the end of everything we want to make sure that the death rate of children under the age of five is reduced in the country,” she said.
With financial support from Global Alliance for vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), MEHN is supporting and empowering the MCGs with knowledge and skills in order for them to take part in the vaccination of under five children as well as other children that are eligible for vaccination.
Currently, the organization is working with 281 MCGs in nine districts in the country which include; Lilongwe, Karonga, Chitipa, Mzimba North and South, Kasungu, Mchinji and Ntchisi just to mention some.
NCIC for improved construction industry
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, June 30, Mana: National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) has committed to continue engaging contractors on project management as one way of addressing poor service delivery in the construction industry in the country.
Speaking on Saturday during a project management workshop in Salima, NCIC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eng. Gerald Khonje expressed concern over increased reports on poor and substandard infrastructures in some parts of the country, highlighting that the engagement was crucial as it would enhance standards.
He said they are mandated to promote construction industry in the country by collaborating with different stakeholders such as universities and colleges to provide trainings tailored to address needs and shortfalls in the construction industry.
The CEO said targeting stakeholders in the construction industry was one way of ensuring quality control and that engaging them was one of the interventions employed to instill good practice with professionally designed topics such as contract management, quality control and project management.
"Coming up with a successful project in the infrastructure industry involves so many things, such as budgeting, procuring to actual project implementation, therefore if all these processes are not followed the end product is compromised," Khonje added.
He warned that NCIC would not hesitate to penalize any contractor for poor workmanship, misconduct and none compliance to construction regulations.
"We have a code of conduct that needs to be followed by all registered contractors and we expect adherence to it, that is why we frequently engage stakeholders to raise awareness of all emerging issues, so that we should be on the same page," Khonje viewed.
On a positive note, he said the country was making strides in ensuring quality infrastructures are being developed across all sectors in the country.
Chief Energy Officer in the Ministry of Energy, Austin Theu expressed satisfaction with the training delivered, saying it would help his Ministry to implement successful projects.
He said he would try to incorporate what he has learnt in planning for future projects in accordance to the set standards.
Silver claims derby bragging rights …….as stretch the lead 29 points
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 30, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Sunday claimed bragging rights over their traditional rival, Civil Service United when they hammered them 0-2 at their own backyard in a Capital City derby at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe to increase their points tally to 29.
The Central Bankers have consolidated their intent to claim the title after 11 years of absence when they used the second tactical change to break resilience of Civil’s play of tight marking as displayed in the first half.
Coming om 1-1 draw against Mighty Waka Waka Tigers last Monday, Silver has to be careful with their rivals, Civil who got beaten 3-0 at the hands of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
However, the Servants should blame themselves for not utilizing two chances they had in the first when Silver appeared to be playing second fiddle to them in terms of attacking football.
The Coming of Silver’s Chinsinsi Maonga and Charles Chapala for Duncan Nyoni and Atusaye Nyondo at the start of the interval make a huge difference and it paid handsomely through their central defender, Innocent Shema header from a corner kick after 48 minutes.
Chapala planted home a cross from the left hand side to increase the lead to 2-0 after 66 minutes.
Civil kept their goal scoring machine, Emmanuel Savieli on the bench to the surprise to many but when he was introduced into the game the damaged was done because the Servants were failing to put their acts together.
The Bwandilo Boys are eight points adrift of second placed, Wanderers who are now with 21 points after beating Tigers 1-2 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Wanderers went into the lead through Isaac Kaliati’s goal after eight minute but Tigers cancelled the lead after 37 minutes through Messiah Kachingwe.
The Lali Lubani Boys got the winner in the 83rd minute through Fransisco Madinga to make their Care Taker Coach, Meke Mwase have a 100 percent winning since taking of the reign.
With the loss at home, the Kanjedza Boys have dropped to position 11 from 10 last weekend.
Creck Sporting came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Chitipa United at Karonga Stadium.
Chitipa United have six points from the 11 games, they still anchoring the log table while the visitors have 16 points from the same number of games and still on sixth place.
Chitipa’s, Rajab Nyirenda scored the opener after five minutes and Creck’s, Gift kadawti got level after 38 minutes.
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos edged Karonga United 1-0 at Dedza Stadium through Promise Kamwendo’s goal after four minutes.
They have moved to position seven with 15 points while Karonga has dropped to position 12 from 11 and have 12 points.
With a 0-0 against Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, TNM Defending Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a mountain to climb as they have a 13-point gap to close in order to catch run away leaders, Silver Strikers.
NAC decries dwindling financial support from donors
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, June 30, Mana: National Aids Commission (NAC) Friday decried dwindling financial support from donors which was affecting its operations.
Speaking in Salima district during a Malawi Partnership Forum for HIV and AIDS, NAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Beatrice Matanje said the forum's objectives was to take stock of the national response from various angles and ensure that there is a well-directed, coordinated strategy.
She said 80 percent of NAC's funding come from donors therefore without adequate funding, efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS related deaths by 2030 remain challenged.
"We need to find sustainable solutions to maintain our progress, and am stressing that without adequate funding, critical prevention and treatment efforts could falter, risking a resurgence of the epidemic," the CEO added.
She said that, "The National Strategic Pan targets prevention, treatment, and care with a focus on high-risk populations. By 2030, we aim to see a population where HIV and AIDS no longer claim lives. This means reducing new infections and ensuring those living with HIV remain healthy and productive."
Executive Director for Pakachere Institute for Health and Development Communication, Simon Sikwese underscored the forum's role in accountability, as it reviews progress and ensures commitments are being met and that it is essential for making adjustments to keep the country on track.
He said that addressing male participation in prevention efforts is quite challenging.
"Many men avoid testing due to fear of positive results and logistical barriers. We need to make services more accessible, perhaps through technologies like HIV self-testing, and am sure that reaching men and adolescent boys with tailored interventions is crucial,” the Executive Director observed.
Despite these challenges, Sikwese acknowledged that the country was significant strides in finding the pandemic pointing out that we are doing very okay.
"We've nearly reached epidemic control. Now, we must sustain these efforts and ensure high-risk populations are adequately supported," he said.
The Forum's discussions highlighted the urgent need for innovative funding solutions and more inclusive outreach strategies to ensure the continued success of the country’s HIV and AIDS response.
Lilongwe communities empowered through CSEPWP
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, June 30, Mana: Communities in Lilongwe have commended government for its commitment in continuing with the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) which was accelerating economic opportunities for the district’s households.
The Communities expressed the sentiments on Saturday during a monitoring exercise organized by the Council aimed at assessing the implementation of activities in the fourth cycle which started some few weeks ago.
One of the beneficiaries of Chaola Catchment area, Esmey Balatumeyo of Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumba said the programme transformed her from her economic woes.
She said that, “We dig swales in our gardens in order to control running water speed and we plant trees in gullies which control running water and these have assisted us to have bumper yield and at the same time get paid for the work we do.”
Mkuwazi Catchment Area beneficiary, Benedicto Sambo of TA Mazengera said the programme has tremendously transformed their lives as they are no longer struggling to pay school fees for their children as they earn income after working for 24 days.
He said the programme has assisted the beneficiaries to manage to buy fertilizer and other farm inputs through the wages paid.
Lilongwe District Council Project Facilitator, Peter Chiumbuzo expressed satisfaction on how the fourth cycle has stated in all catchments areas across the district.
“We want the structures they are coming up with on the ground to be of higher quality that can last for some years ahead. We don’t want a structure, for example, a swale that can only be used only for one season,” he said.
The Lilongwe programme has about 29,440 beneficiaries in 22 catchment areas.
The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is funded by World Bank and is being implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC)
NLGFC challenges Councils to complete projects in time
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 30, Mana: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has reiterated the need for district councils to ensure that they finish projects are within agreed timeframe.
Senior Planning Officer for NLGFC, Charity Kaunda was speaking Saturday in Nkhata Bay after NLGFC delegation from NLGFC and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs had toured some projects supported by World Bank through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF).
The delegation among others toured Chintheche and Mpamba market sheds which are now operational, the Council’s lodge and Chamber which are under rehabilitation.
Kaunda said project are implemented to answer some of the short and long term needs of the people, hence the need for Councils to meet desired projects’ timeframe so that people served on time.
“Our visit aimed at encouraging the Council to fast-track implementation of projects on time not only as a requirement for the Council to access grants from GESD and other funding windows but to ensure that communities start using development facilities on time,” she said.
The Planning Officer applauded Nkhata Bay District Council for well packaged development components of its projects to meet the required services of communities.
"Overall after visiting a number of projects, the Council is doing well in terms of projects as they meet the service delivery requirements of communities," Kaunda added.
Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Nkhata-Bay District Council, Edgar Chihana said the Council’s interaction within was crucial as it was a platform through which the two parties share knowledge for the Council to improve in projects’ management.
Chairperson for Mpanda Market, Losina Nyirenda, said the sheds contribute to viable market environment.
Men urged to seek mental health therapy
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, June 30, Mana: Saint John of God Hospital Services urges men in the country to seek counselling services in health facilities whenever they are depressed other than deciding to commit suicide.
Saint John of God Hospital, Clinical Psychologist, Frank Magagula expressed concern over rising cases of suicide among men in the country and told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Saturday that the trend was worrisome as statistics shows a lot of men committing suicide.
He said economic hardships and broken relationships were some of the factors that compel men to commit suicide apart from beliefs and perception that men are strong and don’t cry.
“The perception that men are strong and never cry has a psychological bearing. A lot of men do not share their problems, the way women do, as a result they decide to commit suicide as an answer to their problems,” the Mental Health Specialist added.
Magagula said drugs and substance abuse plus excessive dependence on alcohol put a lot of men at risk of committing suicide, adding that drugs make most of the users lose self-control
He urged men to seek alternative ways of solving problems other than choosing to use drugs as means of taking away stress.
Therapist in Lilongwe, Beatrice Ndawala said June was a month that was put aside to discuss men’s mental health, adding that there were a lot of activities meant to inform the public about factors that lead to suicide and ways and means to manage stress to avoid suicide.
“Men usually feel it is a weakness to disclose challenges they face in life as a result, they commit suicide if they do not see the way out,” she disclosed, observing that most men who opt for drugs and alcohol as the way to forget their challenges are easily driven to commit suicide.
Ndawala said there should be adequate civic education to encourage men to share their worries whether relating to financial hardships or relationships.
“Government and NGOs should join hands to promote counselling and mental awareness centers in all districts so that people should know where to access services pertaining to mental health issues,” she added.
Malawi Police Service last year recorded more than 256 suicide cases, with more men committing suicide than women with suicide cases still rising in 2024.
PHIM graduates 18 front line workers
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, June 30, Mana: Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) under Ministry of Health has emphasized that the country should have well trained and adequate front line health workers to effectively respond and scientifically investigate various public and animal health outbreaks to avert future catastrophes.
PHIM Chief Epidemiology Officer, Grace Funsani said so far PHIM through Malawi Front Line Field Epidemiology Training, has trained 266 front line health workers across the country with funding from United States Centre for Disease Control since 2016.
She disclosed this Saturday during the graduation of 18 front line public health and animal health workers in Blantyre.
Funsani said the newly graduated front line workers have undergone three months training, acquiring skills to conduct scientific investigation on public health emergencies such as cholera outbreak, alcohol poisoning in Manase, suspected rabies, Typhoid fever, measles cases in under five children and high prevalence of scabies.
“Our aim is to ensure that all the districts across the country have such front line workers to respond, investigate and make recommendation to their studies for the country to ably prevent or manage any outbreak in case of its reoccurrence," she added.
Chief Preventive Health Officer for Blantyre District Council, Innocent Mvula said was optimistic that the front line workers such as Disease Surveillance Officers, Veterinary Officers and others who have undergone the training, will use the skills gained to respond to public health emergencies in a well-coordinated manner.
Coordinator for Integrated Disease Surveillance Response for Mulanje District Health Office, Masilina Msamanyata hailed PHIM for the training.
Msamanyata who was one of the graduates said her study which focused on 'Analysis of Surveillance Data of Cholera Outbreak at Mulanje District Hospital, Thuchira and Namphungo Health Centres recommends that the Director of Health and Social Services should lobby for support from partners to enable the health office respond rapidly to any public health emergencies.
PHIM is a government research institute as well as national public health institute under Ministry of Health with the mandate to do health surveillance research and disease prevention.
