MANAonline
13, 869 households to benefit in lean season response
By Salome Gangire
Neno, September 18, Mana: Neno District Council through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Wednesday rolled out the implementation of the 2024/25 lean season food insecurity response programme targeting 13, 868 food insecure households in the district.
Speaking during the launch at Lisungwi Community Day Secondary Ground in the area of Traditional Authority Symon in Neno, DoDMA Director Responsible for Disaster Recovery and Resilience, Peter Chimangeni said the response food programme is government’s commitment in making sure that people have food.
Chimangeni said the response follows the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report which projected that 5.7 million people will be food insecure in the country.
He said Neno has been chosen to be amongst the first districts to launch the food response programme because according to MVAC report, the food situation is dire as it has a food deficit of six months alongside Mwanza and Blantyre districts.
“Government is committed to alleviate the challenges being faced by the communities; hence, the donation to cushion them during this season and in Neno, 62, 000 people which is 13, 896 households will benefit,” Chimangeni said.
He said the food insecurity problem in the country is being aggravated by issues of climate change as the country has since 2015 been facing issues of disasters and the department is finding ways to make sure that the country becomes resilient by encouraging farmers to adopt irrigation farming and climate smart agriculture.
Chimangeni, therefore, disclosed that the period for receiving the relief food varies due to the severity as some districts will receive relief food for a period of six months, others four and others for three months.
District Commissioner for Neno, Rosemary Nawasha advised beneficiaries of the lean season food insecurity response programme not to sell the maize they have received but to use it for consumption.
Nawasha said Neno district is one of the worst affected districts in the last growing season due to the dry spell induced by El-Nino.
“Government through DoDMA has provided this relief maize in lean season food insecurity response programme as such use if for the intended purpose,” she said.
Nawasha, therefore, reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that no one dies of hunger that is why they have started distributing the October supplies early.
Speaking earlier, Traditional Authority Symon thanked government for the food assistance, saying it will alleviate the suffering among his subjects, noting that his area has been affected by hunger as most people did not harvest enough food.
One of the beneficiaries from Chaponda village in the same area, Saidi Msanama thanked government for the timely response, saying it will bail out his household of nine members from hunger.
He said the maize will help him feed his family as he prepares for the 2024-25 farming season.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on May 23, declared 23 districts out of 28 in the country as state of disaster which were affected by El-Nino.
The districts are Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Zomba, Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga, Phalombe, Mwanza, Neno, Lilongwe, Dedza, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Ntcheu, Nkhotakota, Kasungu and Karonga.
WHFC equips women with business skills, management knowledge
By Brighton Thengoliweta Chimsinde
Mchinji, September 18, Mana: Women’s Hope for Change (WHFC) a local non-governmental organization in Mchinji says business skills and management are essential in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) that always deters women and teen-mothers to be prosperous in their lives.
WHFC Programs Officer Faith Chiwenda made the remarks on Tuesday after opening a two-day long business skills and management workshop organized by WHFC held at NICE Conference Hall at Mchinji Boma.
Chiwenda said the workshop was among activities under their project called Ending Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC) which is implemented with funding from Segal Family Foundation in America.
“Advocacy alone can’t end GBV, and that’s why we are empowering women with business skills and management. It has proven that women who have been abused are solely dependent on men.
“To curtail the dependency syndrome the project has funds to be shared to the women for them to sustain their small scale businesses,” Chiwenda said.
The Programs Officer said the project objective is to ensure that women are financially independent, self-reliant and prosperous in their lives.
She said initially, the project has earmarked 60 women from Mchinji Boma who are going to benefit from the training and business capital support.
“We have also engaged the district community development office to orient them on Village Savings and Loans (VSL) concept, importance of saving culture and investing their money in various investments. Among the 60 women, there are GBV survivors, teen-mothers, single mothers, change agents who were already plying their own small-scale businesses,” the programs officer said.
Speaking on the behalf of the participants, Emily Phiri of Robert 2 village, Traditional Authority Zulu in the district said by the end of the training they will be able sustain their businesses and VSLs.
Phiri then commended WHFC for organizing the training that has empowered them with knowledge and skills which would help them to support their families and pay school fees for their children.
Women’s Hope for Change (WHFC) is a non-governmental organization formed in 2008 and was formed by a group of women who had passion to fight for women and children’s rights with a special emphasis on a girl child.
Malawi’s Adult Education project boosts environmental awareness
By Pickson Chipeso
Lilongwe, September 18, Mana: Dyson Nthawanji, Communication Officer of DVV International, stated that the Integrated Adult Education Environmental Management project has been promoting sustainable community living.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), he mentioned that, in addition to literacy, adults are learning critical skills such as environmental management which he said help communities understand how to manage the environment both at the community and household levels.
“We have been receiving positive feedback from communities because when we talk about adult education, we target individuals who did not attend school during their early years. They are pleased when they hear about environmental management because most Malawians depend on agriculture, which in turn relies on a healthy environment," Nthawanji said.
Nthawanji added that there are challenges the project faces, as some individuals or communities lack awareness or understanding of environmental issues.
"People rely on natural forests for their activities, such as charcoal burning and sales, which they view as a source of income. It takes significant effort to convince them about the importance of environmental management, but everyone has a responsibility to take care of the environment," he explained.
Environmental expert Maloto Chinkombero remarked that the project, which has been in place for over a year, focuses on encouraging tree planting and the care of existing trees. Despite the challenges, the initiative is seeing positive results.
"You can see that even though there are challenges, when you go to rural areas, people are growing tree seedlings and organizing community tree-planting activities. I must commend all stakeholders for implementing the project. We do face some difficulties, but we need to address these challenges," he said.
Chinkombero further emphasized that the environment is the backbone of every development project and that no human progress can occur without nature. He said Malawians must realize that achieving Vision 2063 is only possible if we take care of the environment, as everything relies on a healthy ecosystem.
"Whether we are aiming for progress in agriculture, technology, or infrastructure, we need a well-preserved environment. We must address the climate change crisis. Environmental conservation plays a key role in realizing Vision 2063 by promoting the availability of natural resources essential for achieving this vision," he said.
Chinkombero urged Malawians to find ways to control the nation's population as one approach to environmental conservation and the promotion of a sustainable future.
"As we approach 2063, the population may double or even triple compared to today. If we don't focus on population control, we will face more challenges because the growing population will continue to depend on the same environmental resources," he warned.
He encouraged Malawians to strike a balance between population growth and environmental resources to avoid further climate crises and achieve the goals of Vision 2063.
VP for speedy disbursement of NEEF loans
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, September 18, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has challenged National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to expedite the disbursement of loans especially those relating to agriculture as the growing season is nearing.
Speaking to the fund beneficiaries at Chinkhoma, Traditional Authority Njombwa in Kasungu on Wednesday, Usi said government has removed some bottlenecks such as collateral on some loans so that poor and vulnerable Malawians are able to access the loans.
"As leaders, our duty is to diligently serve the people by making decisions that make life better for everyone.
"This is why we removed the requirement for collateral for those that cannot afford. But when we get loans, we must pay them back," he said.
The Vice President, took time to encourage women and youths to apply for NEEF loans so that they become economically independent.
He said: "We must keep ourselves productively busy. With the loans we get, we must also remember to build houses apart from the vehicles we have seen.
"Let's be united; let's work together and work hard to deal with the challenges that we face."
NEEF Board Director, Thabi Chilongo said the economic fund has so far disbursed MK130 billion of loans across the country with Kasungu topping the list of repayments.
Chilongo said over 6,700 people have benefitted from NEEF loans in Kasungu alone, creating over 15,000 jobs.
"We are pleased to inform everyone that MK247 million has already been approved as Vuka Loans for Kasungu. These loans do not require collateral and we will start disbursing very soon.
"We encourage everyone to apply for these loans which range from MK150 000 to MK1 million," he said.
One of the beneficiaries Phyless Kamatenda thanked government for the loans which she said have helped them to acquire assets such as vehicles and motorcycles.
Kamatenda also appealed for better markets for crops saying those taking agriculture loans sell their produce to vendors at unprofitable prices.
Later, Usi, who was on his way to the northern region, also toured a cooking oil factory owned by Bomfa Cooperative in Traditional Authority Mphomwa in Kasungu.
SCTP boosts economic resilience of community members in Nkhata Bay
BY Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 18, Mana: Beneficiaries of Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP) in Nkhata Bay are celebrating the program's transformative impact on their lives and economic resilience.
In an interview on Tuesday Botito Chitaya, 44, from Tayambapo cluster in the area of Group Village Head Kondawanga said before joining SCTP, he struggled to provide for his family of six.
"Previously I couldn't afford school necessities for my children, threatening their future. Now I can easily pay school fees for my form two child, Kondwani," he said.
"To mitigate potential economic shocks, I have diversified my income streams by investing in pig farming, selling fish and joined village banks to have access to loans," Chitaya added.
According to Chitaya, the capital base of all this is from usual transfers of MK52, 000.00 he receives and the once off lean season response payment of K170, 000.00 he had in the previous year.
Elesi Gama, 35, a single mother of four from Kachenga Cluster in the area of Group Village Head Chang’ombe praised the program for transforming her life and family.
“Before the program, I was struggling to make ends meet, with no domestic animal. Today I have 12 local chickens which I am able to sell and buy some needs for family, my children are able to eat the eggs for improved nutrition and I have just bought a goat at MK50 000.00 from my savings from village savings and loan groups,” Gama said.
Nkhata Bay Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Wisdom Mwafulirwa said was impressed that beneficiaries in the district are diversifying income sources and joining savings groups.
“During pay days we always take time to talk to beneficiaries about goals of the program. I am glad to say as a district we are moving in the right direction as beneficiaries are now able to do multiple investments apart from just joining village savings banks, which is encouraging,” Mafulirwa said.
Currently 6,479 households are benefiting from the program in Nkhata Bay.
SCTP is Malawi Government’s Program being implemented across the country through the National Local Government Finance Committee with financial Support from Multi donor Trust Fund and World Bank
Snorkeling, diving courses to boost tourism sector in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, September 18, Mana: Assistant Tourism Officer for Likoma, Joyce Storey says snorkeling and diving courses can help in boosting tourism sector in Likoma district.
In an interview on Tuesday, following a week-long snorkeling and diving course which was held in Monkeybay where some youths from Likoma were in attendance, Storey said the participants will be able to draw tourists to destinations known for their rich marine life among others.
“Tourism centered around snorkeling and diving often promotes marine conservation efforts and supports initiatives to protect underwater environments and it will help to enhance tourism by attracting visitors and supporting local economies,” said Storey.
A participant, Yusuf Asima who is also a tour guide said the course has been an eye opener to the youth saying it will help in various ways such as job creation, rescuing people on the lake and many more.
“It is an advantage to me as a tour guide because this is a first of its kind here in Likoma, now I will be able to assist the tourists when they will need experts in snorkeling and diving. Government has also created job opportunities for us because after assisting the tourists, we will get paid in return,” said Yusuf.
Another beneficiary Anslem Gondwe from Likoma said he was thankful to government for the free courses which were offered.
“The courses offered will help in attracting tourists to visit our island. There are some tourists who love diving and snorkeling. This will help in bringing forex,” said Gondwe.
He then asked government to provide snorkeling and diving materials which will enable the youth to put into practice skills gained from the training.
Kasungu District Council vouches for girls' education
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, September 18, Mana: Kasungu District Council Chairperson, Mwambilaso Mbedza, has hailed Plan Malawi International for promoting girls' education and ensuring that they are protected against elements of violence and abuse.
Mbedza was speaking on Tuesday in Kasungu when Plan Malawi International announced the phasing of a project called Kulimbikitsa Ufulu ndi Umoyo wa Achinyamata (KUUWA) which was designed to help reduce early pregnancies and bring girls back to school.
"We applaud Plan Malawi for this project which has significantly helped to promote education, especially that of the girl child. We cannot discuss achieving national development if we do not fight the obstacles hindering girls' education.
"Through the KUUWA project there has been a tremendous reduction in teenage pregnancies and this is good news to us as a district and for Plan Malawi, this is a job well done," Mbedza said.
Director of Programmes for Plan Malawi International, Janet Chidothi said the phasing out of the KUUWA project was not the end of the road but rather the start of a new chapter, calling on authorities to ensure the efforts are sustained.
"As the project phases out, we are glad to note that a good number of girls have benefited as knowledge of income-generating activities has been imparted to them and some have been provided a chance to continue with their studies, which is a good step towards achieving development.
"We are grateful to all partners who were managing this programme together. The collaboration has been fruitful in that there has been a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies since the project started in 2019," Chidothi said.
One of the project's beneficiaries, Chikondi Chantchonda, advised girls who got pregnant to consider going back to school to continue chasing their dreams.
KUUWA project started in 2019 and has phased out this year, 2024.
Chakwera for collective responsibility for attaining SDGs
Lilongwe, September 18, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said the attainment of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires collective responsibility of all member states.
He said this on Wednesday at Kamuzu International Airport(KIA) before departure to the United states of America for the 79th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York slated for September 20-27,2024.
Chakwera added that UN had set 2030 as the deadline of achieving the goals and no country could attain without the support of others, hence the call for concerted efforts in implementing them.
He said the UNGA would provide an opportunity for member states to share notes on progress made during the implementation
“As member states, there are tangible progress that are being registered despite some challenges that are being encountered and we need strive in order to achieve them,” the president said.
Chakwera said time has come that no country should be left behind in the implementation progress of the SDGs with only six years of execution to go.
During the general assembly the president will attend the Summit of the future and high level meeting on the Miombo Forest Declaration.
He will also attend among other things, the high level meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and deliver a National Statement to mobilize support for Malawi’s development priorities.
79th UNGA meeting set in New York
By Arkangel Tembo, New York, USA
New York, September 17, Mana: Delegates from various countries have started arriving in New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly which marks a key milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The session which started on 10 September 2024 with the first day of the high-level General Debate on 24 September – will focus on the theme: “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
Meanwhile, His Excellency the President, Dr.Lazarus Chakwera, is expected also to attend the meeting from 20 to 27 September.
During the general meeting, President Chakwera will attend the summit of the future and the High-Level meeting on the Miomba Forest declaration.
The President will also attend the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and deliver a National statement during the United Nations General Assembly and general debate to mobilise global support for Malawi's developmental priorities.
In addition, the Malawi leader will hold bilateral discussions with other Heads of State and Government and other business executives to continue advancing Malawi's diplomatic relations and economic partnerships towards implementing agriculture, tourism, mining strategy and achieving sustainable development goals by 2030.
The President will also host the Malawi Partners Conference 2024 which will also bring together investors to discuss the future and potential of food production in Malawi.
Below is a pictorial focus by The Malawi News Agency Photojournalist, Arkangel Tembo before the big event.
Global Fund commits to sustaining support for Malawi’s health sector
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, September 17, Mana: As Malawi gears up to host the Global Fund Board Meeting in November, a team preparing for the mega event embarked on a site visit on Tuesday, touring various health facilities in Lilongwe. The team visited the Kamuzu Central Hospital's Lighthouse, Area 25 Health Centre’s KP Drop-in Centre, and the National Reference Laboratory.
Global Fund, a worldwide initiative dedicated to combating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, has played a significant role in Malawi's healthcare progress. The country showcases numerous achievements from Global Fund-supported programs in these areas.
During the site visit at Kamuzu Central Hospital’s Lighthouse, Medical Director Dr. Ethel Rambiki shared insights into the facility’s operations.
"The Lighthouse is a public trust strategically positioned in central hospitals, and we have been operating for 20 years. We receive referrals from districts and provide complex HIV care management, prevention, and treatment services. Currently, we have over 89,000 recipients of care across the nation under the Lighthouse Trust, with vital support from organizations like the Global Fund," explained Dr. Rambiki.
Joseph Bitilinyu, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical role the Global Fund has played in advancing diagnostic capabilities in Malawi.
He said: “Before the Global Fund’s assistance, we had to send samples to South Africa for testing pandemics like COVID-19 and cholera, which was costly. Now, the National Reference Lab is capable of diagnosing these pandemics on its own. Thanks to the Global Fund, we have four sites that can detect TB, enabling us to provide test results in time as well as targeted treatments. Similar support is offered for HIV treatments, helping us monitor patient responses in real time.”
Rhoda Banda, Deputy Manager of the Global Fund-Gavi Program Implementation Unit, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Malawi and the Global Fund.
“We’ve partnered with Malawi since 2002. With the current Cycle 7 support, the focus includes laboratory systems, which ensures sustainable support that complements the government’s efforts," Banda said.
The Global Fund team will continue their site visits on Wednesday, with planned tours of Matapira Health Centre for integrated services and CLM, as well as Nanthenje Health Centre, including its CSCP program and mobile van services.
Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” looks forward to showcasing its achievements and progress in healthcare at the upcoming Global Fund Board Meeting.
