MANAonline
MCGs crucial in vaccine advocacy
By Tamala Kamanga
Dowa, September 13, Mana: The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has said Mother Care Groups (MCGs) are crucial in promoting vaccine advocacy especially amongst children in the rural areas.
MHEN Regional Chair, Gift Mwale made the remarks on Thursday in Dowa during a media tour to appreciate progress of the GAVI vaccine alliance, Extended Immunization Programme (EIP).
He said in Dowa, EIP coverage was at 65 percent, but the district has now achieved the set target of 85 percent.
Mwale said the successful implementation of the EIP hugely depended on the formation of MCGs in rural health centers in the district by MHEN, which he then said should be utilized in promoting vaccine absorption in rural areas.
"MCGs are vital because as mothers, they already have the natural love and care for the well-being of children and their communities.
"So, our organization provide advocacy trainings to the MCGs for them to understand the importance of vaccine and immunization to a child, and make sure that they know all the types of immunization that are provided to children and their importance.
"We encourage them to go into their communities and advocate for leaders and the general community to take lead in immunization issues,” he said.
Mwale added that MHEN has also empowered MCGs to engage with duty bearers in taking initiatives to bring developments in their communities like construction of under-five clinics and HSA's houses in their communities.
Chinkhwiri Health Centre MCG Chairlady, Ephrida Gwani said community mobilization is one of the important aspects they undertake to ensure every child is immunized.
"A day before the outreach clinic, we conduct mobilization exercises in our communities. And during outreach days, we use cards to identify children and follow up those who have not showed up to make sure they also get immunized in good time.
"But we do this voluntarily, and in doing that we face some challenges like lack of equipment such as scales, and also transport when going to submit our monthly reports," said Gwani.
While appreciating the MCGs, Group Village Head Zakaliya from Senior Chief Msakambewa said the formation of MCG in his area has changed people's mindset on issues of immunization.
Also, they have benefited with the Chinkanda under-five clinic structure built by community members in collaboration with Mudzi Wathu Connect.
In his remarks, coaching technician for Dowa district hospital, Maxwell kapiseni appreciated MHEN for the formation of MCGs in the district.
"If we look at the data that we have now, these MCGs have played a very significant role in uplifting vaccine coverage because we are doing much better than before.
"On our part, we have a good number of refrigerators that can be installed in rural areas that have no electricity but must have a recommended structure of under-five clinics and a Health Surveillance Assistant house,” he said.
The media tour visited Chinkhwiri health centre in Traditional Authority Chakhaza, Dzoole health centre in Traditional Authority Dzoole and Msakambewa health centre in Traditional Authority Msakambewa.
Chakwera meets a delegation of creative and cultural industries
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, September 13, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Friday hosted a delegation of practitioners in creative and cultural industries in Malawi at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre where he said passing of National Arts and Heritage Council Bill in Parliament was a clear testimony of his administration's commitment to promote the creative and cultural sector.
“My desire to meet with you today is meant to demonstrate my readiness to bring stakeholders together so that we should deal with challenges the sector faces," he said, citing the government's readiness to look into taxes that affects the creative and cultural sector, continued renovation of cultural arts centers.
The president said appointment of Special Advisor on Creative Industries, Qabaniso Malewezi was another testimony that ensures government’s collaboration with the creative and cultural industries in Malawi.
In his remarks, the Presidential Special Advisor on Creative Industries commended President Chakwera for hosting the delegation saying this created a rare opportunity to discuss issues that affect the industry and also provided room to discuss solutions to the challenges.
Leader of delegation, Zilanie Gondwe said Malawi is part of Africa's rich cultural diversity that need to be supported by the state, adding that creative and culture industries were key to Malawi culture and socio-economic development.
“Creative and Cultural Industry is a powerful sector. We in the industry embrace national pride and we cannot do that without creative and cultural industries,” she said.
During the interaction, presentations were made focusing on research and academia on creative arts, significance of arts associations, creative enterprises and digital media and future and economic significance of arts festivals in Malawi.
Among other areas, the delegation recommended speedy revocation of Blantyre Arts Cultural Center, reduction of taxes on art and music equipment and further called government’s interventions to make things conducive for the creative and cultural industries to be competitive globally.
Among associations that attended the Sanjika Palace meeting were: Musicians Association of Malawi, National Theatre Association of Malawi, Fashion Association of Malawi, Visual Arts, of Malawi, Malawi Union of Academic and Nonfiction Authors and, Journalists Union of Malawi.
At the beginning of the meeting, a minute silence was observed in honour of Lucius Banda who until his death this year, was Presidential Advisor on Arts.
A 31 years old Blessing Chilunga of Lilongwe presented his own made acoustic guitar to President Chakwera to show his appreciation for hosting the delegation but also to drum his support on creative and cultural industries.
With the bill, the young man said was looking forward to enhanced arts heritage and culture with music as one of key components.
He expressed excitement about the growth of his acoustic guitar-making business and optimistic that, despite being a small-scale operation currently, it will play a larger role in Malawi's music industry.
Ministry of Health honors top districts for immunization efforts
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, September 17, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, presented awards to the top-performing districts and emphasized the importance of recognizing hard work in enhancing service delivery.
She made these remarks as the Ministry of Health celebrated outstanding districts in immunization services at a ceremony held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
"We can only come together to celebrate ourselves; no one can do it for us. Recognizing hardworking districts motivates people and helps improve service delivery," she said.
Daudi urged districts to continue sharing best practices and congratulated the awardees: Rumphi, Nkhotakota Central East, Ntcheu Central, Balaka South East and Blantyre.
Daudi also encouraged health workers to maintain their high standards and stressed the vital role of immunization in preventing diseases. The ceremony aimed to honor achievements and inspire further improvements in immunization coverage.
Director of health services for Rumphi District Council, Arnold Jumbe, echoed similar sentiments in his remarks, praising the government's initiative. He credited his district's success to effective collaboration and teamwork among disease control services.
Jumbe also underscored the significant contribution of the community, noting their involvement in organizing and bringing children for immunization.
The event highlighted the crucial role of immunisation in safeguarding against vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting child survival and development.
MHC predicts 25-50 thousand homes built via partnership
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, September 13, Mana: Malawi Housing Corporation has disclosed that they expect to build 25,000 to 50,000 houses through their partnership with Al-Bader International Development Company of Kuwait.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), on Friday in Lilongwe, Chairperson for Malawi Housing Corporation, Jaleck Kachipanda said government envision to construct 250 thousand houses through different stakeholders and their partnership with the company of Kuwait marks a milestone for the 250 flagship project.
“We cannot give them the entire 250,000, but of course during our initial discussions, we are talking about 25,000 to 50,000 houses,” Kachipanda said.
He said that government embarked on a project to address issues of growing demand for housing due to the population growth and urbanization and to achieve Malawi 2063 agenda of transforming the nation into an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.
“The Corporation is challenged by limited stock of housing units (6,000) coupled with unprecedented levels of population growth which is 2.8 percent per year with current estimated population of 20 million.
“And government is embarking on transforming the country into an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation by the year 2063. So government of Malawi challenged MHC to build 250,000 housing units in the next 10 years through the application of environmentally friendly construction technologies,” he said.
Senior Advisor of the Chairman for Al-Bader International Development Company of Kuwait, Abdelazeem D.Abd El Rahim said they are committed to participate in the country’s sustainable development.
“We are hoping also not only to implement this project, we are looking forward also to implement other projects because there are advantages involved in infrastructure implementation and funding of infrastructure projects.
“So we are hoping also to receive other projects, study them and also implement them and participate in the sustainable development of the country,” El Rahim said.
MHC has earmarked sites in the four cities of the country namely Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu.
MACRA applause phasing out of airtime scratch cards
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, September 13, Mana: The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has endorsed the decision to phase out airtime scratch cards, calling it a significant step in Malawi’s digital transformation.
Speaking at an awareness campaign at Ligowe Market in Neno on Friday, MACRA Consumer Affairs Manager, Hatchson Mkwapatira said the move aligns with the authority's green initiative while supporting the country's push towards a fully digital economy.
Mkwapatira noted that telecommunications operators are not concerned by the transition, as they expect increased profits.
He added that previously, operators had to import scratch cards, adding mark-ups to cover costs but digital airtime sales are expected to be more efficient.
"We are here to inform the public about the elimination of scratch cards. We have agreed with telecom operators such as TNM and Airtel Malawi Plc that by December 31st of this year, scratch cards will no longer be sold. This is a move towards digital airtime purchases," Mkwapatira explained.
He urged Malawians to embrace digital methods for buying airtime such as TNM Mpamba, Airtel Money and other platforms offered by banks and mobile operators.
In May this year, MACRA pledged to collaborate with telecom providers to establish a widespread network of distribution points ensuring even the most remote areas of Malawi have access to digital airtime services.
The Authority assured that mobile money agents, community centers, retail outlets and other convenient locations would facilitate digital recharges ensuring that no one is left without essential communication services.
"The decision to eliminate scratch cards considered the geographical spread of users and we have ensured that everyone, whether in rural areas or urban centers can access airtime through mobile Apps or USSD codes which rely on GSM networks," Mkwapatira added.
In a related development, MACRA has cautioned consumers against engaging with unlicensed operators in the postal sector, warning that doing so could complicate the resolution of grievances.
Airtel Malawi Plc Managing Director, Charles Kamoto, speaking on behalf of the Association of Telecommunications Operators emphasized that the initiative was aimed at accelerating digital transformation and promoting financial inclusion for all Malawians.
When the phasing out of scratch cards was first announced in May, MACRA described the move as a significant leap into the digital age, underscoring the shift towards a more resilient, equitable and digitally empowered Malawi.
Motorcycle accidents kill 61 in Rumphi
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, September 13, Mana: Rumphi Police Traffic Office, Friday said about 61 people have been killed in motorcycle accidents in the district since January 2024.
Rumphi Police Station Traffic Officer (STO), John Nyangulu made the remarks in Rumphi when police trained motorcyclists on accident prevention.
Nyangulu said most of the accidents are caused by unlicensed riders, carrying passengers beyond capacity, speeding and riding while drunk.
"We have trained them to carry passengers according to capacity, avoid over speeding and ensure that their motorcycles are road worth. We have also tipped them to always wear long gloves, helmets and shoes to ensure their safety and passengers," said Nyangulu.
Chairperson for Rumphi Motorcycle Taxis Association, Wellings Chirambo said that the association will establish ways to enforce safety which they have acquired.
Earlier in September, District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu sounded an SOS asking stakeholders in the district to engage motorcyclists to tame increasing numbers of motorcycle accidents.
Police are expected to conduct the initiative in all major trading centers in the district.
Members of Parliament pass Bill of National Arts and Heritage
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe, September 13, Mana: Members of Parliament have today passed bill number 21 of 2024, National Arts and Heritage which aims at helping Malawian artists and Malawian cultural tribes opportunities to be recognized by the government.
In an interview, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Chimwendo Banda stated that the bill will play a critical role in unearthing the hidden Malawian talent hence promoting arts in Malawi.
"Sadly, Malawian artists have long overdue been underrated and given peanuts as compared to international artists that are given huge amounts when the events have been organized," he said.
"With this bill, the international artists will be allowed to register for about sixty days before events, but Malawian artists have unlimited time," he added.
Chimwendo emphasized that the cultural tribes must register with the government to avoid such groups that pretend as they belongs to certain culture.
Chimwendo highlighted that the registration will happen at one time and not every year and the government will not regulate the tribes.
"Sadly, members of Parliament are taking this bill for politics but the bill is going to build strong relationships between tribes across the country," he shared.
Meanwhile, the representative of the United Democratic Front, Esther Jolobala said the government must concentrate on arts and not cultural tribes noting that they have potential to divide groups of people in the country.
"The bill is partially good to artists but harms and encourages segregation to the tribes as the groups of tribes will fight for superiority," she said.
However, Jolobala acknowledged that the bill will help to alleviate the challenges local artists are facing during performance in both local and international performances.
Minister calls for accountability on children’s issues
By Patricia Kapulula
Lilongwe, September 13, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has expressed concern that the country continues to register cases of child rights abuse and violation despite having a lot of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders working in child rights.
She was speaking in Lilongwe on Friday during the swearing-in of commissioners for the National Children’s Commission (NCC).
She appealed to the newly sworn-in commissioners to ensure that there is accountability among stakeholders in safeguarding child rights and wellbeing.
“My message to you Commissioners is that; today you have assumed the overall coordination on all matters concerning children hence you are expected to hold different stakeholders accountable for failing to offer their services.
“I, therefore, expect positive action to achieve excellency in the provision of child rights,” she said.
She appealed to stakeholders implementing programmes related to children to ensure that resources meant for children’s programmes are put to good use and for the benefit of the children.
UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Gerrit Maritz, concurred with Sendeza saying despite having many institutions working on children’s issues and delivering great services, there has been no robust mechanism for accountability of institutions and the resources they receive.
He said the Commission will fill the existing gap of ensuring accountability towards the fulfilment of duties and obligations towards children.
“A dedicated body to coordinate actors working on children’s issues and monitor delivery of service is critical. The Commission is a very important body in as far as realization of child rights and promotion of their welfare is concerned,” he said.
The five-member Commission, which is chaired by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, will co-opt two children.
One of the commissioners, Benedicto Kondowe, said the Commission has a role to ensure that services that support the needs of children across the country are meaningfully promoted.
He said they will make sure that institutions working in the children's sector implement their programmes to meet the best interest of children.
“We have a role to ensure that every stakeholder complies with provisions of the law under the NCC Act. We believe that we can contribute towards bringing sanity in the children sector by making sure that NGOs are coordinated and are complementing their efforts,” Kondowe said.
The Commission plans to develop a plan of action to define priority areas in the sub-sector and hold a series of consultations and discussions with stakeholders to understand their challenges and limitations.
In 2019, government through Parliament enacted and gazzetted the NCC Act to monitor the implementation of child-related activities, protect and promote children’s rights programmes in the country.
Museum department installs weather station at Chongoni Art Rock in Dedza
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, September 13, Mana: The Department of Museums and Monuments has installed a K1.5 million weather station at Chongoni Rock World Heritage Site in Dedza District to preserve rock paintings by Akafula and the Chewa people dating back to 10- 12 AD.
Speaking Thursday, during a day-long disaster risk management training at the site Director of Museums and Monuments Lovemore Mazibuko said historical paintings and writings are among the popular tourism attractions worldwide adding Chongoni has received visitors from different parts of the world.
“The weather station will help us to monitor climatic condition of this area because weather has a direct impact on rock. Too much heat can cause rock participles to wear off especially when the heat is superseded by cooling within a short time,” he said.
He said the launch of the weather station and the training were part of the project called Community Involvement in the Management of Chongoni Rock Art supported by UNESCO, which enlisted Chongoni Rock as a world heritage site in 2006.
He said his department and communities will leave no stone unturned to preserve the 127 painting sites in Dedza and surrounding areas using a plantation of 2650 trees around the rock painting sites as an example.
Group village headman Chakachadza from the area of Senior Chief Kachere said the training will motivate people to appreciate the value of the sites and strive to preserve them.
He said he would sensitize fellow chiefs and communities to the importance of the sites citing job creation and trade among other benefits.
Headteacher for Chilamba Primary School Makaka Crifford Nkhoma hailed the initiative saying it plays a vital role in preserving the history of Akafula and Chewa people.
Other threats to the art rocks include deforestation, graffiti, birds dropping, animal grazing and smoke from fires made by communities in the curves.
The training focused on disaster preparedness, response, impact, recovery and mitigation.
People urged to embrace and support persons with albinism and the elderly
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, September 12, MANA: The Department of Civic Education has challenged people to embrace the importance of promoting the well-being of persons with albinism and the elderly citing that they are entitled to the same human rights like everyone else.
Speaking on Thursday during a public engagement at Chipoka Trading Centre, Principal Civic Education Officer in the Department of Civic Education Chrispin Kalaya echoed that persons with albinism and the elderly receive different forms of abuse from relatives, friends and other people instead of being protected.
"We noted reports from the media that Salima is registering cases of abuse of persons with albinism and the elderly. We felt the need to come here to engage people so that we raise awareness for the people to understand that even when people grow older they are still entitled to the very same rights that everyone enjoys”, he said.
Kalaya emphasized that their department aims to raise awareness for people to realize the need to respect and appreciate the presence of persons with albinism and the elderly instead of abusing or ill-treating them.
"We would like people to realize that even when someone grows old or if they have any sort of disability, in this case albinism, we are still entitled to the very same rights that every person enjoys so there is nothing special about them they are human beings, they are there to enjoy the very same rights that everyone enjoys," he added.
Kalaya further explained that when people are empowered with useful information cases of abuse against people with albinism and the elderly will be put to stop and things will be smooth for them just like anyone.
He said: "We want to empower people with this information so that they should act responsibly against potential victims of abuses.
On his part, an elderly man, Joshua Mwenye from Chilambula village in the area of Senior Chief Kambalame, said it is unfortunate and very sad that the elderly are neglected and abandoned by their children and relatives.
"We face many problems from our children, they always say we should help ourselves as they can't help us. For this reason, we lack support as you know we grow weak each day we can't work as we used to but instead of our relatives of children to help us some of them abandon us." He said.
Mwenye said it is sad to hear your child or relative calling you a witch because such allegations lead to abuses of the elderly in many ways that affect their lives.
"When we are called witches, it affects us in many ways. If we were witches, could we have managed to raise them to the levels they are today? I feel sorry for the mindset that young people have towards the elderly or persons with albinism because we are people who need their assistance more but instead, they torture or abuse us." He cried.
The Department of Civic Education is running a series of awareness campaigns across the country to mitigate abuse perpetrated against persons with albinism and the elderly.
