MANAonline
Drones to deliver health products too hard to reach areas in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, August 31, Mana; A drone delivery company called Village Reach has been authorized to start delivering lifesaving health products to health facilities in hard to reach areas in Karonga to ensure equitable access to health facilities.
Speaking during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting Thursday, Senior Programs Officer for Village Reach, Innocent Mainjeni, said the organization has for the past 20 years been working on how to improve transportation of vaccines, medical drugs and laboratory samples in low income countries.
“People who live in remote or hard to reach areas have difficulties in accessing medical products and services and Karonga, being a disaster prone district, the drone delivery service will play a vital role in ensuring that health care services are not an option but a right for all,” said Mainjeni.
He said the drone delivery system will overcome challenges, which are associated with infrastructure and logistics thereby optimizing supply chain systems for them to be more effective and reliable.
Mainjeni explained that the drones made by an Australian company, Swoop Aero, are capable of covering a distance of 100 kilometers carrying a package weighing a minimum of three kilograms.
Director of Social and Health Services (DHSS) for Karonga, Dr. David Sibale, said the initiative will mitigate challenges in transportation of drugs and other small health service related items to facilities, which are far from the district hospital.
“This will greatly assist in making sure that supplies are readily available in health facilities around Wiliro, Kayelekera and Kaporo.
“I would like to urge community members to have a positive attitude towards this initiative as sometimes people associate new innovations with misconceptions,” Sibale said.
Karonga CSO Network elects’ new chairperson
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, August 31, Mana: Karonga based civil society organisations (CSOs), on Friday elected Edgar Phiri as new chairperson the network in the district.
Phiri replaces Jabess Nyirenda who served on the post for the past two years.
In his acceptance speech, Phiri said there is need for CSOs in the district to align their programs with Malawi 2063 so that they offer effective complimentary role in achieving the country’s development blue print.
Phiri, who is also Executive Director for Ukhondo Services Foundation (USEF), was thankful to members of the network for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading them.
“I, therefore, promise to lead the network without bias by being transparent and accountable in my duties,” said Phiri.
Nyirenda said, during his tenure of office, the CSOs executive committee worked hard to help civil societies in the district mobilise funding from donors as well as collaborating with the district council in many projects.
“We are ready to offer advice to the newly elected executive to ensure the network’s smooth operations," said Nyirenda.
Man arrested for murder in NKhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
NKhata Bay, August 31, Mana: Police in NKhata Bay have arrested Levison Chikopa, 43, for allegedly killing a 41-year-old business woman, Memory Chirwa, in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Fukamalaza in NKhata Bay.
Spokesperson for NKhata Bay Police, Kondwani James, said Chirwa went missing on August 16, 2024.
"When the matter was reported at Chintheche Police Post, we intensified investigations that led to the arrest of the suspect by Sharpevalle Police in Ntcheu where he fled to on August 23 and was handed over to Nkhata Police on August 28," said James.
According to James the suspect told the police that he killed the woman together with his accomplice populary known as Mpezepeze who is still at large.
James added that the two enticed the woman to buy cheap rice at Kaulabwe where they did the evil act.
Further investigations reveal that the suspects robbed the deceased of her money before killing her.
Chikopa then, on August 29, led the police to where they damped the body within Kaualambwe area.
He has since been charged with robbery and murder.
Meanwhile, police in the district are urging community members to help in providing information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect.
Chikopa hails from Jordan 2 Village in the area of TA Ganya in Ntcheu District.
Fomo FC out of the relegation zone
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 31, Mana: Mulanje based, Fomo FC have increased their chances of staying in the TNM Super League after a 1-0 victory when they visited fellow strugglers Bangwe All Stars on Friday at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
The lions of Sapitwa have secured their first away win of the season, which helped them move to safer zone on the log table.
It was a balanced affair as both teams displayed good football and create chances but it was the visiting team that found the back of the net after 25 minutes of play.
Fomo FC took the lead through Hassan Hussein who headed home Hassan Luwembe’s well-crafted cross beating Bangwe All Star’s shot stopper Precious Mlotiwa.
The home team pushed for an early equalizer through Bright Munthali and James Msowoya but the visitor’s defence was very organized and the game went to half time with the visitors leading 1-0.
At the break, Bangwe All Stars made three changes bringing in Gabinho Daud, James Tambwali and Shukulan Goba to replace Kondwani Chilembwe, Bright Munthali and Beston Jimu respectively.
The second half was barren as both teams failed to convert their chances into goals and after playing 90 plus added minutes, the game still ended 1-0 in favor of the lions of Sapitwa.
After the game Fomo FC Coach, Elvis Kafoteka, praised his charges for the win saying that it was a difficult match and they have shown the fighting spirit.
“Let me congratulate the boys for the fighting spirit because they have done what we taught them in training, I think it is better that we take this win as a stepping stone so that we should continue working hard because the battle is still on and we are not safe,” Kafoteka added.
On his part, Bangwe All Stars Head Coach, Rodgers Yasin, accepted the defeat saying that it was not their day.
“It is very unfortunate that we have lost this game, we were not supposed to lose but that is how football goes. We will work out and see how we will go because we still have more games,” he said.
For his outstanding display, Fomo FC Midfielder, Chembezi Chihoma, was voted man of the match.
This means that Fomo FC has moved from number 14 to 13 with 18 points after playing 19 games while Bangwe All Stars remain on position 15 with 12 points from the same number of games.
Do not sell relief items, beneficiaries advised
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, August 31, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has advised households who have received assorted relief items in Karonga against selling them but rather use them for the intended purpose.
Operations Coordinator for MRCS, Loius Solomon, was speaking Friday during a distribution exercise of relief items which included solar powered lights, blankets and mats to 100 households who survived floods at Nyungwe in the area of Traditional Authority Mwilang’ombe.
“We have targeted the needy such as the elderly, child-headed families and people with disabilities so that they are cushioned in one way or another.
As such, our expectation is that you who have received these items will use them for the intended purpose,” Solomon said.
He was optimistic of more support to the survivors in complimenting government’s efforts to ensure that affected households rebuild their lives and live normally.
One of the beneficiaries, Rista Mwafulirwa, urged other organizations to emulate the gesture as there are still more needy people who were affected by floods last year.
“These items have come at a time we needed them most. The floods affected us greatly and this assistance will improve our day to day life. My house will have solar lighting now which I could not afford to buy on my own,” said Mwafulirwa.
MRCS is implementing Flood Response Project with funding from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The project is expected to reach out to 724 beneficiaries in Karonga.
NICE encourages women to pursue political positions in 2025 elections
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, August 31, Mana: The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has called upon women across the country to contest for elective political positions in the 2025 General Elections saying they have potential to transform the country.
NICE Executive Director, Gray Kalindekafe, said studies show that women are more development conscious, less corrupt and understand societal needs better hence the need to put them in key leadership positions.
He made the remarks on Friday at Neno Community Hall during orientation of trainers (ToT) of trainers for the Gender Technical Working Group in Neno as part the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nthawi Yawo Project which NICE Trust is implementing in partnership with Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS).
“The need for more women in public office and electoral positions is rooted in our democratic principles which emphasizes majority rule. Women make up a significant portion of our population and women have a reputation of honesty and address community needs,” Kalindekafe said.
He observed that women's participation in political leadership is not just a matter of fairness but crucial for national development, saying women have unique perspectives, experience in decision-making and provide solutions to various social challenges.
Kalindekafe, therefore, pointed out the role of ToT in this mission, stating they are crucial, as they will pass on the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for female aspirants to navigate the political landscape successfully.
Neno District Council Gender Officer, Gertrude Mphande, expressed hope that the training will help new female aspirants to better understand on ways of wining electorates’ trust for a good vote.
“Neno currently lacks female parliamentarians and ward councilors. This training could be a step towards electing female MPs or ward councilors. More awareness campaigns are needed to change perceptions of women in politics,” she said.
Since Malawi adopted multiparty democracy in 1994, the number of women in politics has significantly increased. Women representation in the national assembly has grown from 5.65 percent in 1994 to 22.92 percent in recent years.
Despite challenges such as cultural barriers, economic constraints, political violence and intimidation, NICE, CCSS, and UNDP remain committed to support all efforts meant to increase women participation in politics by providing the necessary resources and support.
The one year, Nthawi Yawo project aims to empower women aspirants with knowledge and skills in resource and community mobilization and public speaking.
The project also seeks to provide leadership skills to enable women aspirants run successful 2025 campaign to increase the number of women in elective positions at both council and national assembly.
MACRA introduces National Addressing System in Machinga
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, August 31, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is set to introduce National Addressing System (NAS) in Machinga where houses will be numbered, streets and buildings named for efficient goods and service delivery.
MACRA Director of Postal and E-Commerce, Kondwani Katchika, disclosed this on Friday at Liwonde, Machinga during stakeholders meeting with District Executive Committee members, traditional leaders and other district civil society organizations.
He said Malawi does not have comprehensive addressing systems that can easily identify a person by street, building or a house.
He expressed concern that the gap affects delivery of services in time of emergencies.
Katchika said following the Communication Act of 2016, Section 124, MACRA is mandated to manage and regulate addresses and postal codes.
He said there is need for Malawi to have a system that should number houses and buildings, name streets and other infrastructures for easy identification to improve service delivery.
“We had traditional addresses but they are not matching with the economic developments that are happening worldwide.
“With the coming of NAS, people now understand why we need the system. There are times when a person purchases a product online and get stuck when asked where to put postcode,” Katchika said.
He appealed to people to avoid vandalizing all physical features that will be installed along streets, saying such features will be installed to easily assist in locating people and places.
Senior Chief Mposa hailed MACRA for introducing the system saying growing population and increased number of infrastructure warrant a comprehensive addressing system as is the case with other countries in the Southern African.
“With the growing population and a lot of infrastructural development, traditional system is not ideal to locate a person or a place. It becomes time consuming and very involving for service providers to reach exact destinations in time of emergences,” Mposa said.
He, therefore, pledged that chiefs in Machinga will play a significant role in raising awareness on the importance of NAS to their subjects so that they should understand and embrace the system.
NAS benefits includes, provision of verified proof of residence and increased accuracy in population and housing census information collection as a result of accurate numbering and naming of physical infrastructures.
30 houses destroyed over chieftaincy wrangles in Lilongwe
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, August 31, Mana: 30 houses have been destroyed in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Lilongwe district after a fracas erupted between community members from Masula and Mvula villages over chieftaincy wrangles.
Lilongwe District Commissioner Lawford Palani has confirmed the development saying the incident happened Thursday when Senior Chief Kalolo passed judgment which the people of Mvula village were not happy with, and decided to burn down houses and destroying properties.
Currently, 22 houses have been destroyed in Masula village and Eight in Mvula village.
SOFF to continue supporting needy students
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, August 31, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has appreciated all donor partners who are supporting Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) in Malawi.
The First Lady made the remarks Friday during the Presidential Together for Tomorrow Appreciation Dinner at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
She said they thought it wise to organise the dinner as a way of celebrating the financial and material support which SOFF has been receiving from different organisations to enable them assist needy girls and boys in schools.
“Since 2020, SOFF has reached out to over 2,744 girls and boys in various primary, secondary and tertiary, supporting them with fees and various other educational needs.
“As SOFF we appreciate the support we receive from our partners which has helped us to improve livelihoods of needy children for them to have access to education,” she said
Madame Chakwera, therefore, urged all donor partners to continue working with SOFF so that they reach to as many vulnerable children’s possible in the country.
Director of Programs for Plan Malawi, Janet Chidothi, applauded SOFF for its efforts to improving education by supporting needy girls and boys in Malawi.
“As an organisations that advances children rights and equality of education for girls, we are committed to work with SOFF to ensure that children have access to education from primary, secondary and tertiary levels,” said Chidothi.
One of the beneficiaries, Winnie Kiombo, said SOFF has helped her acquire education as she has been selected to the university.
SOFF aims to promote the holistic development of rural girls and street children through education in Malawi.
Malawi in need of assistive devices for athletes
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) said it requires assistive technology to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in the Paralympics.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, President of the committee, James Chiutsi cited that prices of mobility devices such as wheelchairs are costly such that most persons with physical disabilities feel they cannot participate in sports, as they cannot afford them.
“We do not have a partner presently who can take up these expenses. At times we have failed to access simple walking sticks and when it comes to prosthesis equipment it is tough for us to purchase them,” Chiutsi stated.
He added that those who render support usually priorities persons with disabilities who already rely on assistive devices for their livelihood.
At the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games held from August 28 to September 8, Malawi is represented by visually impaired athletes.
“For visually impaired athletes at least they just need glasses and eye ointment among others which is not that costly as compared to other assistive equipment,” Chiutsi added.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have joined forces to highlight transformative impact of assistive technology on sports during the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
This initiative will be carried out under ‘Equipped for Equity’ campaign, emphasizing crucial role of assistive technology for Paralympic athletes to advocate for concerted global action to improve access to these essential health products.
In a joint statement released on August 28, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the role that assistive equipment plays in aiding Paralympic athletes.
“Around the world, many people still do not have access to crucial assistive technology, due to its high cost and low availability. We call on governments, donors, and civil society to prioritize these neglected but critical products, by integrating them in primary care programmes as part of their journey towards universal health coverage,” Ghebreyesus said in the statement.
Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, noted, "The Paralympic Games are one of the few global events that place persons with disabilities at the forefront, showcasing how assistive technology enables athletes to compete at the highest level. These technologies allow them to redefine what is possible in sports and inspire millions around the world.”
Locally, MPC has been working on a project known as Para-sport Against Stigma where they provide assistive technology such as eyeglasses and hand devices among others.
WHO estimates that access to assistive technology remains severely limited in many parts of the world, with more than 2.5 billion people in need of assistive technology across the world.
