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Counting the cost of post abortion care
By Arnold Namanja
Blantyre, September 19, Mana: Febronia Chitsamba, 23, (not her real name) is a student at one of the public universities in the country and is faced with the dilemma of whether to continue her tertiary education or keep the pregnancy.
She was raped after getting drunk for the first time in her life at the overnight finale get- together by one of her ‘hopefuls.’ Apparently, this once-off encounter led into a conception.
These backstreet activities, nevertheless, end up at public hospitals since the law allows for post-abortion care which is also very expensive, regardless of the other factors.
Chitsamba’s situation mirrors the experience of many other girls and young women who have to procure an abortion, quite often in very clandestine and unsafe conditions at the mercy of untrained personnel and unsterile environment.
According to a study by the United States based Guttacher Institute and the Centre for Reproductive Health at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES), at least 141 000 abortions occurred in the country in 2020 at annual rate of 38 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age-all of which indicate that abortion is common in the country.
Malawi has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Statistics show that there is a one in 29 chance that a 15-year-old girl in the country will eventually die from a pregnancy-related condition.
Arguably, unsafe abortion is one of the major causes of maternal death in the country.
“Restrictive abortion laws don’t stop abortion from occurring, they just drive it underground, forcing women to resort to clandestine procedures which are unsafe,” Secretary General for the Coalition for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion (Copua), Francis Makiya said.
Over 144 000 girls and women in the country procure abortion every year. It is estimated that of the 144 000 women who abort, 60 percent of such cases result in complications.
By implication, these complications exert unnecessary pressure on government which continues risking losing billions of kwachas due to the delay of enactment of Abortion Law.
Additionally, statistics indicate that in 2002, 36 225 women and girls suffered from serious complications of unsafe abortion and sought post-abortion care treatment in government health facilities with Lilongwe alone registering 7 851.
Conversely, women and girls sustained complications from unsafe abortion and sought post-abortion care in 2002.
Research conducted by IPAS Malawi in 2022 revealed complications of post-abortion cases showed that the northern region was the highest with 61 induced abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-49 years with Blantyre registering 3,395 while Rumphi registered 569 post abortion cases.
Abortion is widespread and universal. In Malawi it is illegal but despite this, women still go for abortion. When a woman decides that she doesn’t want a pregnancy, she will do everything to terminate it.
The criminal law against abortion does not work neither does it prevent abortion. Instead, it kills women and places their health in danger by driving them to quacks or untrained persons.
Currently, termination of a pregnancy may be performed by certified health service providers only when the pregnancy will endanger the life of a pregnant woman which legal expert want ‘life in danger’ to be debated.
With these alarming figures, government is digging deeper in its coffers in treating post-abortion cases which could have been avoided if the law was enacted.
According to Chairperson for Copua, Mateyu Msisha, married women abort because of two possible factors.
He suggests the failure of contraceptives, on one hand and preservation of marriage on the other, especially for women whose husbands migrated forcing them to engage in extra marital affairs in the end.
Msisha asserts that abortion is a human right issue where women should be allowed to make independent decisions regarding their well-being, noting: “It is also a social justice issue where those from the rural areas and marginalized lack access to properly equipped abortion facilities.”
According to Msisha, the cost of post-abortion care is US$1 million (approximately K1.7 billion) per year or US$16 per simple procedure.
Recently, Machinga District Hospital nurse and psychosocial counsellor, Davison Mvula decried increasing unsafe abortion cases in the district.
“Post-abortion cases among the youth in the first half of 2024 are 430, compared with 310 recorded during the corresponding period in 2023,” he stated during a sexual reproductive health training for the youth advocates by Malawi SRHR Alliance.
Meanwhile, the report of the Law Commission on the review of the law on abortion published in March 2016, recommends the liberalization of the abortion law to ‘cater for certain justifiable instances where termination of a pregnancy should be allowed.’
Health workers say the survivors often present too late and in life-and-death conditions.
The complications of unsafe abortion account for up to 18 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the country, according to the Ministry of Health.
A Reproductive Health Expert and Researcher, Chisale Mhango said women with abortion complications endure untold misery and stigma.
“Safe abortion prevents these complications; it affords women the dignity of safely managing their reproductive choices,” he added.
A legal practitioner speaking during a media training in Blantyre, Yankho Mwandidya contended that large numbers of women who die from illegal induced abortion in the country each year would be converted to safe abortions upon legalization; hence, lowering the maternal mortality ratio as well as its related post-abortion care costs.
She advocated for modernization of the restrictive Abortion Law inherited from the Britain during independence in the 1960s, noting: “The law is harsh and severe. It condemns women to injury, health complications and death”.
Malawi Health Equity Network, Executive Director, George Jobe concured that unsafe abortion increases the risks of pregnancy-related deaths as well as the cost of post-abortion care in public health facilities.
“It is a fact that government is spending huge sums of money to provide care to women and girls who risk complications, most of which are life threatening due to unsafe abortion,” he stated.
On the other hand, Ipas, an international sexual and reproductive health think-tank, supports comprehensive abortion care through health systems strengthening, advocacy for policy reform and post-abortion care guidelines enforcement in all health facilities.
So, when all is said and done, until the current Abortion Law is reviewed, people like Chitsamba will still grapple with the dilemma of whether to take the path of abortion or not at the expense of post-abortion care costs being incurred by public health utilities.
Stevens Institute of Technology decorates Chakwera for eromoting education among the youth
By Arkangel Tembo, New York, USA
New York, September 20, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has commended Stevens Institute of Technology for showing great level of commitment to promoting educational exchange and collaboration between the United States (US)and Africa.
The State President made the remarks Thursday evening during the second Annual Africa – US Presidential Forum held in Hoboken, New Jersey in the United States of America (USA).
Chakwera was awarded a Presidential honorary award for his tireless efforts in promoting education among the youth in Malawi and Africa.
He said the forum is a great platform as it aims at equipping African youth with relevant skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics STEM and Artificial Intelligence in enhancing their employability and empowering them to drive the continent's progress.
"It pleasing to note that Malawian students will be admitted at this prestigious university to further their studies in various technological skills for the betterment of their country,” Chakwera said.
In his remarks, President of Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Nariman Farvardin, said the university organized the event in partnership with Nekotech Centre of Excellence to show it's commitment to foster technological innovation and educational excellence to ensuring a brighter future for Africa's next generation of leaders and innovators.
"This event as it aims at strengthening educational ties between Africa and US in ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of technological progress," Farvardin said.
Apart from the President Chakwera, some of the awardees of the Presidential Honorary Awards include, former President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda, Bio President of the of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada, and King Tackie Tsuru 2, President of the Ga State in Ghana.
A Malawian lady, Chipiliro Chisao also received graduate ambassador awards in the female category, while Brima Lakol from Sierra Leone received the same award in men category.
The Africa – US Presidential Forum, annually, brings together African presidents, US government officials, corporate leaders and dignitaries to discuss critical issues in strategic workforce training, with a focus on STEM education and AI-focused learning.
Stevens Institute of Technology is a premier private research university in Hoboken, New Jersey with a rich legacy of technological innovation.
Over 1,000 students are expected to benefit from the scholarship at Stevens Institute of Technology through Nekotech Centre of Excellence.
Partners For the North vows to create green collar jobs for youth
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, September 20, Mana: Partners For the North (PFN), a newly registered company, has vowed to support government in creating green collar jobs for the youth who have graduated from the country’s colleges and universities.
The company’s manager at Ekwendeni Operations Office, Masida Jere, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Thursday that the jobs will allow the youth to work at their comfort.
He said the initiative is meant to complement government efforts in creating jobs for the youths whom, many of them, are stressed and depressed due to idleness.
“As PFN, we are here to create jobs that the youths can do in the comfort of their homes and earn money to survive the current global economic challenges,” Jere said.
PFN has investment interests in mega farms, transportation, logistics, printing, stationery, bookshops, merchandise, publishing and supporting development projects in the Northern region.
The company has a current network of 50 youth who are engaged in sales, marketing, logistics, designing and business consultancy in Zomba, Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
One of the Lilongwe based youth, Caroline Phiri, hailed PFN for its commitment to creating green collar jobs for the youth in the country.
“A lot of youth who have graduated from colleges and universities are struggling to get employed hence PFN mission would assist to address unemployment among youths,” she said.
Minister impressed with National Rice Development Strategy II
By Prisca Mashushu
Lilongwe, September 19, Mana: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, has said is impressed with the official launch of the National Rice Development Strategy II (NRDS), saying it will boost markets within Africa as well as the potential to improve food security in the country.
Kawale made the remarks on Thursday, at cross-roads Hotel in Lilongwe.
The Minister said he was satisfied with the launch of the strategy saying it is a landmark towards boosting international markets within Africa, but also a potential to increase economy and food security.
He said his presence at the launch portrays his personal commitment as a minister of agriculture and the Malawi Government to promote rice farming, which he said has a significant potential to contribute to the national food security, economic growth and development of this country.
Kawale acknowledged that the launch was a historical landmark in the rice subsector, marking the beginning of the country's structured and harmonized approach to coordinating the rice value chain.
“As we know, rice is the second most important cereal crop after maize. That is why we need to intensify our efforts to increase productivity and production for sustainable food and income security at the household and national levels.
“The Malawi Government commits to creating a conducive environment for the rice sector to flourish, from production to marketing. I am glad that the Strategy touches on critical areas to support the growth of the rice sector, such as mechanization and large-scale commercial production, which is in line with His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s vision of developing Mega Farms,” he said.
He, however, commended the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) for technical and financial assistance in the development of the strategy, which aims to drive Malawi’s economic growth and food security through rice sector development.
Kawale also thanked Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for facilitating the development of the Strategy.
Chief representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Hazuhiro Tambara explained that the strategy will have the potential to bring foreign exchange and boost agriculture by creating a conducive environment for rice products.
“Japan will help Malawi to benefit symbiotically by providing mechanization and technology services that will ensure to boost rice production since people of Japan also takes rice as a staple food,” he said.
Encourage Malawians to access NEEF loans-Usi
By George Mponda
Karonga, September 19, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi has asked community leaders to encourage Malawians to obtain loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) which they can use to economically empower themselves.
Usi was speaking in Karonga during a consultative meeting with the district's community leaders which was organized by NEEF.
"What NEEF is doing is like worshipping God through service to mankind because most Malawians who got loans have experienced major changes in their lives and looking at the desired future for our country, which is a self-reliant nation, leaders should take leading roles encouraging Malawians to apply and repay the loans," Usi said.
"For a long time, Malawi has been grappling with man-made challenges and politics have been derailing us instead of helping us thrive. We need to rise above petty politics and avoid entertaining mediocrity by getting loans from NEEF an organization which is very relevant to the development agenda of our country," he added.
The Vice President noted that there is misinformation about NEEF loans among Malawians and yet there are many positive stories from beneficiaries of the fund who utilized it well.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa said it is high time Malawians parted ways with the dependency syndrome to be self-reliant citizens.
"As chiefs, we have a role to play of ensuring the economic empowerment of Malawians by ensuring that more citizens have access to this revolving fund which was established by government and also help make sure people are repaying the loans which they took from NEEF,” Kyungu said.
"This country has been politically independent since 1964 therefore we should strive to make sure that we are also economically independent. On this same note, let me warn politicians against advising people not to repay the loans thinking this is a government gift because that’s being unpatriotic,” he added.
At the meeting, Head of Operations at NEEF Kisa Kalolokesya said since NEEF was established, as of September 2024, they have disbursed K132.7 billion in loans benefitting over 182, 000 people throughout Malawi.
"Out of that, 22 percent was disbursed in the Northern Region with Karonga benefiting K 4 billion. However, we have been facing challenges in terms of late loan disbursements which we have since improved and now it takes not more than 30 days unless there are cash challenges,” said Kalolokesya.
He also bemoaned the tendency of some Malawians who continue to default loans thinking they are gifts from the government.
One of the beneficiaries of the NEEF loans from Karonga Maggie Kamchacha who is a farmer said she has been benefitting from the loans for a long time.
"This has increased my farm operations and as a woman my life has greatly been transformed. My advice to those who access the loans is to repay on time so that others should also tap into this life-changing money bag," said Kamchacha.
After meeting with Karonga leaders, Vice President Usi also visited Hara Irrigation Scheme where he inspected rice paddies and Hara Irrigation Scheme Cooperative's Rice Milling Factory.
All set for Southern Region Socials
BY Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, September 19, Mana: Nyasa Music Group in collaboration with Milly Entertainment has teamed up to host South African-based artist PCEE on September 28 at Malawi University of Business Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Ground in Blantyre under the theme: ‘Socialization for enhanced students’ holistic development.’
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Coordinator of the event, Holy Khobwe said the event aims to ensure social connection among university students as most of them think that they are rivals in nature and due to the delinked of universities the event brings mindset change by making them feel a sense of unity.
“The event will provide an opportunity for students from different universities like MUBAS, UNIMA, KUHES among other colleges to interact directly and share school survival tips, ideas and how to thrive by sharing resources.
“The show is relevant to the country at large as a source of entertainment by allowing different outsiders to learn to live as one. People should expect the best entertainment as this is just the beginning,” said Khobwe.
He added that they have involved international artists like PCEE to offer a lens by which entertainment lovers can view the world, interpret the experience of human beings in music and reach people who may not have been exposed to their work before.
PCEE is a well-known international artist with popular release tracks like Zotata, Kilimanjaro, Ngenze Ngama, Mama, among other songs and is expected to land in the country before the event together with Malawian-born South African record producer and singer, Gemin Major.
Some of the local artists who will spice up the stage include Namadingo, Zeze Kingston, Fada Moti, Kineo & Aidfest, Trappy Beats, Coodboy Cravity, Jay Zuli and Quotient alongside DJ Hype and DJ Flame on the deck.
One of the Amapiano artists who will perform on the day, Fada Moti said fans should expect a lot of energy from him, saying the hype of the audience will build up and determine a lot of morale, fireworks and energetic performances.
“Students, as well as people from all corners of Malawi, should make sure they attend the event as they will not go back the same due to well-cooked music which will relieve their stress making them have an amused life time,” said Moti.
In his remarks, UNIMA student, Charles Gwedeza, who is also a music top fan expressed gratitude with the international artist, citing that PCEE and Gemin Major music present emerging trends and thoughts through their vocal options which lead to mindset change.
“It’s time to experience the power and presence of outside country music, I am expecting the event to be far-reaching, inspired as their goal is to boost mindset change connection among students,” he said.
Stakeholders agree to protect Zomba and Malosa forest reserves
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, September 19, Mana: Different stakeholders in Zomba have agreed to take a decisive step towards protecting Zomba and Malosa forest reserves which are under threat from encroachment.
The two forest reserves are being encroached as well as being attacked through charcoal production and illegal harvesting.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting held at Malosa in Zomba, Assistant Forestry Manager for the Eastern Region, Blandina Manda said the rate at which people are encroaching on the two forest reserves and illegally harvesting pine trees posed a big threat to the district and the country at large.
Manda said despite efforts by the forestry department, the problem continues to grow and getting out of hand.
“People no longer worry about the effects of depleting the two forest reserves. However, our concern is that, due to climate change, we might face another calamity like that of Mulanje,” she said.
Manda, therefore, appealed for concerted efforts to arrest the problem.
First Grade Magistrate for Domasi Court, Eric Mchosa promised to give stiffer punishment to charcoal producers and everyone involved in the illegal harvesting of the forestry products in the two reserves.
Mchosa said having given a fine to some offenders, the practice continues and change seems inevitable.
“I am concerned as well and let me promise that from now onwards, I will not give lenient punishment,” Mchosa said.
On his part, Senior Chief Malemia pledged to deal with chiefs who are allowing people to settle in illegal and reserved places.
He said he would use his authority to evict all those who are farming and settling in reserved places.
“It is about time that we protected the two forest reserves,” he added.
During the meeting, stakeholders agreed to also work with cooperatives managing the forest and collectively deal with charcoal producers, encroachers and illegal forest timber producers.
Money-Men Club to host feasts of Flavours Food Festival
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, September 19, Mana: Money-Men Club in Blantyre is set to welcome the Feasts of Flavours Food Festival, an exciting event designed to celebrate food, culture and community.
The festival is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Co-organizer, Wilbes Kalima, said the festival aims to provide a unique platform for local vendors and entrepreneurs while creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
“This festival will feature a variety of local and international cuisines, live cooking demonstrations and vendor exhibitions, we also have live music performances and activities for children, along with photo booths and themed entertainment,” he said.
Kalima added that the festival promises a full day of engaging activities and culinary experiences, saying attendees should look forward to exploring a rich array of food options, enjoying live performances and participating in family-friendly activities.
“The event is designed not only to entertain but also to support local businesses and celebrate Malawi’s cultural heritage, festival-goers will have the opportunity to interact with local vendors and learn more about their products.
“The festival’s layout will ensure easy access to various attractions with clear signposts and accessible facilities,” he said.
One of the performers, Oath Chimphambano will be performing an acoustic set during the event.
“I have been preparing a great line-up of songs with my guitarist, attendees can expect a fantastic performance that will match the vibrant atmosphere of the festival,” Chimphambano said.
Entry fees are set at K4 000 for adults, K2 000 for children while kids under the age of three will walk in freely.
All set for MISA Fundraising Fun Run
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, September 19, Mana: in a significant way to raise awareness for the coming General Elections, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has organised a fundraising Fun Run on September 23 in Lilongwe.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Chairperson for MISA Malawi Golden Matonga said the aim of having the Fun Run is to promote peaceful coexistence between people of different political backgrounds.
“The public should know that as much as we can have different political opinions we are all Malawians and elections should not divide us,” said Matonga.
He added that, as MISA Malawi they hope that the election will be conducted in a free and fair.
“This Fun Run will mark the launch of the Chapter’s activities on elections that is why we have opened it to all politicians, journalists, communications and public relations practitioners, electoral stakeholders and ordinary citizens/voters so that we can come together and work for better elections,” he said.
Matonga further added that, MISA Malawi is currently constructing a training centre and through the Fun Run they want to raise funds to go towards the completion of the centre.
“We aim to raise K30 million so that it can help us to complete the training centre at Mtolankhani House in Lilongwe,” he stated.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba who is scheduled to be part of the event said, the Fun Run is important as it will help to disseminate information about the general election to the politicians and all citizens of the country.
“As we know media is the fourth arm of government and it plays a vital role in giving information, so coming in of this event it will help us as politicians from different parties to come together to ensure that the elections should be free and fair,” said Gumba.
The fun run will be held under the theme “Support media freedom: Claim your right to free speech and make the 2025 Elections free, fair and citizen-centred.
Umunthu drills Officers on Disaster Stores Management
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, September 19, Mana: Umunthu Plus, a non-governmental organization has conducted training on Strengthening the capacity of council officers and other stakeholders on store management of relief items, in preparation for emergency disasters in Nkhotakota District.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency on Wednesday after a three-day session, Umunthu Plus Organization Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Lumbani Mvula explained that they aim to impart skills and knowledge to officers at the district level so that they should be aware and know how to handle items properly when disaster strikes.
Mvula added that they will also conduct the same training in Nkhatabay and Karonga and have mainly targeted front-line officers from the secretariat council.
He said this has been done because they are the ones who are greatly involved in handling stores and distribution of items when an emergency comes.
“These officers at the council are more like the first responders to disaster scenarios and as such it is of utmost importance that they have proper technical knowledge of important aspects of stores and items management for smooth operations of relief materials,” said Mvula.
District Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Nkhotakota district George Zibophe said such training is important and is coming at the right time hence it is important to have members well equipped for smooth responses.
Umunthu Plus conducted the training with financial and technical support from the World Food Programme.
