By Yanjanani Mendulo

Chiradzulu, May 18, Mana: Susan Kachione has emerged victorious in the recent Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections for Nyungwe Constituency, securing 238 votes against her closest challenger, Dayan Mitumbili, who got 225 votes.

Kachione, who lost twice in primary elections in the past, said she was finally happy with the victory, adding that her “never say die” spirit prompted her to keep on trying.

“This is something I’ve been waiting for. I stayed strong even though I lost before; I am ready to serve the people,” she added.

Mitumbili however, challenged the results, saying the elections had many anomalies that needed to be investigated.

Margaret Kumbemba Chakachadza, MCP monitor, told Malawi News Agency that party officials will investigate the complaints.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, May 17, Mana: The Young Christian Workers (YCW) organization, which is part of the Catholic Church, donated various items to Maula Prison in Lilongwe over the weekend.

 The charity work aims to encourage inmates socially and spiritually, in line with the organization’s motto, “See, Judge, Act, Reflect”.

Speaking during the event, YCW President Patrick Maele explained that the organization’s motto inspired the charity work, focusing on charity activities, prayer, and social life.

 “We are still in the Easter season, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, so it pleased us to come here and celebrate with the inmates,” he said.

“We started celebrating with a holy mass to encourage them that we are together spiritually,” Maele added.

Youth Chaplain in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Father Jean Jessie, acknowledged the challenges inmates face and emphasized the importance of charity events to fulfil Jesus’ command to feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty.

“All YCW members and others must visit prisoners and interact with them spiritually or socially. We started with a holy mass, which is the most prominent for Catholic believers, as it is the first and last prayer that can encourage and unite all Christians together without considering where they are”, he said.

The Chairperson of the St. Dennis parish church at the prison commended the YCW members for their love and kindness.

 “The coming of the YCW members has shown us love, kindness, and unity by bringing comfort, hope, and joy that we are together in Christ Jesus spiritually,” he said.

The organization donated items worth a million kwacha, and about seven deaneries attended the event, including Maula deanery, Mchinji deanery, Ntchisi deanery, Dowa deanery, and Mtima Woyera deanery, among others.

By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, May 17, Mana: Teachers in the Central East Education Division (CEED) have been urged to work with dedication and discipline in order to achieve good educational outcomes including improved learners' performance.

Deputy Director for Secondary Education, Samuel Chibwana said this on Friday in Kasungu District when he presided over the awards of best teachers and students for the 2024 academic year in the CEED.

He said dedication and discipline are key traits for those entrusted to impart knowledge to learners and create a supportive and engaging environment suitable for learning.

“This is why we are giving out these awards today in recognition of the excellent work you did and we are double sure that once we equip you with the necessary resources and expertise, we will achieve the desired educational outcomes.

“However, we plead with you to avoid complacency because of this recognition, instead, this should encourage you to work harder,” Chibwana said.

Cosmas Chintowe from Chayamba Secondary School emerged as the overall winner and could not hide his excitement after receiving a six-inch double mattress and a trophy.

He said: “My desire was to become one of the best teachers in the region and I am excited that I have finally made it.

“Most of the time we lack teaching and learning materials but a wise teacher will always be resourceful, striving to bridge such a gap by improvising learning materials that could still make the learners understand the gist of the lesson.”

Loyola Jesuit Secondary School defended its status as the best national secondary school in the division including Nkhamenya Girls and Robert Blake Secondary schools.

Kafukule Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) claimed the best CDSS prize while Nkhotakota Secondary School was recognized as the best district boarding secondary school.

CEED Acting Education Division Manager, Charles Mthothe thanked Standard Bank, FDH Bank and Pinnacle, a microloan financial institution, for supporting the annual awards ceremony which he said has helped improve performance in the division.

The activities started with a procession from CEED headquarters to Chankhanga CDSS.

By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Chairperson of the Non-Communicable Diseases Malawi (NCDM), Maud Mwakasungula, has stressed the urgent need for government to prioritise raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving access to treatment in order to reduce the prevalence of hypertension in the country.

Her comments come as preparations are underway to commemorate World Hypertension Day, which takes place on May 17th each year.

Mwakasungula acknowledged government's efforts through the Ministry of Health (MoH) to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension.

"Through this commitment, community-based screenings, early detection campaigns, and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles are helping to bring essential health services closer to people, especially those in rural communities," she stated.

As part of this year's campaign, the NCD Alliance Malawi is calling on all Malawians to take simple yet powerful steps to protect their health.

"Everyone is encouraged to check their blood pressure regularly, maintain a healthy diet with less salt and fat, exercise frequently, avoid tobacco and alcohol, manage stress, and follow medical advice when undergoing treatment," she said.

She then appealed to health workers, local leaders, civil society, and policymakers to collaborate in raising public awareness and expanding access to quality blood pressure monitoring services.

"Together, we can reduce the burden of hypertension and build a healthier nation. World Hypertension Day is, therefore, not just a day of reflection; it is a call to action. By making small changes in our daily habits and supporting stronger health systems, we can save lives, prevent suffering, and help millions of Malawians live longer with well-managed lives,” Mwakasungula said.

She stressed that the NCD Alliance Malawi joins the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the global community in commemorating World Hypertension Day 2025.

"This year's theme, 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer', serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment in preventing complications caused by hypertension,” she said.

Commenting on the development, Adrian Chikumbe, spokesperson for Malawi's Ministry of Health, highlighted that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major non-communicable disease and a significant public health concern in Malawi.

He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to manage the condition stating that key strategies include promoting preventive behaviours such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking.

Chikumbe then urged individuals aged 40 and above to regularly check their blood pressure and ensure that blood pressure measurement becomes a routine part of hospital visits.

Additionally, he affirmed the availability of medication for managing hypertension in public health facilities.

The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance - Malawi (NCD Alliance Malawi) is a national civil society network with a shared goal of reducing the burden of preventable morbidity, disability, and avoidable deaths due to non-communicable diseases and injuries that impact the health of Malawians.

By George Mponda

Karonga, May 16, Mana: Karonga Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Kelvin Mulezo, has urged political party youth leaders in the district to help prevent political violence in a move to foster peace and unity ahead of the September 16, 2025 general elections.

Mulezo said this on Friday at Karonga Police Station during an engagement meeting with youth leaders from various political parties in the district.

He said police is a neutral institution committed to maintaining law and order.

"I would like to appeal to youth leaders to be ambassadors of peace in their respective parties and to discourage confrontational rhetoric and violence. You are the bridge between your party leaders and the community. If you preach peace, your followers will do the same,” Mulezo said.

He said there are legal consequences of inciting violence, destruction of property, and intimidation of political opponents hence the need to stay away from such issues.

"Police will not tolerate any actions that threaten public safety, regardless of the political affiliation of the perpetrators. The law will be applied fairly and without fear or favour,” he warned.

Representatives from the political parties welcomed the dialogue and praised the police for initiating the conversation.

Youth Coordinator for Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu (OZAM), Simeon Sukumbawa, said such engagements help build trust between law enforcers and communities.

 “It is important that we see the police not as enemies, but as partners in development and democracy. However, we have seen selective justice in past incidents, where certain individuals were not held accountable due to political connections, and this should stop," Sukumbawa said.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Youth Coordinator for Karonga, Limbani Chilongo, said their party is dedicated to maintaining peace during and after elections.

"Youth involvement in election violence can lead to harm, injury, or even loss of life and as a party, we always make sure we are promoting peace in order to help prevent such incidents in Karonga," Chilongo said.

The meeting brought together representatives from various political parties, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD).

By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, May 16, Mana: As heavy rains persist in Mzuzu City, the number of households rendered destitute has increased to 90 with Msongwe, Mchengautuwa East and West, and Chibavi wards being the hardest hit.

Disaster Risk Management Officer who is also Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu City Council, MacDonald Gondwe, said in an interview on Friday that majority of the assessed households have lost all food items and shelter.

“We have also received reports that some houses have also been damaged in Masasa, Luwinga, Chibanja and Chiputula residential areas.

“Since the rains are not showing any signs of subsidising, we expect more victims in dire need of support particularly tents, plastic papers, kitchen utensils, food and psychosocial counselling,” said Gondwe.

A member of Ward Disaster Risk and Management Committee in Mchengautuwa West Ward, Ezekiel Nyirenda, confirmed that one person has sustained minor injuries after his house collapsed on him. 

“So far, only one person has registered a minor injury, but we fear for women and children who suffer more during these circumstances especially in the absence of shelter and food,” he said.

District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba North, who also oversees Mzuzu City, Hellen Simwaka, said her office is in touch with child protection officers in the affected wards to conduct assessments and offer psychosocial support.

“We are aware that during troubled times like these, psychosocial support is very crucial in ensuring timely recovery of the victims hence we are working hand in hand with the city council as well other stakeholders to ensure the victims get timely support,” said Simwaka.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) and Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to  empower young people through digital innovation.

Speaking Friday during the signing of the MoU at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, NYCOM Executive Director, Rex Chapota, said the partnership aims to unlock the full potential of Malawi's youth in driving innovation, creating jobs, and building a knowledge-based economy.

"If we want an innovative and competitive Malawi, we  must trust and invest in youth-led innovation," he said.

Chapota said the partnership will focus on expanding digital access and literacy by providing young people a cross all districts with digital skills and access to technology and strengthening innovation ecosystem by collaborative programming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among youth.

According to Chapota, the partnership aligns with the Malawi 2063 and the UN global pact for the future emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in sustainable development.

"By empowering young people through digital innovation, NYCOM and MACRA aim to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Malawi," he said.

MACRA’s Muuni Fund Team Leader, Wezzie Salima, said the partnership aims to address lack of access to digital opportunities faced by many Malawian youths.

"We are very happy to have signed this agreement with NYCOM as we have previously worked together before," she said.

Salima said, through the partnership, more youth are expected to have access to digital opportunities and benefits of the digital economy.

"Young people will be empowered through digital skills and opportunities, enabling them to participate in the digital economy," she said.

The partnership between MACRA and NYCOM is a step towards bridging the digital divide and promoting digital innovation among Malawian Youth.

By Alice Ndunya

Machinga, May 16, Mana: Machinga District Council and  the Coalition of People Living with HIV held a clean up exercise at the councils offices in Liwonde on Thursday to ensure cleaner and safer work environment against diseases that spread through poor hygiene.

The Council’s  Environmental Desk Officer, Andrew Kaitano Hamuza, said the exercise is one of the ways to set pace for good hygiene in public places and ideal way to deal with poor hygiene and improper disposal of waste.

"We struggle with numerous diseases due to negligence in taking care of our surroundings, including our workplaces. Everyone should take up the responsibility to clean up places,” he said.

He, however, expressed concern that some residents fail to adhere to cleanliness of their premises.

Hamuza disclosed that Machinga District Council plans to erect fences around dumping sites for proper waste disposal in the wake of Mpox.

“Proper hygiene can lower risk of Mpox infection. For this reason, plans are there to erect fences around our dumping sites including those in the market place,” he added.

District Coordinator for Coalition of People Living with HIV, Sakina M'dala, said the coalition saw it necessary to collaborate with the council in ensuring cleaner and safer work place.

“We want to prove that living with HIV does not limit one from participating in activities of public importance. This is the reason we set aside some days in a month to clean up  public places in the district,” she said.

Machinga District Council member of staff, Ujisi Sadick, was happy to be part of the clean up team saying her participation testified commitment for cleaner and infection free environment.