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DHO to open Chipande Health Centre, Makata Maternity Ward Monday
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, January 17, Mana: Communities in Blantyre have expressed happiness with the construction of Chipande Health Centre in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Machinjiri, which is expected to serve about 18,000 people.
Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) has also rehabilitated a maternity wing at Makata Health Centre in T/A Makata in the district.
Both facilities are set to open on Monday January 21 next week, according to the Blantyre DHO spokesperson, Chrissy Banda.
Speaking during the final preparatory meeting at Makata Health Centre on Friday, Group Village Head Chilipa under T/A Makata said he was happy that mothers with under-five children and pregnant women will now access essential health care services close to their homes.
"Previously, pregnant women used to deliver in transit because they couldn't endure traveling to Mlambe Hospital due to the long distances, but the rehabilitation of the maternity wing is a relief to them and will also help prevent needless deaths," said Chilipa, who represented T/A Makata.
On the other hand, T/A Machinjiri said receiving critical health services and treatment for common illnesses when one was sick was a "nightmare", as his subjects relied on hospitals that are far from his area for treatment.
Machinjiri, therefore, expressed gratitude to the District Health Office for its decision to have the Chipande health facility constructed in the area to ease the challenge.
However, he advised his subjects to guard against any sort of vandalism of the facility to benefit them now and for future generations.
Blantyre DHO spokesperson, Chrissy Banda concurred with the communities in the two T/As that for a long time they have been longing for a well-equipped health facility in their respective areas, noting that only healthy people can contribute positively to national development.
Banda also observed that the DHO's quest to provide health care services to improve the health and well-being of people signifies that Blantyre District Council is moving in line with Malawi 2063 development aspirations.
From Monday, Makata Health Centre, built in 2007, will be offering maternity services in addition to already existing services offered such as OPD services, antenatal care, under-five clinic services such as vaccinations and growth monitoring and HIV testing to about 41,650 people.
The works for the two facilities have been financially supported by the government and a well-wisher, Claus Chikufenji who contributed about MK500 million through Akonda Ministries International Organization.
“We Can Do Better”: Chomanika Urges Focus on Aquaculture in Malawi
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, January 13, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources & Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, has called for intensified efforts and investments in aquaculture, emphasizing its critical role in achieving the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
Speaking at the Aquaculture Investment Forum, hosted by the Department of Fisheries at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) on Thursday, the Minister expressed concern over the declining state of fish production in the country.
“Fish has become a luxury for many Malawians, which is sad because fish was one of the affordable sources of protein just a few years ago. Our aquaculture sector currently produces around 10,000 metric tons of fish annually, but our target is to achieve 100,000 metric tons by 2030,” Chomanika stated.
He stressed the need to prioritize industries like aquaculture to bolster the country’s economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to address food security and improve livelihoods.
“The status of the aquaculture industry is not a good one. We need to investment in this sector,” Chomanika said, appealing to development partners to support Malawi’s aquaculture ambitions.
Dr. Zewdy Gebremedhin of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), representing the donor community, expressed their willingness to collaborate and help revitalize the sector.
The forum also featured notable speakers, including, Mr. Napoleon Dzombe, Mtalimanja Holdings, Mr. Paul Kwengwere, Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), Mr. Alfred Tsitsi, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Malawi.
Under the theme “Harnessing Aquaculture Potential for Sustainable Livelihoods and National Economic Growth in Malawi,” the forum explored strategies to strengthen the sector, enhance production, and attract both local and international investments.
The event highlighted aquaculture’s potential as a key driver for Malawi’s sustainable development and economic resilience.
Man arrested for having sexual interrcourse with his daughter
By Abednego Sibale
Nkhata Bay, January 17, Mana: Police in Nkhata Bay District, have arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly having sexual intercourse with his 15-year-old biological daughter.
Nkhata Bay Police spokesperson, Kondwani James identified the man as Gilavu Banda, who had been living with the girl following his divorce from her mother.
“On January 16, 2025 the girl told her teacher that she was pregnant, mentioning her father as the one who impregnated her.
"She added that he has been having unprotected sexual intercourse forcefully with her since September, 2024,” he said.
According to James, the the teacher reported the matter to a Mother Support Group which further reported the same to Nkhata Bay Police Station.
James said the suspect has been charged with two counts of having sexual intercourse with a child and incest.
Banda hails from Mtilirwa Village in the area of Senior Chief Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay District.
Authorities decry low uptake of IFA among adolescents in Rumphi
By Thula Chisamba
Rumphi, January 17, Mana: Rumphi District Principal Nutrition and HIV/AIDs officer, Christopher Chirwa, has expressed concern over the low uptake of iron and folic acid supplements (IFAS) among adolescent girls in the district.
In an interview on Thursday, Chirwa described the status quo as alarming and a cause of serious concern.
"As of now, we have only 2,978 adolescents out of the total target of 4,789 taking iron and folic acid supplements.
"These figures are alarmingly low and it’s a scenario that causes serious concerns given the health implications that result from not taking the tablets, especially among adolescent girls,” said Chirwa.
Chirwa added that myths and misconceptions associated with IFAS are also contributing to the low uptake of the tablets among adolescent girls in the district among others.
In an attempt to address the challenges, the Department of Nutrition from the Ministry of Health has dispatched a team to conduct a rapid qualitative assessment in the district.
The assessment which is scheduled to last for four days, aims at identifying the underlying causes of the low uptake and inform interventions to improve the uptake of supplements in the district by March 31 this year.
One of the team members, Bwanalori Mwamlima said during a debriefing session at Rumphi District Hospital on Thursday that the assessment will collect data from health officials and adolescent girls in areas where IFAS is being rolled-out in the district.
The assessment by the Department of Nutrition, according to Mwamlima, is expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges affecting the uptake of iron and folic acid supplements among girls in the district.
“The findings will inform interventions to improve the uptake of supplements and prevent anemia among adolescents in Rumphi,” said Mwamlima.
Adolescent girls are more vulnerable to iron deficiencies and anemia due to increased requirement of iron because of, among other things, reproductive maturation and cognitive transformations which demands high macro and micro-nutrients including iron.
Iron and folic acid supplements help to prevent anemia, a serious health complication which leads to, among other problems, impaired cognitive function among girls within the ages of 10 to 19.
According to World Health Organization, Anemia is a widespread global health problem, affecting approximately 1.6 billion individuals, with 50% of cases attributed to iron deficiency.
Construction of Orton Chirwa mausoleum expected to finish May
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, January 17, Mana; Director of Public Works (DPW) for Nkhata Bay District Council, George Gopani, has said construction of a mausoleum for Orton Chirwa at his home village Manolo in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in Nkhata Bay will be finished in May this year.
Gopani said this on Thursday in an interview with Malawi News Agency in Nkhata Bay.
He said the mausoleum is being constructed with funds from the Malawi Government amounting to MK1.4 billion.
"We are constructing the mausoleum, four houses for family members, two staff houses, and a library. As you can see, it is a big project and we were supposed to finish it last year. However, due to other challenges, there has been an extension and we are expecting it to be finished in May this year," said Gopani.
"Construction of the mausoleum for late Chirwa who is one of the individuals who played a great role in the country's history is important for the preservation of his legacy and a potential tourist attraction," he added.
A niece to the late Chirwa, Dawila Bulukutu Chirwa said they are expecting the government to empower family members for them to be financially stable.
"We are thankful to government for the ongoing construction of the mausoleum and residential houses which will improve the living conditions of our family members who lost everything due to our exile in Tanzania," Chirwa said.
"Although government is constructing the mausoleum, our family was financially affected due to the exile and the death of our uncle while in prison. Therefore, we would also like government to consider empowering us financially so that we shouldn't be beggars while living in good houses," she added.
Orton Chirwa who was a lawyer and political leader was appointed Malawi's Minister of Justice and Attorney General in 1964. In 1992, he died in prison after spending nearly 11 years on death row.
Government distributes fertilizer loans to farmers in Southern Region
PICTORIAL FOCUS
By Arkangel Tembo
The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) continues to distribute fertilizer loans to different farmers in the Southern Region. So far, they have distributed the fertilizer to farmers in Chileka, Blantyre, Bvumbwe in Thyolo, Thondwe and Chinamwali in Zomba, Migowi in Phalombem Chitera in Chiradzulu, Fatima in Nsanje and Chikwawa.
Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu and Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Kawale were also part of the high-profile people gracing the distribution exercise.
The Malawi News Agency Photojournalist, Arkangel Tembo took some images during the exercise.
People in Neno say Digital Financial Services a way to go
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, January 15, Mana: People in Neno have embraced Digital Financial Service (DFS) saying the service is convenient and safer for business transaction.
Speaking during DFS awareness campaign on Wednesday in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlauli, a subsistence farmer and member of the Dzomodya Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group, James Liwonde, said the DFS was vital in promoting better saving practices among VSL groups.
“Digital platforms like Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba protect us from theft because they are safe and user-friendly. With these services, we can send money to relatives regardless of distance.” Liwonde said.
Echoing the sentiments, another farmer, Philipina Chitsamba from the same VSL group said DFS was a convenient way of transaction in this digital era.
“Storing money digitally ensures it is always accessible when needed. In the past, thieves often stole from us when we kept money at home. Now, we feel secure knowing our money is safe in our phones.” Chitsamba said.
During the awareness campaign, VSLs groups were also encouraged to adopt the DFS to ensure safety and efficiency on their operations.
Agnes Maliyo, a member of the Limbikani VSL group in Mbilizi Village, T/A Mlauli hailed the DFS awareness saying this was ideal to inform the people in her area on the importance of the services.
“This is an empowering message for those of us in VSL groups as we faced challenges such as missing funds and difficulties reconciling figures at the end of the year. Digital methods will eliminate these issues.” She said.
She added that she had already adopted mobile money platforms for personal financial management.
“I use Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba to secure my funds as it helps me budget and plan better because I only withdraw money when necessary. “she said.
Chairperson for bicycle taxi operators at Chikonde Trading Centre, Justin Jazaland also hailed the awareness campaign saying this is the time to transact digitally to ensure financial security for his group.
“We’ve learned a lot today as we earn money in small amounts, it’s vital to keep it safe. And digital platforms solve challenges like losing money from our pockets or accidentally washing it with clothes. We’ll encourage others to embrace these methods.” Jazaland said.
Neno DFS Supervisor, Andrew Chafwala, said the campaign aims to boost financial inclusion and raise awareness on the benefits of using digital platforms to manage money securely and efficiently.
“We’ve reached rural communities, business people, women and marginalized groups and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Chafwala said, adding that the campaign will help people to realize advantages of adopting DFS.
He said their money will be safer and expressed hope that people will also cultivate a culture of saving and modern financial practices.
The district DFS Supervisor added that despite logistical challenges in reaching remote areas with poor road infrastructure, government has successfully connected the majority of Malawians through the initiative.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi in partnership with AC Consulting is conducting public awareness on DFS targeting different sections of the communities in Neno District.
Government geared to end Cholera by 2030
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 16, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has said it is vital for the country to have a National Cholera Control plan to help in ending the spread of the disease.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the 2025-2030 Malawi Multi-Sectoral Cholera Control Plan (MMCCP) and Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign in Lilongwe, Chiponda said the plan seeks to reduce annual Cholera incidence and strengthen proper coordination and implementation in the fight against the disease.
" As a country we are trying our best to end Cholera by 2030, but for that to happen we need to have plans and strategies to achieve the goal”, She said.
The minister pledged that her ministry will make sure that the plan to end Cholera is implemented in collaboration with all stakeholders.
“We are going to make sure that every year we review what has been done and what has not worked to ensure that the system is working,” She said.
UNICEF representative to Malawi, Shadrack Amol said as partners they are committed to end Cholera in the country through the provision of financial, technical and advocacy support in the implementation of the launched Cholera plan in ensuring a Cholera free Malawi by 2030.
Amol commended government effort in fighting Cholera through “Tithetse” Cholera campaign which helped to raise awareness to control the disease.
“As UNICEF, we appreciate government through the ministry of health, for its proactive role in the fight against Cholera as it provides measures on how to overcome this disease”, He said.
In his remarks, Regional Coordinator for Global Taskforce on Cholera Control (GTFCC) Dr. Joseph Seriki said the plan is a step on how best Malawi can control Cholera.
“There should be deliberate effort by government, development partners and stakeholders to ensure the plan is well implemented at community, district and national levels to achieve its goal,” Said Seriki.
The plan has been launched by the Malawi Government through the Presidential Taskforce on Public Health Emergencies and the ministries of health, water and sanitation in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS), among others.
The plan has been launched under the theme: “Healthy Communities, Cholera -Free Lives: Let’s Work Together “
Minister closes Central Poultry, Topmax Malata
By Josephine Chipofya
Lilongwe, January 16, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba has this afternoon closed Topmax Malata in Njewa in Lilongwe due to poor working conditions and underpayment of its employees.
Mumba paid a surprise visit to the company to inspect the working conditions for the employees.
According to Mumba the company failed to provide its workers with safety working materials like gloves and safety boots. He also said there is poor hygiene around the premises.
The workers said the company does not provide medical treatment when they get injured and also work overtime time with little pay.
Early morning today the Minister closed Central Poultry Feeds at Kanengo on the similar reasons.
Usi arrives from Mozambique through Chileka International Airport
By Petro Mkandawire and Mtisunge Gwedeza
Blantyre, January 16, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi on Thursday returned from Maputo, Mozambique through Chileka International Airport where he went to witness the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo.
Usi represented President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera following an invitation from the outgoing former Mozambique's president Dr. Filipe Nyusi.
Upon arrival at Chileka in Blantyre, Usi was warmly welcomed by a delegation of government and political officials led by Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information and Digitalization and other dignitaries.
Mozambique's presidential elections were held on October 9, 2024, whereby the ruling party, Frelimo's candidate Daniel Chapo emerged as the winner after defeating his main opposition candidate, Venancio Monddlane; hence being sworn in as president on January 15th, 2025.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Usi underscored the importance of the trip, saying the visit helped to strengthen joint permanent cooperation and other bilateral ties between Malawi and Mozambique.
"Malawi and Mozambique are not only sharing borders but also strengthening diplomatic ties on trading activities and deepening the capital relations which will boost economic activities. Malawi and Mozambique have to keep trade and military ties very strong," said Usi.
Some of the notable figures who accompanied the vice president to Mozambique were Patricia Kainga Nangozo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Wezie Moyo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malawi to Mozambique.
