MANAonline
President in eastern region to fulfil several engagements
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, July 16, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Mangochi where he is scheduled to carry out several official duties in eastern region.
Addressing thousands of people gathered at Mangochi Boma to welcome him, he expressed excitement to interact with the community and inspect development projects.
"I am thrilled to see so many of you here and I am eager to engage with you on various development projects," he said.
The President emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony among Malawians.
"We are a people who love and respect one another. Let us continue to show appreciation for each other and unite in our diversity," he added.
Chakwera expressed gratitude to religious leaders for their role in bringing harmony among people.
Deputy Secretary General for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Gerald Kazembe praised the President for the various development projects underway across the country.
"We have seen the completion of several projects, including the Mangochi-Cape Maclear Road and the Nkhudzi-Bay Water Supply project," he said.
Kazembe mentioned the upcoming rehabilitation of the Balaka-Zomba Road, saying it has been long overdue.
Senior Chief Chowe welcomed the President to Mangochi, saying it demonstrates that he loves and care for the people of the district and the whole eastern region in general.
NAC’s HIV/AIDS initiative bearing impact
By Isabel Banda
Lilongwe, July 16, Mana: National Aids Commission (NAC) has said its initiatives to get an Aids free nation by 2030 in the coming generation was proving to be successful.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Acting HIV Protection and Prevention Officer for NAC, Francis Mabedi said that the main aim for these groups were to give access to the youth with information about HIV and its preventive measures.
“These groups have been put in place so that they can help youths have access to all the HIV services and information that the country offers,
The groups are special for youths living with HIV and AIDS and they provide support by looking at issues concerning stigma, discrimination among peers and providing awareness to the masses so as to curb the spread of the virus as we are working on 95:95:95 project which is targeting the elimination of HIV as a public health by 2030,” he said.
Mabedi added that in the past many young people have been contracting the virus because they were not aware of the ways they could catch the virus but because of these groups many of them now are aware of the preventive measures and the dangers that the virus could cause to the human body.
“The other challenge that these groups were facing was lack of drug adhering among youth which led to increase in numbers of high viral load in hospitals and high number of deaths due to HIV and AIDS,” he added.
One of the group members that has benefitted from this initiative, Eliana chitsamba (not her real name) said, the group has helped her a lot when it comes to getting her lost self esteem back.
“The group has been like a second home to me in a way that I feel free to meet my friends in the same group and encourage each other on how we can improve our lives and be like any other person,
This initiative has helped me to be more self-confident and now I am able to join my fellow youths in doing things that I was unable to do due to low self-esteem,” she explained.
The 95:95:95 strategies were launched in 2014 by the joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS.
The aim is to diagnose 95 percent of all HIV positive individuals, provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) For 95 percent of those diagnosed and achieve viral suppression for 95 percent of those treated by 2030.
Cholera preventive measures remains a key
By Blessings Memena
Mzuzu, July 16, Mana: Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), George Jobe has urged government and other stakeholders to encourage people to continue observing preventive measures of Cholera.
According to him, it was good news to know that Cholera outbreak which started in March 2022 has now been declared to have ended however he has warned against laxity.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday in Mzuzu, Jobe said laxity could lead to another Cholera outbreak as the rainy season was approaching.
“Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) together with other council officials should ensure there is good sanitation and hygiene in our markets.
“There is need for government and different stakeholders to emphasize through media and community leaders that people should continue to observe preventive measures like washing hands with soap, good sanitation and hygienic practices and avoiding handshakes,” he said.
Jobe asked government to continue with water and sanitation projects aimed at providing safe water to the public.
“Potable water is key in the fight against Cholera hence government should continue projects that provide safe water to people like sinking boreholes and provision of piped water by our water boards,” he said.
Ministry of Health declared in a Press Statement on July 12, 2024 that Cholera outbreak that started in 2022 has ended.
The Outbreak had been declared a public health emergency on December 5, 2022 by President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
Tfac improves lives of sex workers in Lilongwe
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, July 16, Mana: Women in Sex Work (WISW) project, implemented by Theatre for a Change (TfaC) with funding from the Commonwealth Foundation and Mercury Phoenix, has made significant strides in providing comprehensive healthcare services to female sex workers in Lilongwe.
Through its Mobile Health Clinic (MHC), TfaC has reached over 900 individuals, distributed over 1 million male condoms and 11,845 female condoms, and provided STI screening and treatment to 845 male clients and 2,184 female sex workers.
The project has referred 98 women for further support and provided family planning services to over 500 women.
Despite the achievements, TfaC's Programme Manager, Jemima Gunde said the challenges faced by the project, including overreliance on MHCs, a lack of syphilis test kits and female condoms, and difficulties in following up on safeguarding cases due to the mobility of sex workers.
She expressed gratitude to the government for its support, which has enabled the project to access essential materials like test kits and condoms.
Gunde acknowledged the impact of the project on the lives of sex workers, who now feel comfortable seeking medical attention without fear of judgment.
A sex worker who benefited from the project, Margret Gama praised TfaC for teaching them about their rights and how to access healthcare services without fear of discrimination.
"Theatre for a Change has made us confident in seeking medical help. We no longer hide our problems or illnesses because we know we can get help without being judged," she said.
An ombudsman at Bwaila Hospital, Tinyade Pahuwa commended TfaC for training healthcare providers on how to receive and address complaints from sex workers.
"TfaC has taught us how to handle issues regarding sex workers without bias. We are glad to be part of this initiative and look forward to continued collaboration," she said.
The project's success is a testament to the power of theatre and performance in promoting social change and improving healthcare outcomes.
As TfaC continues to work with sex workers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders, it is clear that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of women in sex work in Lilongwe.
Chakwera hails the solidarity Malawi shares with neighbouring countries
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe July 16, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the unwavering support and solidarity Malawi continues to enjoy from its neighboring countries.
He made the remarks on Tuesday when he attended the opening of the Holy Mass for the Sub-Region Catholic Bishops Conference of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the Inspector General’s parade ground at Area 30 in Lilongwe.
Chakwera said Malawi experienced neighbourly solidarity and support during its devastating moments caused by COVID-19, Cyclones and among others.
“As a country, we experienced neighbourly solidarity when we received support during the COVID-19 pandemic that claimed the lives of thousands and plundered our economy. We felt the solidarity when we received support following the devastation caused by cyclone Ana and Gombe,
“And we felt neighbourly solidarity this past month as we have been mourning the tragedy passing of our late Vice President who died in a plane crash alongside eight others,” the President added.
Chakwera thanked the Catholic Bishops for their prayers and wish them a fruitful deliberation during the conference.
President of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop, George Tambala said the conference aims to provide a platform for the Bishops from these three countries to share insights, engage in meaningful discussions and collaborate on matters vital to the growth and development of their local churches.
He said it was an opportunity for them to strengthen their bonds and unity as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lies ahead of them.
“This conference is not just a platform for dialogue and not a talking show but a space for mutual learning and inspiration,” Tambala said.
He urged the delegates to approach the deliberations with an open heart and minds seeking the common ground on different perspectives.
According to Tambala, the conference is the second one to happen following the first one that happened in 2020 in Zambia.
The Conference will be held in Salima at Sigelege beach resort from 15 to 19 July under the theme “Collaborating to Enhance Pastoral Unity, Gospel Proclamation and Solidarity in the Sub- Region Amidst Shared Challenges.”
Machinga residents embrace digital financial transactions
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, July 16, Mana: People in Machinga have realized that digital banking and payment channels provide rural populations with access to formal financial services that may not be readily available in their respective communities.
The residents made the observation in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) as government through the Reserve Bank of Malawi conducted an awareness campaign in the district encouraging people to embrace electronic transaction platforms.
Ngulumia Village Development Committee Chairperson, Moses Mlanga, said apart from promoting access to formal financial services, it helps promote financial inclusion by giving people in the community the opportunity to save, borrow and manage their money more effectively.
Mlanga noted that using digital payment methods eliminates the need for rural populations to travel long distances to access traditional banking services as they can conveniently make payments, transfer money and conduct other transactions in the comfort of their home or local points of service.
He however, asked the government and other stakeholders to put more effort in sensitizing the local masses as this can benefit small businesses and farmers by enabling them to reach a broader customer base and engage in e-commerce activities.
Another community member, Mathews Umali said communities stand to benefit greatly from embracing digital financial transactions as it can reduce fraud and theft.
On his part, Traditional Authority Mizinga urged chiefs in the district to be in the forefront in ensuring that people embrace the initiative.
“Community leaders are crucial in embracing digital finance transactions because they can build trust and understanding among community members. Like what I am doing in my community, we are mandated to educate people about the benefits and safety of digital financial services,” said Mizinga.
Even students see that transacting using digital financial service platforms is convenient, safe and efficient compared to traditional cash payments, according to James Lysana, a student at Machinga Teachers Training College.
“We can easily pay for tuition, books and other expenses without carrying large amounts of cash. This reduces the risk of theft and allows for greater financial control. It also offers transparent transaction histories, making it easier to track expenses and manage budgets,” he said.
Digital Financial Services (DFS) Supervisor for Machinga, Andrew Chafwala said communities are patronizing the awareness campaign, which is a positive indication towards people’s willingness to embrace digital finance transactions.
The DFS awareness campaign is taking place on a pilot phase in Machinga and Chikwawa in the southern region, Lilongwe and Kasungu in the central region and Karonga and Chitipa in the northern region.
CS-EPWP a game changer to natural disasters
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, July 16, Mana: Project Facilitator for Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Blantyre, Aubrey Jazza has urged community members to adopt and embrace climate smart project as a way of addressing the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change.
Jazza said this on Tuesday during a supervision of Lenjemesi Catchment area in Traditional Authority Makata which was aimed at assessing technical guidelines, watershed logistics and assessing if all sub projects are being implemented in line with agricultural seasonality.
He said the increase in flooding has resulted in communities having less water available for food production as such community members should be optimistic in CS-EPWP to improve their economic well-being and treat run-off to reduce pollutants.
“CS-EPWP helps to keep soils from eroding, preserve land fertility and save local plants, smart water management conserves water supplies by lowering unnecessary consumption and respond to adverse climate change situations; hence, community members have to invest and take the programme seriously,” said Jazza.
He however, expressed gratitude over community’s active participation in various interventions under CS-EPWP sub catchments. He also called upon people to work closely together in conserving the environment, noting that it helps to boost the economy of the country.
The tour of Lenjemesi Catchment was also meant to assess the number of beneficiaries, quality of assets, programme achievements and implementation of works in line with CS-EPWP mandate.
In a separate interview, secretary for Lenjemesi Catchment Management, Shadrick Batamus said the catchment area covers 377.5 hectares with almost 1876 families benefiting economically from the programme.
Batamus said through various CS-EPWP developments, participants earn money which is paid after completing a 24 day cycle and the project has greatly reduced risks of natural disasters and improve water conservation in their farms.
“Check dams and swales have enhanced the availability of irrigation water and helped in the slow running of water that prevents our crops from floods, as such we are happy with the programme since we are now able to feed our families, buy clothes, buy farm inputs and as we are talking, I have bought yellow solar through wages from CS-EPWP,” said Batamus.
CS-EPWP in Blantyre has 17, 107 participants in 15 catchment areas whereby 10 areas are model catchments with 500 hundred participants and currently with funds from the World Bank over K130 million has been utilized on the implementation of CS-EPWP.
Expert calls for good hygiene practices as Cholera outbreak ends
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, July 16, Mana: Malawian Health Ambassador, Maziko Matemba has said the country needs to ensure it adheres to good hygiene practices in order to halt Cholera.
Matemba was reacting to a declaration by the Ministry of Health through the Public Health Institute of Malawi that as of July 10, Cholera was no longer a public health concern.
“This is good news for the country, we always say that Cholera is preventable as such we should strive to maintain good hygiene so that Cholera does not resurface,” Matemba said.
A statement from the Ministry of Health made available to Malawi News Agency (Mana) indicated that the declaration has been made because the country has not registered any confirmed cases of Cholera from identified suspected cases.
Moreover, the statement said the declaration is in line with the public health surveillance guidance for Cholera by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control and the World Health Organization alert response systems for public health threats.
“Since 3rd March, 2022, when the Cholera outbreak was declared, Malawi has been battling with a protracted outbreak registering a total of 59, 376 cases and 1, 772 deaths due to high numbers of reported cases,” read part of the statement.
Due to high numbers of reported cases, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera declared a National Public Health Emergency on December 5, 2022.
Following the declaration, there was intensified implementation of preventive and control interventions, which significantly reduced Cholera, cases and led to the declaration of Cholera outbreak as no longer a National Public Health Emergency on August 5, 2023.
Despite the reduced numbers of Cholera cases, the country still registered sporadic cases from high-risk districts. For instance, a total of 286 cases including three deaths were reported from November 1, 2023 to June 5, 2024.
In light of this, the country continued implementing intensive surveillance and control measures at community and facility levels to completely halt the outbreak.
Government committed to improve welfare of persons with disabilities
By Thom Ali
Lilongwe, July 15, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, says government is committed to improving the welfare for persons with disabilities in the country.
The minister made the remarks during the official opening of the Global Disability Forum hosted by World Vision Malawi at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe held from 15th to 19th July 2024.
Sendeza said that government is making efforts in implementing policies to provide a conducive environment for persons with disabilities.
She called upon various stakeholders to support the implementation of disability programs and services in the country.
World Vision Director of Operations, Charles Chimombo indicated that the Global Disability Forum will provide a platform to discuss and reflect on challenges being faced by people with disabilities in the country.
The forum has brought together foreign dignitaries from 11 countries, representatives from the public and private sectors, and the academia among others.
FAM to provide new video on status of BNS
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, July 15, Mana: Ministry of Youth and Sports has said Football Association of Malawi (FAM) would send new videos of the state of Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Area 48 in Lilongwe.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry, MacMillan Mwale said on Monday in Lilongwe said that Confederation of African Football (CAF) had indicated that BNS was suspended for all CAF engagements due to poor state of the pitch.
“We understand an official from Senegal on CAF assignment during the world cup qualifiers between Kenya and Ivory Coast last month took some video of the pitch which were showing that the pitch was on poor state,” he said.
Mwale said that, “The Ministry has managed to install new substitute benches as recommended by CAF and the new seats are comfortable to seat on. We will no longer be required to be paying over K 9 million as fine for using those old seats when hosting CAF games.”
He said FAM would generate new video on the status of the pitch for CAF inspection team to see and review their decision to suspended the stadium as indicated.
The suspension of Bingu Stadium came to light when CAF had released names of the stadiums to host CSAF champions league in the 2024/2025 football season and BNS was not amongst them.
The news about the suspension of the stadium went wrong signals to FCB Nyasa Bullets who are set to host Red Arrows of Zambia in the first leg of CAF Champions League preliminary round on August 16, 2024.
However, Acting Bullets Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Albert Chigoga has indicated that the club needs to have a plan B on the venue in case the decision remains the same from CAF.
“We will be exploring other avenues and option two will still remain key to us and we are still preparing to host Red Arrows of Zambia,” he added.
