MANAonline
Deputy Minister challenges district councils to strengthen health systems
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, October 1, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud on Monday engaged district health management teams to discuss issues that can strengthen the health system in the country.
Speaking during an engagement meeting at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, Daud said through decentralization, councils have the mandate to effect interventions that should promote the welfare of citizens through quality health care.
The Deputy Minister added that senior management at the Ministry of Health and district-level management teams should collaborate to provide quality health care which every Malawian deserves.
‘‘By improving communication, and ensuring a clear and coordinated approach, we can streamline the implementation of programmes and initiatives that will have a direct impact on health outcomes across all our district councils,
‘‘Every person who walks into a health facility deserves the highest standard of care and we must make this a reality. Ministry of Health believes in strong collaboration among council staff in ensuring improved health service delivery,’’ she said.
Daud therefore said government is committed to strengthening the health care system by continuously engaging health management teams at the council level to provide quality health service for the good of Malawians.
Participants at the engagement meeting included directors and deputy directors at the Ministry of Health, District Commissioners as well as council level Directors of Health Services across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the councils, District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko commended Deputy Minister of Health for engaging health management teams at council level, saying this will help to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and district level management teams.
The health sector is one of the devolved sectors in councils. We however need to be in touch with the ministry for proper coordination,
‘‘This will help us to avoid duplication of work and this will also help us to bang heads on how best we can address some of our challenges’’ said Mdooko.
World Vision distributes bicycles and phones to volunteers
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, October 1, Mana: World Vision Malawi has distributed bicycles and phones to Village Saving and Loan (VSL) Promoters, Dream Save Promoters, and Building Secure Livelihood volunteers championing the Building Secure Livelihood model.
On Monday, World Vision District Programmes Manager for Lilongwe Harold Munthali said that the model aims to promote mindset change, build household economic development, and save culture.
“The Dream save is about digitizing all VSL activities, where we are shifting from manual record keeping to digital. The system has a built-in calculation where communities do not need to do any calculations during saving, sharing out loans, and even during share out.
“Members receive text messages through their phones once they have done all the VSL activities. It is a very safe system, reduces labour and saves time among other benefits,” he said.
Vice Chairperson for Lilongwe District Council Hardwell Jami thanked World Vision for the initiative saying as the world is going digital, no one should be left behind.
Jami said the initiative will go a long way in improving the livelihood of the people in the rural areas and at the same time promoting saving culture among the people.
In this initiative, one volunteer looks after three to five groups and so far over 145 groups have gone digital.
Blue Eagles Sister off to a flying start
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, October 1, Mana: Blue Eagles Sisters have started on the high noted when they claimed a double at the start of the second round of K 40 million Mpico Gateway Central Region Netball League over the weekend.
They beat Vanessa by 51 baskets to 27 and Young eagles by 34 baskets to 30 to keep their 100 percent winning recons since the start of the league two months ago.
Blue Eagles Sisters have 22 points from 11 games and are being followed by Civonets with 18 points.
Civonets registered their second defats of the season when they lost to Lioness by 37 baskets to 31 still they still maintain the second slot.
Both Young Eagles and Lioness are at 14 points from 10 games played and they are occupying third and fourth places respectively.
Dyna Sisters have moved to fifth position and dislodging Vanessa after they posted a win against Immigration 53 baskets to 24 and 41 baskets to 36 against Vanessa.
They have 12 points while Vanessa has dropped to sixth with nine points following their other defeat against Blue Eagles Sisters.
Bottom team at the end of the first round, Sharpshooters have posted their first win of the season when they claimed a win over fellow relegation threatened, Immigration.
According Chairperson of the Central Region Netball League, Fernando Ligola, the scheduled fixtures involving Mafco Sisters were postponed.
He said Mafco were supposed to play against Young Eagles and Lioness.
“Sadly, the games were postponed as one of the Mafco players had lost her father and members of the team joined her in mourning. They could not travel to Lilongwe to fulfill their fixtures,” Ligola said.
He said the postponed games would be fixed very soon so that the league games should flow together with the rest of the teams.
Blue Eagles Sister coach, Madano Tepetheya is yet to find a rivalry in the game as his team continue enjoying rich vein of wins in the league.
Arts Festival mesmerizes Mzuzu
By Patience Kapinda and Chrispin Kapindira
Lilongwe, September 30, Mana: Highly anticipated Mbumba Arts and Cultural Festival took over Mzuzu Stadium on September 28, 2024, showcasing a rich cultural heritage that left attendees in awe.
Organized by Plug Links Management, the festival themed "Visit Mzuzu" featured a diverse range of events, including traditional dances, clothing, food, and music, highlighting Malawian culture.
Renowned performing artist Henry Czar praised the Mzuzu audience for their energy and vibe.
"It's an honour to perform at the Mbumba Arts Festival stage," he said.
"The audience here is special; they challenge you to deliver your best, and that's what drives me."
Czar emphasized the festival's significance in promoting culture and teaching people about their heritage.
"That's the direction I'm taking, and I'm proud to be part of it."
Fellow performer Mzuzu Mafia commended the event's setup, calling it "colorful" and "energizing" for artists.
"The festival promotes culture, reminding people of their roots," they said. "Mzuzu's audience is unique; they demand the best, pushing us to excel."
Despite falling short of expected attendance numbers, the festival's success was undeniable.
Plug Links Management organizer, Sibongile Kumwenda reflected on the experience.
"Honestly speaking, we had big goals for the event, and the number of people we expected didn't show up," she said, hinting at a renewed focus on strategy and innovation for future events.
The festival successfully celebrated Malawian culture, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
With plans for future events already underway, Plug Links Management is poised to continue promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression in Malawi.
SCTP restore hopes to Cyclone Freddy survivors
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, September 30, Mana: Communities in Nsanje are excited with Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) as beneficiaries recover from effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
A survivor, Alumenda Kushitera from Nthukuso Village Traditional Authority (TA) Malemia told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Monday that after receiving money from the SCTP, he bought iron sheets ready to construct a house.
“My house was completely washed away including all household items following Tropical Cyclone Freddy induced rains. Village committee offered me a temporally shelter for my family,” he added.
Kushitera said he lost hope of owning another house as he had no means of earning cash to build a house
“I am the source of income in my family. I am not employed as I rely on peace works,
“Due to the rising cost of building materials, I lost the hope of owning my own house,” he added.
Kushitera, a family man of five children was enrolled in SCTP and had received money twice amounting to K300,000.00.
“At least I have bought a goat and iron sheets. I am very optimistic that I will construct a house using the money from the government Social Cash Transfer Programme,” he added.
A female headed household survivor from Mtemangawa Village, Linily Richard said was grateful that she will own a decent house after being enrolled into the SCTP.
“It has not been easy to feed my children. I am now thinking of constructing a house to give my children decent accommodation. Our house was destroyed during Cyclone Freddy in 2023,” she added.
Another survivor, Mphatso Donsa, 32 from Mtemangawa Village intends to construct a house as he mobilizes iron sheets with money from the SCTP.
“My house was washed away by Cyclone Freddy in 2023. I want to build that will be roofed with 20 iron sheets as I have already bought 10 iron sheets with money from the SCTP,” he added.
Nsanje District Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP, Abdulrazak Duwa said the District Council was impressed with over 7,000 beneficiaries whose livelihood had improved after their enrollment into the programme.
Nsanje Secondary School alumni donates 50 mattresses
By Patrick Gulaye
Nsanje, September 30, Mana: Nsanje Secondary School alumni on Sunday donated 50 mattresses worth K 2.8 million to the school.
The development has come following challenges raised by students including lack of beddings which affects learners at the institution
The Alumni Interim Chairperson, Masauko Khembo said the donation was an appreciation to what the school did to them.
“We have been at school for four years and we thought of coming back to give thanks to the school. We managed to mobilize resources and we bought 50 mattresses which we have donated to the school,
“As an association of alumni, we have three objectives, infrastructural development, encouraging students to do better and security for the school, that's the area we want to work on at this institution,” he added.
Nsanje Secondary School, Head boy, Luka Mazonda said the school needs adequate girl’s hostels, adding that the school requires Physical Science laboratory.
“The Physical Science laboratory was turned to be girl’s hostel. We are appealing for companies and organizations for support for good hostels. As learners we are very grateful with the mattress donation,” the Head boy added.
Senior Chief Chimombo who attended Nsanje Secondary School from 1988 to 1992 appealed to individuals, corporate world and other and organizations of good will to support the school to address its various challenges ranging from infrastructure to teaching and learning resources.
The School opened its doors in 1964.
Silver, Wanderers meets again in Airtel Top 8 Semifinals
By Isaac Jim
Blantyre, September 30, Mana: Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and National Referees Association (NRA) expect peaceful semifinals between Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in this year’s Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 competition as opposed to a game of controversies.
The Bankers will once more play against the Nomads marking a second time in a row for Lilongwe and Blantyre based teams to meet in semifinals of Airtel Top 8 after meeting last year in Lilongwe in the match that ended prematurely due to misunderstandings between the Nomads and referee.
NRA, General Secretary, Chris Kalichero told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday in Blantyre that football lovers should not worry about this year’s semifinal, saying the match would not end prematurely as was the case before.
“Referees meet every week and they are being reminded of rules of the game and any amendments made regarding match officiation and many more. Everything will be OK as referees will do their job professionally,” he said.
FAM’s Competitions and Communications Director, Gomezgani Zakazaka explained that what destroyed the Airtel Top 8 game was not misunderstandings between Silver and Wanderers.
“It was not about the two teams but an issue on referee’s decision which can happen in any match. It should not be about Silver vs Wanderers but should be about ensuring that officiation is top notch,” he said.
Zakazaka added that the six games played in the competition indicate that the officiation was good and expressed hope that the same would happen in the remaining games including semifinal between Silver and Wanderers.
“So far six games played and we had good officiation and we expect that to continue,” he added.
The Bankers are through to semifinals after defeating Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 6-2 on goal aggregate on Sunday while Nomads defeated Bangwe All Stars 4-2 on post-match penalties on Saturday.
WVM for equal access to maternal health services
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, September 30, Mana: World Vision Malawi (WVM)has said every mother in the country deserves equal access to maternal health services
WVM Country Director, Francis Dube made the remarks Monday during the handover of a donation worth K 117 million Medical Equipment to Nation Publication Limited (NPL) as part of this year’s Mother Fun Run (MFR) at their Head Offices in Lilongwe.
He observed that a lot of mothers are facing a lot of challenges to access maternal health services hence their partnership with NPL to ensure that access to such service are provided.
“We have been in partnership with NPL during the implementation of MFR and what have been sources from various well-wishers has been used in various health facilities in the country for the past years,” Dube said.
He said as WVM they focus their work mostly on vulnerable communities which include women and children that’s why they part of the process in helping mothers and children in various health centres to have right access to health services.
Dube commended NPL for MFR initiative saying it has helped to improve access to maternal service to most rural women in the country who were faced with a number of challenges.
“We wish many partners would join the cause and help NPL to improve health delivery of services at most health centres in the country,” the Country Director wished.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for NPL, Mbumba Banda appealed to organizations and individuals to make positive contributions to help health facilities to lessen their plight.
She said some of the challenges the health facilities are facing might be small or big but with collective responsibility this could be resolved.
Banda thanked WVM for the donation saying health facilities in Chikwawa would greatly benefit from the donation which has come at the right time.
The initiative aims at promoting maternal and neonatal health outcomes by providing essential medical and services.
The main Mother Fun Run was at Mkumaniza Health Centre which is 26 kilometres way from Ngabu Trading centre in Chikwawa and it currently facing shortage of water supply, food supply, no electricity at maternity wing and no stationed ambulance.
Some of the donated items included delivery beds, mattresses and protective equipment’s.
Man in custody for stealing livestock as other suspects got burnt to death
Kondwani Alfonso
Nsanje, September 30, Mana: Nsanje Police have arrested Seka Mkupira Zeka, 29, for allegedly stealing three herds of goats in June and 22 goats in September this year as angry mob in the district burnt two other armed robbery suspects to death.
The Nsanje Police Spokesperson, Agnes Zalakoma said the suspect stole all 22 goats from Mozambique and was on the run.
He said police intensified investigations that led to the arrest of the suspect at Chilanga village in Traditional Authority Ndamera’s area in Nsanje where the suspect comes from.
Meanwhile, police said Zeka will appear in court to answer three charges levelled against him.
In another development, Police in Nsanje have instituted investigations to apprehend suspects that attempted robbery with violence on the night of September 29-30 September 2024 at Sorgin Trading Center in the district.
According to Zalakoma, officers from Sorgin Police Unit received information from reliable sources that a gang of unknown criminals were armed with offensive weapons and wanted to rob well-known businessperson, John Maya who owns a shop of assorted groceries.
“In the process, the owner of the shop shouted for help. An angry mob came out and apprehended two criminals and burnt them to death.
“Following a report, Chilomo Police Post detectives joined Sorgin Police Unit in rescuing the other two unknown criminals who were heavily assaulted,” Nsanje Police publicist added.
She added that the police took the victims to Nsanje District Hospital where they have been admitted.
Zalakoma said the gang was travelling in a blue Toyota Land Cruiser whose registration number was not yet known.
Postmortem report has indicated that death of the two suspects was due to severe burns, she added that investigations are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
Four arrested for possession of forest produce without permit in Nsanje
By Patrick Gulaye
Nsanje, September 30, Mana: Police in Nsanje on over the week end arrested four suspects for being found in possession of forest produce without license and entering into protected area without authorisation.
Nsanje Police Public Relations Officer, Agnes Zalakoma said the four committed the offence at Kalulu, Masenjere Forest in the area of Senior Chief Mlolo in the district.
Zalakoma identified the suspects as Ellen Mwakha aged 27 from Bandazi village, Funny Mwakha aged 39 from Mkweza village, Davies Kauluka, 30 years old of Ng'ombe village and Daison Malemu, 18 years old from Malema village, all in the area of Traditional Authority Mlolo in the district.
Zalakoma further told Malawi News Agency that the suspects entered into a protected area and cut down indigenous trees and produced charcoal, adding that forestry officers reported the matter to police.
“Police in conjunction with forest officers carried out an operation and intercepted 25 bags of charcoal,” she added.
Zalakoma said all the suspects will appear before court soon to answer charges labeled against them.
Meanwhile Police in the district said will continue with the operation and warned that those involved in the malpractice will face the law.
