MANAonline
Journalists urged to partner with stakeholders in fighting NCDs
By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 25, Mana: Journalists in the country have been called upon to partner with stakeholders in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in order to win the fight against its fight.
This was said in Lilongwe on Wednesday when NCD Alliance engaged journalists on the Accelerator Project.
The project targets national deaths linked to chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, asthma, and other long-term, non-transmissible diseases affecting many Malawians.
Ministry of Health Deputy Director for NCDs and Mental Health, Hastings Chiumia, said the initiative focuses on strengthening national policies, healthcare access, and information tools for better NCD awareness and management.
“NCDs account for about 32 percent of all deaths in Malawi. Hypertension alone affects between 16.1 and 32.9 percent of the population nationwide,” Chiumia said.
He explained that asthma prevalence in Malawi stands at 5.1 percent, while approximately 65.5 percent of all reported NCD cases are among people aged below 40 years.
“This is significantly higher than the 18.5 percent observed in high-income countries. We must act quickly to protect Malawi’s youth from chronic illness and its lifelong social and economic impacts,” he said.
He said, as part of efforts to fight the diseases, over 200 NCD clinics have been launched, working with 11 district councils across the country.
He emphasized the importance of decentralizing screening services and ensure constant access to essential medicines.
Chiumia, therefore, called for media support in raising awareness, fostering behavior change, and addressing myths and misconceptions related to the prevention and management of chronic diseases nationwide.
The Acceleration Project, funded by international NCD partner, comprises seven founding organizations including the Stroke Association of Malawi and the Women Coalition Against Cancer in Malawi, among others.
It (the project) is anchored in rights-based approaches to care, promoting early detection, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term strategies for comprehensive NCD control and improved health service delivery.
NCD Alliance Vice Chairperson, Samuel Kumwanje, said the initiative focuses on amplifying the voices of people living with NCDs, reducing stigma, and closing service delivery gaps within the health sector.
“This project is about amplifying voices of people living with NCDs. We’ve created a media toolkit to strengthen collaboration with journalists in spreading accurate messages,” Kumwanje said.
He urged inclusive outreach, increased investment in community health literacy, and improved grassroots service delivery to ensure under served rural populations are not left behind in the national response.
“Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background or location, can access accurate NCD information and support through improved, community-based health systems,” Kumwanje emphasized.
Nation Publications Limited journalist, Wantwa Mwamlima, welcomed the campaign and reaffirmed the media’s role in public education, agenda setting, and supporting national strategies to address health-related challenges in Malawi.
“As media practitioners, it is our responsibility to participate in awareness efforts. We are ready to partner with Ministry of Health and NCD Alliance to achieve this national objective,” she said.
Minister calls for scaling up youth led ecosystem restoration
By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 25, MANA: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Dr Owen Chomanika, has called for the mainstreaming and upscaling of youth led ecosystem restoration programmes as a strategy for climate adaptation, job creation, and green economic transformation.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the Malawi Green Corps.
The workshop, convened by the government with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) brought together stakeholders to assess the progress and impact of the Malawi Green Corps initiative.
Chomanika said, “This programme is a catalytic model for achieving climate resilience and environmental sustainability as It speaks directly to Enabler seven of Malawi Vision 2063 by integrating green growth and youth empowerment into national development planning.”
Launched in 2022 by President Lazarus Chakwera, the Malawi Green Corps aims to restore over 5,000 hectares of degraded landscapes across the country.
It engages youth in nature-based solutions, integrated land use management, and waste repurposing, while building their skills in circular economy models.
According to Dr Chomanika, more than 2,000 young people from 10 districts have so far participated in the restoration of ecologically sensitive areas, contributing to the reversal of Malawi’s estimated two percent annual loss of forest cover.
Chomanika added, “I salute the young eco-champions whose hands-on efforts in restoration hotspots are not only mitigating environmental degradation but are a strategic investment in our natural capital.”
CRS Technical Advisor for Land Restoration, Baxton Chirombo, said the project offers dual benefits by addressing ecological fragility and youth unemployment.
Chirombo said, “This project is a game changer. By targeting degraded ecosystems and simultaneously creating pathways for green entrepreneurship we are tackling both climate shocks and socio-economic vulnerability head on.”
UNDP Resident Representative, Fenella Frost, stressed the importance of youth led local climate solutions in achieving the targets of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
“Young people are the frontline actors in climate mitigation and adaptation and as UNDP, we are proud to co-finance scalable home-grown solutions like the Malawi Green Corps,” said Frost.
During the workshop, Dedza, Ntcheu, Salima, and Karonga districts were recognised for their progress in ecological restoration.
In Dedza alone, 229 youth successfully regenerated 570 hectares of forestland.
The Malawi Green Corps initiative is viewed as a model for inclusive environmental stewardship, aiming to strengthen climate resilience while generating green jobs for young people in both rural and peri-urban settings.
Stakeholders at the workshop called for increased investment policy support and intersectoral collaboration to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the programme nationwide.
EU to strengthen strategic partnership with Malawi
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, June 25, Mana: The European Union (EU) has expressed its commitment to strengthening partnership with Malawi in the implementation of the Malawi 2063 by providing green and resilient economic transformation, democratic and economic governance, human development and social inclusion.
This was said in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the launch of the Team Europe Joint Strategy for Malawi.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, said the partnership will help boost productivity; resilience and commercialisation in agriculture and fisheries while also engaging environmental sustainability and developing economic infrastructure.
“We will support Malawi through the advancement of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as well as the improvement of economic governance and social protection.
“By working together as Team Europe, we can leverage our collaborative strength and capacities to support Malawi’s development in a more effective and efficient way,” explained Skinnebach.
Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Kate Brady, concurred with Skinnebach saying the strategy will deepen the already strong coordination by EU states in Malawi by strengthening overall impact and visibility.
“Ireland is committed to working closely with EU member states to promote and advance our shared interests and values.
“We are also committed to the implementation of the two flagship Team Europe initiatives of Green Growth and Good Governance over the lifetime of our strategy,” she explained.
Programme Officer for Embassy of Belgium Delegation of Flanders in Malawi, Yanjanani Kambauwa, said Flanders is ready to work with Malawi towards sustainable, peaceful and just future as a reliable partner by sharing expertise and advancing sustainable progress for the benefit of people of Malawi.
“Our cooperation focuses on agriculture, food production and commercialisation, climate smart agriculture and urbanisation in order to achieve all our goals,” he explained.
The joint strategy 2024 - 2027, which has pumped in approximately EUR 2 billion with EUR 1.4 billion as a grant and EUR 600 million as loan, represents a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to supporting Malawi’s development aspirations.
Court jails man 8 years for attempting to sell his daughter
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, June 25, MANA: The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has sentenced a 37 year old man, Gideon Chavula, to eight years imprisonment with hard labour for attempting to sell his 16-year-old daughter for K50 million.
Chavula was found guilty of the offence following his arrest in November 2024 after a failed attempt to sell his child to a Mzuzu based businessman who instead reported the matter to police.
The court heard that the accused lured his daughter into the city under false pretences, only to use her as bait in the illicit transaction.
State prosecutor Superintendent Bettie Msowoya said, “On November 8, 2024, the accused contacted the businessman and offered to sell him his biological daughter for K50 million.”
She said the businessman, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, alerted the police and cooperated in setting up the suspect’s arrest.
The court was told that the two men agreed to meet at Kukoma Shop in Mzuzu on November 12.
Msowoya added that on that day Chavula arranged for the girl, who lives with her aunt in Katoto, to travel into town under the impression she was going shopping.
Msowoya said, “Upon arrival police officers intercepted the suspect and arrested him on the spot.”
According to Msowoya, Chavula denied the charges when he appeared in court, prompting the state to parade three witnesses who gave evidence proving his guilt beyond reasonable doubt and he was subsequently convicted of the offence.
In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency, claiming he was a first-time offender and had acted out of desperation.
However, Superintendent Msowoya argued for a stiff custodial sentence describing the crime as inhumane and deeply exploitative.
“The accused shamelessly abused his role as a father and attempted to trade his own child like a commodity an act that showed a complete lack of moral integrity and disregard for the girl’s rights and welfare,” said Msowoya.
Delivering his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Ashford Harawa concurred with the prosecution, stating that Chavula’s actions were a severe betrayal of parental responsibility and trust.
“The child had placed her trust in Chavula as her father, and he completely violated that trust by attempting to sell her for money therefore this court finds such conduct appalling and deserving of significant punishment,” ruled Magistrate Harawa.
Chavula was therefore sentenced to eight years in prison with hard labour. The court hopes the sentence will serve as both punishment and a deterrent to others who may consider similar offences.
Chavula comes from Kawilu Village, Traditional Authority Zolokele in Rumphi District.
Minister to launch national nutrition policy to fight malnutrition
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, June 25, MANA: Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP, is expected to preside over the official launch of the National Multisectoral Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The launch follows a media orientation held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Community Health Services Unit (CHSU), where key stakeholders briefed journalists on the policy’s objectives and strategic direction.
The policy aims to address malnutrition and nutrition related health challenges in line with the country’s development vision under Malawi 2063.
Chief Nutritionist and Programmes Officer at the Department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Sylvester Kathumba said, “Through this new policy and strategic plan we seek to prevent, treat, and manage nutrition related disorders, reducing illnesses and deaths across all demographic groups.”
The strategic plan according to Kathumba will promote the creation of a well-nourished and productive population through a multisectoral approach involving health, education, agriculture, and social welfare sectors.
The plan prioritizes early childhood nutrition, maternal health, and school feeding programmes, among other interventions.
Lizzie Lombe, Advocacy, Campaigns, and Safeguarding Manager at World Vision Malawi, emphasised the need for targeted action and resource mobilization during the implementation phase.
Lombe said, “Now that we have the nutrition policy and strategic plan, we must deliberately target under-five children and mobilize more funding for school feeding programmes to effectively address malnutrition.”
According to the 2022 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), about 33 percent of children under five are stunted, while 12 percent are underweight these are figures that underscore the urgency of effective nutritional interventions.
Experts say poor nutrition continues to be a significant barrier to Malawi’s human capital development.
The economic cost of undernutrition is also substantial, with estimates from the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study showing that Malawi loses over 10 percent of its GDP annually due to the long-term impacts of child undernutrition.
The launch, taking place under the theme “Nourishing Malawi: Building a Healthy and Resilient Future Together,” will bring together high-level government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the media.
Chitipi crime ring busted, two arrested over warehouse break ins
By Japonicah Jabu,
Lilongwe, June 25, MANA: Police in Lilongwe have arrested two men suspected to be behind a string of burglaries and thefts that recently hit warehouses in the Chitipi area and surrounding communities.
The suspects have been identified as Yusufu Gunde, 32, of Sankhani Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Njewa, and Gracian Chandulira, 35, of Chilinde Village, T/A M’bwatalika, both in Lilongwe District.
According to police, the duo is believed to have targeted commercial properties over two nights last week, stealing high-value items including IBR iron sheets, solar panels, burglar bars, and water pumps.
Public Relations Officer for Lilongwe Police Station Hastings Chigalu said, “It’s suspected that on two separate nights last week Gunde and Chandulira broke into several warehouses and stole valuable items and some of the stolen property has since been recovered.”
Chigaru added that detectives from Chitipi Police unit conducted the arrests on Tuesday after receiving tips from community members and following up on physical evidence.
The suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of burglary and theft.
The Chitipi area, located along the Lilongwe Mchinji corridor, has experienced a surge in criminal activity in recent months particularly theft of construction and renewable energy materials.
According to Chigaru authorities believe these items are in demand on the black market, and the suspects may be part of a wider syndicate.
Lilongwe Police say the development is part of a broader pattern of theft in Lilongwe’s fast developing peri urban areas, where rising property development is often accompanied by limited security infrastructure.
In response to the growing threat, Lilongwe Police have stepped up patrols and community engagement through neighbourhood watch programs, urging residents to reinforce security measures at homes and business premises.
“We continue to appeal to residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious activity to nearby police units,” Chigalu added.
He further said that preventing crime is a shared responsibility, and public cooperation is vital.
Urban safety experts have noted that Malawi’s rapid urban expansion especially in districts like Lilongwe is putting pressure on policing resources.
The arrests are being hailed by local leaders as a breakthrough in restoring security in Chitipi and surrounding areas.
Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow as they dismantle what they suspect to be a broader burglary ring.
Community immunisation campaign gets mobility support
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, June 25, Mana: Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has distributed bicycles to mother care groups in Kasungu District to help the community-led volunteer structures with mobility as they drum up mobilisation for immunisation.
Presenting the bicycles to 13 of the district’s 30 mother groups at Kalenga in Sub-Traditional Authority Nthunduwala on Tuesday, MHEN Assistant Projects Officer, Herbert Chakwawa said the support is meant to ease mobility challenges for the members.
“These mother care groups operate in rural and hard-to-reach areas, and they face mobility challenges, especially to go to mother health centres to collect vaccines.
“Mostly, either the health surveillance assistant or a member of the group has to walk those long distances, which is not easy,” Chakwawa said.
Chakwawa added that through the interventions of the groups, there have been reduced barriers to equitable and quality immunization in communities in remote areas.
“The project aims at achieving participatory health governance to ensure that barriers to immunisation are reduced, and strengthen the capacity of integrated health systems to deliver immunisation by resolving health constraints.
“So far, we have managed to improve access, quality and utilisation of essential health packages, especially immunization, focusing on populations systematically missed due to geographical, socio-economic and cultural barriers,” he said.
Receiving the donation, Chairperson for Kalanga Mother Care Group, Maria Yamikani, hailed the support, saying it will help the group reach more villages, thereby improving immunization rates.
“This is a great boost to the campaign, and we are confident that the bicycles will help reduce vaccine default rates and thus improve child health outcomes,” she said.
Decent work principles, crucial ingredient for economic growth -Ministry of Labour
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, June 24, Mana: Chief Labour Officer and Head of Child Unit in the Ministry of Labour, Francis Kwenda, has appealed for public and private sector collaboration to ensure effective implementation of a set of initiatives aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country.
Kwenda made the remarks on Tuesday in Lilongwe during the round table dialogue, which attracted Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute stakeholders. The dialogue aimed to spearhead proposed interventions to align vocation training with labour market demands, promoting decent work principles, fostering inclusivity, and integrating practical industry experience into TVET education, ensuring long-term employability, gender equity, and resilience among youth.
“We have little resources at the exposure, but, what we do not utilize those resources on other issues that killing the society, lets fight the enemy which is amongst us be it child labour, forced labour, human trafficking and all sorts of enemies that we have that depriving the country`s development agenda,” he added.
Edna Champeni, Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute Project Officer, called for action to address harassment issues and improve outcomes, highlighting the need to curb such cases amongst students and apprentices rather than just discussing issues.
“There must be a way out. We cannot continue talking and talking and talking. We need to walk the talk. And the only way we can walk the talk is when we act,” Champeni said.
Champeni also called for collaboration among stakeholders to take decisive steps, further expressing commitment to continue supporting the initiative's goals emphasizing the importance of collective action to achieve the intended objectives of the decent work initiatives.
Whilst assessing Challenges and Gaps in decent work in implementation in her presentation, Jessie Ching`oma, Deputy Director of Malawi Congress of Trade Union, identified that enforcement and implementation of disciplinary measures as key challenges affecting decent work ethics in various work environments.
NICE intensifies voter education in Machinga ahead of elections
By Doricah Mkwapatira
Machinga, July 24, Mana: In a bid to enhance electoral participation and quality of votes cast, the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Machinga has intensified voter civic education to prepare voters well ahead of the September 16 general election to minimise void votes,
On Monday, the voter civic education too NICE Trust to Ngokwe in the district, where, apart from the voting procedure, the voters were also provided with information roles of various candidates, and key policy, issues to ensure they make informed decisions on the polling day.
NICE Programmes Officer in Machinga, Francis Mugwa, said the mobilisation was relevant considering that Machinga is among the districts that register low voter turnout.
“We are only remaining with 85 days to September 16, and most people amongst the few voters that registered are knowledgeable enough about voting procedures. We want to ensure the few votes that were registered will not be wasted,” he added.
Mugwa said NICE Trust was committed to empowering voters with good knowledge about electoral procedures.
"Our goal is to bridge the information gap even in hard-to-reach areas such as Ngokwe, with the intent to keep voters updated and equip them with all the insights so that they can practice their voter rights,” he said.
Johane Mponda of Ngokwe said the voter civic education had been informative for their voting procedures.
"I didn't know how to properly fill out a ballot paper, but today's session has clarified everything to me. Now, I am confident that I can cast my vote correctly without spoiling it and have my voice heard," he said.
Mary Stande, a vendor at Ngokwe Market, also believed that the NICE campaign will also play a significant role towards peaceful and credible elections.
“The voter civic education will help to reduce tensions and conflicts at polling stations, thereby contributing to a more peaceful environment,” she added.
NICE is working towards achieving a 100 per cent voter turnout in Machinga for the upcoming elections, where 253,363 people registered across 259 polling centers.
Community pleased with progress on K161 million EPA project
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 25, Mana: Community members at Tukombo in the area of Traditional Authority Zilakoma in Nkhata Bay are pleased with the progress being made in the construction of an Tukombo Extension Planning Area (EPA) office in the area.
Speaking in an interview Tuesday, Councillor for Tukombo ward in Nkhata Bay South Constituency Acran Chenya said the progress is impressive, giving hope that farmers will start benefiting from the facility.
"Construction works of Tukombo EPA office are progressing well, having reached about 55 days since its commencement, but you can see that it's at the roofing stage.
"This has given us confidence that farmers will soon benefit from this K161 million development." he said.
He therefore urged the contractor to keep up the good work and complete the remaining segments on time.
The Managing Director of SEM Construction Company, Ephraim Nyirenda pledged to maintain the good pace and deliver quality work within the given timeframe of 120 days.
In his remarks, Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources in Nkhata Bay, Raphael Mkisi said upon completion, the facility will have furnished office spaces for three extension officers, conference room and installation of weather instruments among other components.
“Our officers will now be able to conduct farmer trainings hence improved agriculture service delivery and a motivation to them,” he added.
Tukombo EPA office is being constructed by Nkhata Bay District Council under the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP) with financial support from World Bank.
