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NLGFC kick-starts 2025/2026 budget review sessions for councils
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, January 20, Mana: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has kick-started the 2025/2026 budget review for district, municipal and city councils.
The exercise, which is taking place in Blantyre, is aimed at scrutinizing and validating the budgets of councils and cities, thereby ensuring that they align with national priorities and adhere to principles of effective resource allocation at the local government level.
Mangochi District Council was among the first councils that presented their projected budgets on Monday.
Speaking during the session, Mangochi acting District Commissioner, Davie Chigwenembe said that the council budget for the coming fiscal year is pegged at K 8.1 billion.
The budget includes central government transfers of K 7.8 billion, as well as a locally generated revenue of K306 million.
He said that through the budget, the council will priorities infrastructure developments in agriculture, education and health sectors, through the construction of irrigation schemes, rehabilitation of health facilities, as well as construction of girls’ hostels and schools.
‘‘As a district council, we want to advance on winter irrigation farming, to ensure that communities are food secure. Through this year’s budget, we have earmarked some traditional authorities such as Chimala where we will construct irrigation schemes.
‘‘To improve child education, we are planning to construct two girls’ hostels, as well as some school blocks in the district, with resources from Governance to Enable Service Delivery. On health, we will rehabilitate health facilities through the hospital rehabilitation project,” Chigwenembe added.
On finances, the acting District Commissioner said Mangochi was performing well in locally generated revenue in the current fiscal year such that by December 2024, the council collected K226 million, anticipating surpassing a K245 million target.
He added that in the coming financial year, the council intends to collect K306 million from locally generated revenue.
In his remarks, a budget officer at the NLGFC, Jonathan Banda commended Mangochi District Council for performing well on revenue generation.
‘‘In most cases, district councils have difficulties in managing their resources due to large outstanding balances. It appears that Mangochi is doing well, and this is a commendable development,” said Banda.
Rumphi District Hospital targets 36000 people with OCV amid cholera threats
By Thula Chisamba
Rumphi, January 20, Mana: Rumphi District Hospital in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has rolled out an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) exercise which is targeting 36000 people in the district.
Chief Preventive Health Officer for the district, Sam Chirwa said the move is a proactive response to an alarming upsurge of cholera cases in the district and the neighbouring Mzimba North.
“Currently, we have already registered 29 cholera cases, and the disease is reportedly fast spreading in neighbouring Mzimba North, particularly in areas like Vongo which is very close to us here,” said Chirwa.
He said the current vaccination drive aims to bolster immunity among vulnerable populations, particularly in the wake of the recent cases that have raised alarms about the potential for widespread transmission.
In an interview, one of the bicycle taxi operators at Rumphi Boma, Joel Msimuko said his business makes him susceptible to the infection hence would take the vaccine.
“I took it two years ago, and as per requirement doctors say I have to take it again this year. Even if they would recommend taking it every year, I would be taking it because my taxi business exposes me to the infection more than others,” said Msimuko.
Meanwhile, local health authorities in the district are also ramping up efforts to educate the public about preventive measures against cholera, including proper sanitation practices and the importance of boiling water before consumption.
In Malawi, Rumphi is one of the districts that is vulnerable to the disease. In 2022 over 783 cases and 13 deaths were registered in the district.
Currently, the district hospital has already stationed health workers in various locations throughout the district to ensure easy access to the vaccine during the campaign which will run until January 25th this year.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium ‘Vibrio cholerae’.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths are reported each year across the globe.
VEEP arrives at Changalu primary school
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, January 20, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has arrived at Changalu Primary School in Inkosi Nsakambewa in Dowa, where he is to appreciate school feeding activities being implemented by Mary's Meals at the school.
He was welcomed by Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima and other dignitaries.
The school has around 1000 learners.
The Vice President will inspect the kitchen where porridge for the children is prepared, he will also join the team of volunteers in serving the children porridge before interacting with them. Afterwards, Dr Usi will address a gathering at the school ground.
Mchinji DHO registers a high prevalence rate of Gonorrhea infections
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, January 20, Mana: Mchinji District Hospital Sexual Transmitting Infections (STIs) Coordinator, Elia Phiri says in 2024 the facility registered a high rate of Gonorrhea infection cases.
Phiri told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday that the district's high prevalence rate raised an alarm.
“The facility that mostly covers the population situated at the Boma and surrounding areas, recorded 5,335 infection cases of STIs but out of them 2,164 cases were of Gonococcal, commonly known as Gonorrhea,” Phiri said.
He said Gonorrhea is a health-threatening disease saying it has the potential of causing complications that could attract Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), birth complications, cancer, infertility and a risk of HIV infections.
Phiri mentioned having multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex and drug and alcohol abuse as some of the risk factors that mostly fuel the rise of infections.
In a separate interview with the Field Officer for Mchinji Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS), Hope Million, said they are working jointly with the district hospital to carry out community outreach and mobile STI clinics in the district.
Million explained that ELDS has a special agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on a project which is designed to reduce the spreading of HIV and other STI infections.
“Jointly ELDS and IOM have been providing the services through community outreach, mobile clinics, aside from raising awareness on sexual reproductive health rights and HIV,” Million said.
PS encourages team Work and Collaboration
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 20, Mana: Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, has emphasised the need of team work for the betterment of the Department.
Speaking at the Department of information in Lilongwe on Monday where he interacted with the senior management and staff at the department,Chiyamwaka said it is important to remain competent in executing duties and continue providing support to the department.
“ I am part of this family and I am meant to work closely with you all members to achieve greatness. We appreciate the work you do as this helps the department to improve its services ,” He said.
He then urged the staff at the department to take note and follow the Ministry's mandate as it is the bedrock of the ministry.
“ Let us strive to build each other up, to support each other and to work together towards a common goal,” He stated.
In his remarks, Director of Information at the department Arthur Chipenda commended the PS for coming and encourage the workers as it provides an opportunity to interaction.
Communities urged to take part in Cancer Campaigns
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, January 20, Mana: The Executive Director for Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ), Chikhulupiliro Ng'ombe, has urged Malawians to observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in an attempt to alleviate the increase in cervical cancer.
January is designated as a cervical cancer awareness month to spread messages about the prevention of cervical cancer and the essentiality of vaccination in women. The 2025 cervical cancer awareness month theme is: 'United by Unique.'
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Sunday, Ng'ombe said cervical cancer Awareness month is important because it promotes early detection, educates the public about cancer risk factors, and supports people living with cancer.
"As an organization we intend to ensure that many women can get the message and eventually get to go for screening. Through this awareness we aim to ensure that women who can prevent cervical cancer should prevent and to give hope to those who may be going through the disease," said Ng'ombe.
According to Ng'ombe, Malawi has high rates of cervical and HIV, whereby cervical cancer is particularly common among women living with HIV as such cancer-related awareness campaigns are needed to remove cancer and prevent further spread.
Malawi Health Equity Network (MEHN) Executive Director, George Jobe concurred with Ng'ombe, noting that Malawians should join hands in supporting the campaign considering that health the sector needs more partners to enhance its efforts in dealing with cancer.
"It is important that everyone from government to the schools, from the hospital to the workplaces and the churches to the community should join hands in fighting against cervical cancer and there is a need to assist as many people as possible all over Malawi," said Jobe.
According to the Institute for Global Health and Infections, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Malawi despite being preventable through early detection and treatment. Malawi's cervical cancer screening programme has faced challenges, however, there are ongoing efforts to improve access to screening and treatment.
Zomba Texas Boys donates mattresses to Bimbi Health Center
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, January 18, Mana: A group of men by the name of Texas Boys on Saturday donated 12 mattresses worthy K1.2 million to Bimbi Health Center in the area of Traditional Authority Kuntumanji in Zomba following an appeal for waterproof mattresses in the postnatal ward where patients have been sleeping on worn out bed materials.
The group which comprised men that stayed in Zomba town from the 1970s to the early 2000s mobilized financial resources from its WhatsApp group members to buy PVC mattresses.
Receiving the donation, Group Village Head Kumbwani hailed the group for responding to one of Bimbi Health Center’s dire needs, saying the donation was timely following the poor condition of mattresses in the postnatal ward, consultation room and waiting ward.
“We have worn-out mattresses. This donation is just a nice response to the facility’s challenge,” the group village head added.
Bimbi Health Centre serves a population of more than 26,000 from four group village heads namely; Kumbwani, Bimbi, Namadingo and Liphalo.
Group Village Kumbwani therefore said the donation will create a conducive environment for health delivery per the expectations of the community around the health facility.
Facility in Charge at Bimbi Health Centre, Dalitso Napawa said the postnatal ward requires PVC, waterproof mattresses saying the Texas Boys’ donation is the right and timely response to the health centre’s dire need.
Of the 12 donated mattresses, the postnatal ward has been given seven mattresses, while five mattresses have been allocated to consultation rooms and another ward that accommodates patients who await referral to Zomba Central Hospital for further medical attention.
A member of Texas Boys Charles Mukiwa said they felt duty-bound to help the Health Centre after learning that the facility had many challenges like mattresses.
“We learnt that there was a dire need of mattresses in the wards and we are glad to have helped,” he added.
In 2024 the Texas Boys rehabilitated and painted a guardian shelter at Zomba Central Hospital.
Texas Boys has 167 members on its WhatsApp forum.
Journalists urged to promote NEEF’s Vision
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, January 18, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has acknowledged the significant role journalists play in shaping societal narratives and influencing public perceptions.
Kunkuyu was speaking on Saturday in Blantyre during a stakeholder consultative meeting with the Southern Region Press Club (SRPC) hosted by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
He said the Ministry of Information operates according to three core principles.
“The Ministry is guided by principles of credibility, inclusive coverage and dissemination of accurate information. These principles, therefore, guide interactions not only with the public but also with key stakeholders such as the media,” Kunkuyu said.
Kunkuyu urged journalists not to publicize NEEF’s initiatives only but also consider becoming beneficiaries of its services and products.
He also encouraged journalists to make it their priority to display the importance of NEEF’s projects, likening them to other transformative social protection programmes.
The minister added that there is also a need to enrol journalists in NEEF loans for economic transformation.
However, he stressed that the media must help Malawians recognize the programme as a game changer with the knowledge that they have acquired.
“The Ministry of Information and NEEF are committed to build a strong partnership with the media to empower Malawians with knowledge about initiatives that can improve their lives,” Kunkuyu stated.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni concurred with Kunkuyu on the importance of media sensitization in bridging the knowledge gap regarding its goals and initiatives in public discourse.
Mdyetseni pointed out the organization's commitment to engage stakeholders to reduce misconceptions about its services with the media being the latest group to undergo such orientation.
“It is NEEF’s tradition to engage stakeholders including politicians, civil society organizations and youth groups. This is the first time we are sensitizing the media which are an integral part of society,” Mdyetseni said.
He said the orientation was aimed at clarifying NEEF’s aspirations, products and goals in a bid to address misunderstandings about how the organization is perceived and represented in the media and the community at large.
Mdyetseni, therefore, emphasized that strengthening the relationship between NEEF and the media remained crucial in changing people's mindsets and reducing poverty levels in Malawi.
He clarified that NEEF focuses on economic empowerment rather than merely promoting enterprise proliferation, offering broader microfinance services.
“It is to be noted that NEEF is a loans entity and not a grants entity as other people would want it to be perceived. NEEF traces and collects the money that is given to eligible citizens,” he said.
Prominent attendees included SRPC President, Ronald Amos and the Director of Information, Arthur Chipenda.
The journalists were drawn from various media houses across the southern region.
MEC earmarks K7 billion for supplementary voter registration
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, January 18, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has earmarked K7 billion to successfully conduct a supplementary voter registration exercise in 1,974 centres across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Blantyre, MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja said the funds are sufficient to conduct the exercise which is crucial for a smooth transition between the electoral process stages.
She said: “The initial voter registration exercise had 6,039 centres which registered about 7,162,127 from the projected 10,957,490. This supplementary voter registration has 1,974 centres and we anticipate registering at least 271,854 voters so that they can exercise their constitutional right to cast their vote during the polling date.
“So far, the commission has set aside K7 billion to support the exercise ahead of the September 16 general elections.”
Mtalimanja advised electoral stakeholders to take full responsibility for disseminating information to the public so that those who are eligible to register during the exercise can get registered.
According to Mtalimanja, the centres will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
She, therefore, encouraged voters to present themselves at convenient times.
“These centres have been established where people can easily go and register because we want every eligible voter to participate,” she said.
The first phase of the voter registration will run from January 21 to 22 targeting Mzimba, Lilongwe, Lilongwe City, Mangochi Municipality, Mangochi, Mwanza, Chikwawa and Nsanje.
The second phase which will run from January 27 to 28, 2024 targets Nkhatabay, Rumphi, Likoma, Kasungu, Kasungu Municipality, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntcheu, Zomba, Zomba City, Blantyre, Blantyre City, Nthyolo and Luncheza.
While the third phase, which starts from February 2 to February 3, covers Chitipa, Karonga, Karonga Town, Mzuzu City, Nkhotakota, Ntchisi, Salima, Dedza, Balaka, Machinga, Chiradzulu, Neno and Mulanje.
Big 2 Project in Book Sell Fundraiser
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, January 18, Mana: In a bid to promote agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship among young people, a youth-led organization under the banner of Big 2 Project has embarked on a book sale fundraising campaign to mobilize funds for the construction of an Agriculture Innovation Centre.
The book on sale is titled: ‘Agriculture Hundred Years From Now,’ which has discussed a range of topics from sustainable agricultural practices to environmental conservation.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Saturday, Manager of Big 2 Project, Blessings Mlelemba said through the 650 books fundraising sale, they are targeting to raise about K50 to K100 million which will be used to construct the model centres across the country.
Mlelemba disclosed that the first of its kind will be in Lilongwe Rural specifically at Mitundu.
“These model centres will be established in all the districts where our organization operates. In all these centres, we will be equipping the youth with sustainable agriculture and climate smart knowledge,” he said.
Mlelemba added that the facilities will also be providing technical skills including tailoring especially for girls, carpentry and basics of interior designing.
“We will be training the youth in different farming activities like crop production, organic fertilizer production and basic agri-business skills like poultry farming especially organic poultry (birds), feed production and monetization,” he said.
He, therefore, called on all its partners to render the initiative the necessary support by buying the book, saying it can be used by extension field officers, agricultural organizations, cooperatives and everyone engaged in agriculture.
“The book is a masterpiece that can equip anyone with primary knowledge of sustainable farming amid climate change as it has discussed climate change impacts on food production and national economy plus means and strategies farmers can implement to mitigate and lessen the impact of climate change,” he said.
In a separate interview, field extension worker from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agnes Mpeketula Gama stressed the need for having agricultural innovation centres, noting that the facilities will benefit local farmers as well the nation in improving food productivity and attaining food security.
“The centre can provide access to new farming technology, research and expertise, enabling local farmers to adopt best practices and increase productivity; hence, improving their yields and quality,” she said.
Gama, said through training and mentorship, the programmes will encourage youth involvement in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
“The centre can facilitate connections to financial institutions, input suppliers and markets helping young farmers to overcome the barriers,” she added.
Big 2 Project is implementing other programmes of training young farmers in sustainable agricultural practices plus environmental conservation activities like tree planting competitions across the country.
