By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, February 10, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has commended the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) for its commitment to address issues concerning the health system faced by the African region.

Speaking on Monday during the opening of the 74th Health Ministers Conference for ECSA-HC in Lilongwe, Usi acknowledged the efforts which Ministers of Health from different regions are making to improve the well-being of their citizens.

“ As we look to the future, we must acknowledge the significant progress we have made in healthcare. I am pleased to hear that the ECSA Secretariat will be launching its Strategic Plan for 2024–2034 during the meeting. This Strategy is a significant step toward uniting our efforts and providing a roadmap for the next 10 years,” he said.

Usi further stated that there is a need to enhance the country's capacity to manage health issues and build resilience, saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the critical necessity of coordinated and proactive responses to health crises.

The Vice President highlighted the importance of addressing health problems which affect women, children and adolescents.

“Mortality rates remain high in this region. We must do more to ensure that every woman has access to quality reproductive health services and that our youth receive comprehensive education on health and wellness,” said Usi.

He then called upon collective efforts to address challenges facing communicable and non-communicable diseases highlighting that it is a threat to Africa’s health sector.

“Diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria remain leading causes of illness and death. At the same time, non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and mental health disorders are on the rise. This dual burden places enormous pressure on our health systems,” he stated.

Acting Director General of ECSA Sibusiso Sibadze highlighted the organisation’s collaborative efforts in addressing regional health challenges.

“We are working tirelessly to address all health-related problems. Currently, we are also focusing on controlling antimicrobial resistance, which has been a persistent challenge for years,” he said.

In her remarks, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said public health emergencies affect many regions which is why it is important to have such meetings so that they can know how to solve health-related problems.

“As Ministers we need to collaborate so that we share experiences in the health sector so that we learn from each other and move forward together,” she said.

The three-day conference is expected to cover priority areas including building capacity for health emergencies and resilience strengthening health systems to respond to emergencies and building resilience in the face of future challenges.

Established in 1974, ECSA is an intergovernmental health organization that promotes regional cooperation in health among its member states and it comprises countries like Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Eswatini, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The conference is being held under the theme: "Looking Ahead Post the Golden Jubilee

By Winfrida Kamwana

Mchinji, February 10, Mana: Police in Mchinji have instituted investigations to trace suspected criminals who have been receiving motorcycles and other properties stolen from Zambia.

Mchinji Public Relations Officer, Limbani Mpinganjira says the investigations have been initiated to trace Sambulukani Mbewe and Emmanuel Phiri after the police arrested two suspects in connection to the offence in question when the Chipata/Zambia police lodged a complaint regarding an increase in motorcycle robberies.

"Police organised an intelligence-driven operation and raided the premises of the culprits who had already bolted and recovered two unregistered motorcycles and a 42-inch plasma television after a thorough search," said Mpinganjira.

Meanwhile, police investigations have been launched to arrest Mbewe and Phiri from Kapezi Village who are on the run.

Police are urging people in the district especially those along the Zambia/Malawi border to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, February 10, Mana: Rumphi District Council has urged communities at Chitimba in Traditional Authority Mwamulowe to take ownership of Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (Life AR) programme in order to address climate change induced problems in the area.

District's Forestry Officer, Gift Nyirenda said this during the launch of Life AR Tree Planting season at Chitimba Primary School in Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Chiwiriwiri.

He said the programme has the potential to address challenges people in the area have been experiencing such as flooding.

Nyirenda also said several interventions will be implemented by the communities to mitigate adverse effects of climate change including tree and vetiva grass planting and construction of a 300-meter dyke along Kahewe-Bogolo River to protect people's fields and homes.

"The project will also provide fruit tree seedlings including bananas, oranges. It also comes with a goat pass on programme. People in this area depend on fishing, but the catch is no longer the same.

"They are catching less and less fish. We hope the goat pass on programme, bee keeping and fruit tree seedlings will give them an alternative to fishing," said Nyirenda. 

Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, urged communities around Chitimba to take advantage of the project in order to restore degraded land.

STA Chiwiriwiri said in recent years they have been experiencing a lot of flooding which has been destroying their crops and homes.

The district received at least K450 million under Life AR to implement a three-year project focused on addressing impacts of climate change.

The project takes a community led approach in which the communities themselves identify and implement activities with the council providing expertise where need arises.

By Memory Chatonda

Blantyre, February 10, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has advised the newly installed Traditional Authority (T/A) Makata V to lead by example by uniting his subjects and fighting against corruption at the community level.

Chimwendo Banda made the remarks on Sunday in Blantyre during the installation ceremony of T/A Makata V, whose real name is Peter Jonamu.

The minister observed that for years, the area under T/A Makata has been shrouded with chieftaincy wrangles; hence, the need for the newly installed chief to leave aside vengeance and advocate for peace and unity among his subjects.

"We are happy that finally, we have a designated T/A Makata in this area and the message from President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to the newly installed Chief is that he should be an instrument of promoting hardworking spirit, unity, peace, tolerance, and justice among the people he leads and above all, promote sustainable development in the area," he said.

Chimwendo Banda also advised all traditional leaders in the country to promote transparency and accountability in the provision of social protection programmes and the distribution of maize and fertilizers to vulnerable families.

Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Elson Dumuka congratulated T/A Makata V for attaining the chieftain position.

"We are delighted by this development considering that Blantyre District Council works with chiefs to spearhead development that benefit communities at all levels. So, in areas where there are no chiefs, people in such places get deprived of development," Dumuka said.

In his remarks, T/A Makata V hailed government for the ceremony and pledged to take all the advice given with seriousness and work in accordance with the laws of Malawi.

The installation of Traditional Authority Makata V follows the death of T/A Makata IV, Diston Andrea on July 24, 2021.

By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, February 9, Mana: Speaker of the National Assembly and Vice President of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Catherine Gotani Hara has warned against nepotism in the distribution of Lean Season Response Program resources, as the practice denies rightful beneficiaries an opportunity to be genuinely assisted.

Speaking at Chibavi Primary School in Mzuzu City on Sunday, when she presided over a political rally organised by the party’s northern chapter, Hara, who is also a Member of Parliament for Mzimba Northeast Constituency, said those caught in this act would be punished accordingly.

“Government acknowledges that some residents in cities are facing economic challenges hence their inclusion in social protection programs.

“We are continuing with the distribution of maize to help reduce hunger amongst households including those in cities. My plea is that those responsible for registering beneficiaries should do so prudently so that everyone benefits,” she said emphasising that government is watching closely to ensure the success of the program.

Hara then appealed to communities in the northern region to support MCP candidates for continuity in development.

“Currently, there are a lot of projects which are either in the pipeline or in progress in the region like rehabilitation of the M1 road, construction of M'mbelwa University and a trauma centre in Karonga.

“For continuation of these and many other projects in the country, there is a need for us to provide support to the party and its candidates including President Lazarus Chakwera,” said Hara.

Earlier, Senior Block Leader for Chibavi East, Franco Gondwe appreciated government for considering some residents in the city to benefit from lean season response program which he said has helped many families in the city escape hunger.

“Due to change in weather patterns, initiatives of urban agriculture have been affected rendering some households without stable source of income.

“But inclusion of the city to benefit from lean season response program has helped many families to have food,” said Gondwe.

He, however, requested government to increase beneficiaries of the same to poor households in some of the city’s slums as a means to absorb some economic shocks resulting from increased cost of living.

During the function, MCP Regional Governor for North South, Joseph Chavula appealed to party members and aspirants to exercise tolerance during primary elections because the party advocates for the peaceful exercise of political rights.

Apart from party officials, other dignitories present during the function were Ministers Jacob Hara, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, Uchizi Mkandawire and Titus Mvaro of Transport, Mining, Sports and Justice respectively, Mzuzu City Member of Parliament Bennex Mwamlima, Mzuzu City Deputy Mayor Monica Simwaka and some members of Parliament from the northern region.

By Mwai Kumanda

Lilongwe, February 8, Mana:  Independent Driven Education (INDE) Woman, a non-governmental organization has called on girls in Lilongwe to work hard in their studies so that they become productive citizens in the near future.

One of the organization's co-founders Louisa Sibande, made the call at Kauma LEA primary school in Lilongwe when the organization was presenting some school materials to learners.

 “We decided to start this program after noting that many girls drop out of school due to financial constraints and also a lack of role models, so we thought it was wise to start the scholarship program that provides an opportunity for girls to at least compete for their secondary education,” she said.

Sibande said their organization is determined to assist underprivileged students with school funds, sanitary products as well as school uniforms so that they can be able to stay in school.

She said apart from providing school materials, the organization also does mentorship sessions and motivational talks just to motivate and encourage learners.

Head teacher for Kauma primary Bertha Nyirenda hailed the organization for its invaluable support in assisting the learners.

“It’s heartwarming to see organizations working to empower girls and promote their education. This initiative has made a significant difference in the lives of these girls and we appreciate them for always providing the learners with different resources,” she said.

A Standard 8 learner Moreen Mituka thanked the organization for supporting her education through mentorship sessions and school resources which enabled her to continue her education.

 “This organization has helped in boosting my confidence. I am grateful for all the help we are getting from this organization, with the mentorship sessions I have learnt that despite my gender, I am capable of doing and be able to acquire whatever I want,” she said.

INDE Woman is a non-profit organization that aims to empower girls with financial, educational, and other resources and started its operations in 2021

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 9, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) programmes officer for Kasungu Gerald Chirwa has challenged the youths in the district to exercise the highest level of political tolerance in the run-up to the September General Elections.

Chirwa said in an interview on the sidelines of voter mobilisation activities in the district on Saturday that the youths must refuse to be used as agents of violence in the electoral process but that they must take productive roles.

“We reiterate our call for the youths and everyone else in general to take productive roles in the entire electoral process so that we have peaceful polls.

“The youths in particular should aim not only to vote but also contest for positions rather than just being used to fight opponents. They should express interest to contest whether as councillors, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the presidency as well," Chirwa said.

He said political leaders must also lead an issue-based campaign and avoid inflammatory remarks that would compromise the peace needed in the election process.

“This is a period dominated by campaign activities and our call for tolerance extends to the political leadership as well because violence leads to low participation in polls and consequently compromises the legitimacy of those elected,” he said.

Chairperson for Kasungu Civil Society Network, Braxton Banda said democracy can only thrive if people participate in the electing of leaders and therefore asked people to come out in large numbers during the polling day.

“We must guard our democracy and the only way to do that is to participate, and those contesting in leadership positions must be realistic in their campaigns by promising things they will do because, at the end of the day, they are to be held accountable for that.

“Unrealistic promises lead to frustration of voters, the very reason we see people shunning away from registering as voters today, so we must be honest enough in what we tell the people,” Banda said.

According to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) consolidated preliminary figures of registered voters, at least 7,200,905 people are expected to cast their ballot to choose councillors, MPs and president.

By Yankho Kandio

Salima February 9, Mana: Officials from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) held a crucial meeting with stakeholders in Salima to assess the progress of the Lean Season Social Cash Transfer Programme.

The lean season response initiative aims to support vulnerable households affected by drought.

The program being implemented nationwide, varies in duration depending on the severity of need in each district.

Salima has been allocated four months of response assistance, with two months already completed.

Speaking during a council meeting, in the Salima district, Disaster Preparedness Officer Brian Zikamale provided a comprehensive update on the program's rollout plan.

 "In the past two months, each registered household including those under the El Niño disaster response program and those enrolled in the regular Social Cash Transfer Program received a 50kg bag of maize per month to help them cope with food shortages," he said.

“Salima has a total of 33,759 households enrolled in the program, directly benefiting an estimated 183,690 people. Among these, 10,877 households are part of the Social Cash Transfer Program and will now transition to receiving cash assistance instead of maize for the remaining two months of the response,” said Zikamale.

He said this shift will be supported by a budget allocation of K761 million ensuring that each household receives K70,000, equivalent to the market price of a 50kg bag of maize.

Officials agreed that this adjustment aims to offer greater flexibility for beneficiaries, allowing them to purchase food or other essential household items according to their specific needs.

It also aligns with efforts to promote financial inclusion by encouraging the use of mobile money services.

On his part, Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda, expressed satisfaction with the program's implementation, highlighting its role in improving the quality of life for affected households.

"The program has been crucial in providing relief to families struggling with food shortages due to the drought. This assistance has helped to ensure that vulnerable households have access to food and other necessities," Mwenda said.

While acknowledging the program’s success, Senior Chief Khombedza raised concerns about the need for transparency and inclusivity in the distribution process.

Khombedza urged DoDMA officials to ensure equitable access to support and emphasized the importance of effective communication with communities to prevent misunderstandings or exclusions.

Additionally, stakeholders proposed measures to improve programme’s efficiency, including strengthening beneficiary verification processes and enhancing collaboration between local leaders and program coordinators to ensure that support reaches those most in need.

By Kondwani Magombo

Lilongwe, February 9, Mana: The National Children’s Commission (NCC) on Saturday engaged children to seek their input towards draft guidelines for identifying two co-opted child commissioners as guided by the National Children’s Commission Act.

The engagement took place at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe where ten children drawn from various areas represented their fellow children across the country in the validation of the draft guidelines.

One of the NCC Commissioners, Benedicto Kondowe, described the engagement as crucial to the formulation of the guidelines that will help in the identification of the two co-opted child commissioners.

“The National Children’s Commission is the commission for children: Without them, there’s no commission,” said Kondowe, adding: “The National Children’s Commission Act provides that the composition of the Commission will be complete with the appointment of two co-opted child commissioners, hence this engagement to have the children’s voice on the guidelines for identifying the said child commissioners.”

Kondowe hailed the children’s input, saying it will make the guidelines represent what the children want, as owners of the Commission.

Among other contributions, the children called for representation of children with disabilities and, also, representation of children at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in the NCC.

The children also told the Commission to consider room for an election to allow children replace child commissioners who fail to deliver to the satisfaction of those they represent in the Commission.

One of the children who participated in the validation of the guidelines, Tshiamo Mpangeni, 14, from Chipasula Secondary School, said the engagement was “very helpful” as it had given the children an opportunity to contribute towards the guidelines, on behalf of their fellow children.

“We’re happy to be part of this and we hope that the gaps that we have identified and the contributions that we have made, will be taken into consideration and be incorporated in the final document,” said Mpangeni.

The NCC was established under the National Children’s Commission Act No. 12 of 2019, and the Amended Act No. 24 of 2022, to advance the welfare of children in Malawi.

The final guidelines, which will incorporate the children’s feedback, will be ready by February 17, 2025, according to Commissioner Kondowe.

By Catherine Chikopa

Thyolo, February 8, Mana:  South East Region Police has appealed to law enforcing agencies, community members and other stakeholders in Thyolo to strengthen collaboration in tackling security challenges to make the district crime free.

Speaking during a Station Executive Forum (SEF) meeting on Saturday, Police Commissioner for the South East Region, Dr. Noel Kayira said there was need to make Thyolo a safe haven conducive for all socio-economic activities.

“The police and community members must work as one to ensure a safe society. Conflicts should be resolved peacefully to prevent unnecessary loss of life and property,” he said.

Kayira said this this in reaction to several incidents of mob justice and torching of police facilities in Thyolo.

Thyolo Police, Station Executive Forum, Chairperson, Darlington Kawawa, said stakeholder collaboration was crucial in addressing insecurity issues in the district.

“The meeting enabled stakeholders to review past security measures and strategise for improved security and safety. Reports from community policing groups and security teams will help us develop effective crime prevention strategies,” he said.

He stressed the need to equip stakeholders with the necessary resources, saying that security was a collective responsibility.

Kawawa therefore condemned acts of mob justice, citing past incidents that led to the destruction of police posts in Thekerani and Bvumbwe.

Senior Chief Mchilamwera also urged community members to take an active role in combating crime.

 “We have challenges such as vandalism and theft. By working together with the police, we can protect our resources and ensure a safer district,” he said.

The meeting brought together traditional and faith leaders, business representatives, persons with albinism, estate managers, youth representatives, community policing members, police officers, and the media to discuss security concerns and enhance collaboration.