MANAonline
Over 80,000 households to receive ITNs in Nkhata Bay
By Abednego Sibale
Nkhata Bay, November 11, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Hospital Community Malaria Coordinator, Emmanuel Mapondera says government is this year expected to distribute insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to 84,292 households in the district.
In an interview on Monday along the sidelines of mass distribution of the nets at Mkumbira, Mapondera said the district has incidence rate of 954 malaria cases per 1,000 people annually hence the intervention.
He said the initiative is one of the means government has put in place to eradicate Malaria in the country by 2030 and therefore every net distributed counts.
"Our initial plan was to distribute 188,799 ITNs as per registration. However, we have a shortfall of 261,534 nets. As such, we are providing one net to three people with a maximum of three nets per household,” said Mapondera.
He advised households which have received the nets against selling them but use them for the intended purpose.
A mother of four, Emily Kamwemba from Mkumbira Village commended government for the support and promised to put it to good use so that her family is Malaria free.
"We are thankful for these free mosquito nets as not everyone can afford to buy on their own. My children will now be having peaceful sleep and protected from mosquito bites,” said Kamwendo.
The campaign, which targets 19 million people with 11.7 million ITNs across the country, is being implemented through Malaria Control Programme with funding from Global Fund.
Women in Rumphi hail SCTP
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 12, Mana: Women in Rumphi have hailed Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for transforming their livelihoods from abject poverty.
In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Jane Makungu from Mlongoti Village in Rumphi, says she acquired cattle through SCTP, a Malawi Government initiative funded by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank.
Makungu, who receives K9,000 per month from the programme, joined Vision Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group in 2019.
This group provides her with access to funds for investment through share contributions. She receives her share of profits annually.
"In my first year with the group, in 2020, I received K50,000 in profits which I used to buy a mattress. In 2022, I invested the K100,000 I earned from the VSL in tobacco. I bought one bale of tobacco, which earned me K250,000," said Makungu.
In 2023, she deposited K250,000 as a partial payment for a cow priced at K400,000. She completed the payment earlier this year and the cow has since given birth to a calf.
At 68 years old, Makungu describes the SCTP as a lifeline enabling her to meet her household’s daily needs such as food through small-scale businesses funded by the programme.
She added that before she became a beneficiary she struggled with her husband who is an elderly man to provide for their family but the programme has made their lives easier as they are now able to provide for their daily needs.
Another beneficiary, Eunice Zgambo says the programme has given her a lifeline as she is able to take care of four children of her late sister.
Two children of her late sister have disabilities; one does not speak while the other one has a mental illness.
"The others are in college and I support them through this programme. One is studying law at University of Malawi while the other one is at Ekwendeni College of Nursing.
"I invest my money in farming. I grow tomatoes, vegetables and other crops which I harvest and sell to support my family," said Zgambo.
Desk Officer for the programme in Rumphi, Abel Ndlovu, notes that many beneficiaries in the district have used the programme to acquire assets such as livestock and to build decent homes.
SCTP is a Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods (SSRLP) which is funded by the World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
CS-EPWP participants want expansion of beneficiary coverage
By George Mponda
Karonga November 12, Mana: Participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Karonga have asked for an increase in the number of paid participants engaged in the programme to scale up conservation efforts.
The participants made the call Monday during a media tour to appreciate the programme’s achievements and impact of conservation works on the local environment in Sanambe and Iponga Catchments.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Catchment Management Chairperson for Chikutu in Senior Chief Kilupula's area, Blessed Mvula, said their catchment has 500 participants but there are many who would like to join.
Mvula said: "We've been working on various projects, including natural tree regeneration, river bank protection, and gully reclamation. It's exciting to see these efforts bearing fruit. For instance, the Kasantha River, which typically dries up by October, is still flowing.
“The progress we've made, combined with the wages we receive, has sparked interest from many others who want to join the programme."
John Mkandawire a Foreman from Sanambe Catchment in Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe's area echoed Mvula's sentiments saying communities have realised the benefits of the programme and they want to be part of it.
"Our catchment has 1,600 participants but the area is very large with lots of people who can lend a hand in the conservation works as well as benefit from the K48,000 in wages which we receive and in the process our area will also be developing," said Mkandawire.
CS-EPWP District Programme Facilitator for Karonga, Austin Kafere, urged community members who are not enrolled in the programme to take part in the works which are instrumental in conserving their areas.
"Although some community members are not under the CS-EPWP, government is also implementing other interventions like the Social Cash Transfer Programme which has also enrolled other beneficiaries. However, the works being done under CS-EPWP are very important, therefore everyone should be taking part inorder to increase its impact," Kafere said.
CSEPWP is a government initiative under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.
Mzimba farmers turn to climate-smart solutions for soil, water conservation
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, November 12, Mana: Subsistence farmers in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba district have expressed prospects of better harvests in the 2024/2025 farming season due to climate-smart interventions they have adopted in their gardens.
The farmers say climate smart works under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) have turned their once barren lands into fertile ones.
Speaking Monday during a tour of Thundwe Catchment Area which falls under Kazomba Extension Area (EPA), Melinet Mseteka, from Mukomakuka Village said last year she managed to cultivate one acre where she applied climate-smart technologies.
“I managed to harvest substantial amount of maize. These climate-smart interventions helped me, unlike in the past when I could not harvest the 40 bags that I managed this time,” said Mseteka, who is also the treasurer for the catchment.
According to Agriculture Extension worker for Thundwe Catchment, Harvey Nyirongo, most farmers have benefitted from their participation in climate-smart interventions.
“We have model farms where we practise these climate-smart interventions and most farmers have also embraced them and introduced them in their farms. It would appear most of them have seen the importance of having them in their gardens as they tout them very much,” said Nyirongo.
CSEPWP in Thundwe Catchment is benefiting over 1,200 people who are enrolled on it.
Mseteka said before she was enrolled on the programme she used to grapple with a lack of nutrients as her farmland was barren due to soil erosion.
“But having enrolled on the programme, we have learnt how swale construction helps hold water thereby reducing the speed of water. This makes the water infiltrate and helps in moisture retention. I have also planted vetiver grass which has helped add nutrients and because of this I hope for the better in the 2024/2025 farming season,” she said.
According to Mzimba Senior Land Resource Officer and Desk Officer for the Enhanced Climate Smart programme, Olive Nyalira, most farmers in various catchments have come to embrace the programme after realising that natural ways of managing their farms are better off.
“This is why most have adopted the technologies in their farms. They know with the high cost of chemical fertiliser it's cheaper to adopt these climate-smart technologies in preserving their gardens,” she said.
Nyalira also said the programme is trying to manage some deep gullies that heavy rains in the past created which if left unchecked could lead to loss of farming land.
“Here at Thundwe we have one which the communities are managing. They planted trees around it and they have also dug swales to ensure it no longer continues widening and posing threat to the communities’’, said Nyalira.
CSEPWP is funded by the World Bank and other donors under the multi-donor trust fund.
Blue Eagles Sisters enjoying 100 percent winning record
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, November 12, Mana: Blue Eagles Sisters have maintained their 100 percent since the start of the Mpico Gateway Netball League when they silenced traditional rivals Civonets by 36 basks to 32 at Gateway Mall Netball court on Saturday in Lilongwe.
They have amassed 34 points after playing 17 games winning all netting 909 baskets against 372 while Civonets are trailing behind with 28 points from same number of games played.
Blue Eagles Sisters have secured the championship of the K 40 million Mpico Gateway Netball League as they lead the 10 team league and have created a six-point gap with their rivals, Civonets.
Civonets are second after netting 758 baskets against 533 and are six point short to dislodge leaders, Blue Eagles Sisters.
Young Eagles are ranked third with 25 points and have banged 780 baskets against 508 and chances of finishing on third position are still high.
Lioness are fourth with 22 points, Dyna Queens are fifth with 19 points. Boma are sixth with 13 points Vanessa are seventh with 12 points, Mafco soldiers are eighth with 11 points, Immigration are ninth with four points while Sharp Shooters are anchoring the log with two points.
However, Lioness have a chance to pull up their socks as they have only played 15 games and winning the remaining three games they can move to second or third position.
Three teams namely, Mafco, Immigration and Sharp Shooters are stuck in the mud of the relegation battle.
Mafco can survive if they can win their last game and taking into account that Vanessa lost their last game too.
“Blue Eagles Sisters have been very serious with their approaches to their games. The fighting spirit and the shooting accuracy was just superb,” a netball follower, Brenda Phiri said.
She noted that it was not surprised that they have maintained 100 percent winning record and Civonets fell short to offer them a challenge.
According to Chairperson of Central Region Netball Committee (CRNC), Fernando Magola, Vanessa had requested to shift their games and they would be played on Wednesday.
He said they would fulfill two fixtures.
MACRA impressed with Namwera ICT laboratory construction progress
By Bishop Witmos & Lyte Ali
Mangochi, November 12, Mana: Board Director for the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Fr. Francis Damaseke, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work of an ICT laboratory under construction at Namwera Catholic Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority (TA) Jalasi in Mangochi District.
The laboratory is being constructed under the authority’s Connect a School Project.
He made the remarks recently in Mangochi after inspecting the construction works in the company of Parliamentary Committees for Education and Media, Information and Communication.
Fr. Damaseke observed that the work was progressing well very, saying the structure proved strong and was being constructed with advanced equipment.
“So far the progress is good, the project is approximately at 80 to 90 percent complete, even though there are few challenges in terms of delays of supplies of necessary equipment to finish the project on time. As MACRA Board, we are going to make sure that delivery is done on time so that by December it should be ready for use,” he said.
He said Connect a School project was a significant step in promoting digital inclusion in rural Malawi, adding that provision of ICT laboratories will allow marginalized communities to acquire digital knowledge and connect them to skills trainings and employment opportunities.
“Connect a School Project is one of government’s commitment to achieving digital inclusion in Malawi by 2030, and we are moving towards the right direction to see that we are leaving no one behind " he said.
Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Education, Bester Awali, observed quality work despite delays in providing materials, which he said, was most likely to affect progress of the project.
He, therefore, appealed to MACRA to ensure the projects finish on time so that students should be allowed to access ICT services.
He said the world is advanced in digital technology such that it was important for children in Malawi to be very well equipped with digital knowledge and skills.
Awali said his committee will advocate for more resources into initiatives that promote digital inclusion in schools and rural areas to ensure wide utilization of digital technology.
Namwera CDSS Deputy Head Teacher, Benedicto Mujiwa, commended MACRA for the project, saying it will help advance computer literacy and improve on research.
“We have over 200 students at our school. As such, in this digital era, it is an achievement to have access to digital technology. We will own and embrace it and l am sure the community will also benefit from this,” he said.
The Connect a School Project, implemented by MACRA through Universal Service Fund, is set to construct 75 ICT laboratory centres in CDSSs across the country to promotes digital inclusion and equitable access, providing marginalized communities with digital tools, skills training and employment opportunities.
Voter registration exercise kicks off in Thyolo district
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, November 12, Mana: District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, has commended the smooth commencement of phase two of the voter registration exercise in all centres across the district.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Kuphanga, who is also chairperson for the District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST), expressed optimism about the turnout and the progress made so far.
“The turnout is impressive. I encourage everyone in Thyolo who is eligible to register in order to vote in the 2025 general elections,” said Kuphanga.
He assured the public that Thyolo District is prepared to manage the logistical demands of the exercise despite the current fuel challenges.
“We have secured 15,000 litres of diesel for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) vehicles, ensuring smooth operations. A total of 82 vehicles have been deployed to cover all registration centres,” he said.
However, he acknowledged delays in deploying National Identity Biometric Registration Machines (NIBRM), which are crucial for registering individuals without IDs.
According to Kuphanga, by Saturday, deployment stood at 30 percent but has now reached 70 percent.
“We are optimistic that soon, everyone without an ID will have the opportunity to register,” he said.
Visits to several voter registration centres revealed a positive response from the public.
At Thyolo Prison Voter Registration Centre, Supervisor Ellina Bwanali, reported that 94 people registered on Saturday and 174 on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, 30 individuals, including inmates, could not register due to the absence of NRB machines. However, we have reported the issue and are hopeful that it will be resolved soon,” said Bwanali.
Similarly, Mpinji Registration Centre Supervisor, Swedi Kalowa noted a strong turnout, with 174 people registering on the first day and 196 on the second.
Kenneth Kane, 23, from Ndalama Village under Traditional Authority (TA) Nchilamwera, who came to register at Mpinji, urged fellow youths to register in their large numbers.
“I have registered to exercise my right to vote and have a say in the democratic governance of this country. I encourage all youths who have reached voting age to register. By doing so, we can influence the future of this nation,” Kane said.
The second phase of the voter registration exercise, which began on November 9 will run until November 22. It is being conducted in 11 districts and two cities nationwide.
Salima DHO embarks on ITN distribution campaign
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, November 12, Mana: Salima District Health Office (DHO) has embarked on a mass distribution campaign of Insects Treated Nets (ITN) in an effort to fight Malaria.
The campaign, which is targeting over 147,000 households, is being implemented through the Presidential Malaria Initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Speaking Monday during the launch of the campaign, Salima District Environmental Health Officer, Reuben Chikadza, said the campaign will run for seven days covering all the Traditional Authorities with an aim of reducing malaria cases.
“Through the campaign, a household will receive a maximum of four nets depending on its size," he said.
Chikadza asked the beneficiaries to make good use of the nets, saying it will be a waste of resources to use them on some other unnecessary things.
"When we talk about dangerous diseases, Malaria is one of them. It is my plea to everyone, mostly chiefs, to make sure that their subjects utilize these mosquito nets properly,” he said.
Salima ITN mass distribution Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Maness Chingoli, said the campaign has started very well and hopes that by end of the distribution period all targets will be met.
"We expect to distribute the nets within our targeted number of days. I am sure that within this period everyone who got registered will receive their nets," She said.
One of the beneficiaries from Senior Chief Khombedza, Pilirani Kaliza, hailed the initiative saying it will help in malaria prevention.
Nkhotakota had a similar campaign last week and some districts in the southern region are yet to receive.
Millennium University conducts Youth Mental Festival
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 11, Mana: Millennium University over the weekend held a two-day Youth Mental Festival at the Blantyre Youth Centre with the aim of bringing the youth together to celebrate life, community, connection and bring positive change through good mental health.
Drug Fight Malawi Executive Directory, who was guest of honour at the event, Nelson Zakeyu, advised youth in the country to avoid using drugs and substances as one way of keeping their body health and fit.
“Nowadays, we have noted that many youths in the country especially those at university and in colleges are using drugs and marijuana. For this reason, many youths are falling into the trap of mental illness,” he said.
Zakeyu added that drug and substance abuse like marijuana leads to problems such as hypertension, lack of physical coordination and depression.
“In marijuana there is a substance called THC whereby once someone has smoked it the ingredients remain in the body for some time resulting in serious health problems,” he said.
He said marijuana is hazardous to the health of a person because it contains 50 to 70 percent or more cancer causing substances.
A mental health clinician from Zomba Mental Hospital, Harry Kawiya, said recent research on mental issues shows that out of 10 people four go to the hospital for fake disease but in real sense they are suffering from mental illness of which sometimes they don’t receive the necessary attention due to lack of resources.
“In the health sector, we have some problems that are making it difficult to deal with mental health issues. For example, we only have two hospitals that deal with mental health issues which are Zomba Mental Hospital and St. John of God both of which require support,” he said.
Senior Lecturer at Millennium University, Dr. Sandra Jumbe, who is also a health psychologist, was impressed with the turn out because a large number of youths attended the festival.
“This festival has shown us that even in darkness there is hope, we will keep shedding light on mental health issues, fostering empathy and celebrating the strength of our youth,” she said, pledging to make the festival an annual event.
The festival was characterized by different activities such as career development talk, music performance by Piksy, football and netball.
PAC impressed with Thyolo’s development efforts
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, November 11, Mana: Parliamentary Committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed admiration for infrastructure development projects taking shape in Thyolo District.
The committee led by its chairperson, Mark Botomani, visited Thyolo District Council on Monday to assess various ongoing projects under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF), among others.
Botomani said the GESD funded one-story primary school block under construction stands as a testament to the council’s ambitious efforts to transform the education sector.
“We are impressed with the development taking place here, especially the construction of this primary school.
“The council has demonstrated boldness in dedicating significant resources to this single transformative project which will not only elevate the education landscape but also enhance the district’s overall image,” said Botomani.
However, Botomani raised concerns about delays in project implementation, attributing them to contractors’ sluggish pace.
“Looking at the project timeline, the contractors are clearly behind schedule. This is something that requires urgent attention,” he added.
Botomani, however, acknowledged the funding constraints faced by councils across the country and pledged to engage relevant authorities.
“We understand that some of these programmes are donor-funded and we know they come with a red tape and procedural delays. As a committee, we will advocate for streamlined processes to ease these challenges,” he said.
District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga observed that funding flows from the central government have hindered timely project completion.
“Partial release of funds has disrupted our timelines and delayed payments to contractors. This stops projects mid-way, creating unnecessary setbacks,” he said. “We would have appreciated full disbursements to ensure seamless project execution.”
