MANAonline
DODMA continues lean season food response programme
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, May 3, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) on Friday distributed 800 bags of maize to households in Mchinji that were food insecure in the just-ended lean season under the 2024/2025 lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme.
DoDMA Director of Preparedness and Response, Reverend Moses Chimphepo said since the programme started in September 2024, the department has managed to provide food support to all the people who were registered under the programme.
“The department has managed to reach out to affected households more than twice in the 21 districts that needed support and we are glad that all 5.7 million registered under the programme have benefitted,” said Chimphepo.
He said it is not just the government’s responsibility to provide food but citizens also need to take part in providing for their households by avoiding selling all the farm produce.
“People need to understand what food budgeting is all about. After harvesting, they need to save enough food to sustain them before selling the remaining produce knowing that at least they have food for themselves,” explained Chimphepo.
Senior group village head Chimwala has since commended DoDMA for distributing the bags of maize saying it has helped a lot of families to overcome the food insecurity in their homes.
“We appreciate the government for this programme because a lot of families were affected in this area and if it weren’t for the food insecurity programme, we would have lost several people due to hunger,” Said Senior Group Chimwala.
One of the beneficiaries, Dorothy John from Chimwala village also commended the department for providing food and highlighted that the 50 Kilogrammes bag of maize has brought relief to her family.
The programme started in September 2024 with support from the World Bank and is expected to run through May 2025.
Chakwera urges Roman Catholic Church faithful to support Bishop Nyirenda
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, May 3, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has asked the Roman Catholic Church faithful in the diocese of Mzuzu to give spiritual and moral support to Rev. Fr Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda who has been consecrated as the new bishop for the diocese.
President Chakwera made the remarks during the installation of Rev Fr Nyirenda as bishop for the diocese, succeeding Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan who has retired recently after serving as bishop for the Mzuzu Diocese since 2016.
He said Rev Fr Nyirenda is the rightful person to lead the diocese because he has been chosen by God who looks at a person’s capability and suitability before choosing him or her.
“When God chooses someone to lead, he does so after careful consideration of that person because he knows everyone’s past and future. He chooses differently from human beings who consider less important characteristics such as tribal belonging,” Chakwera said.
He encouraged the new Bishop to remain a man of prayer, living his faith and fostering hope in the communities that would be looking up to him for their spiritual needs.
Chakwera also called for unity, saying the country stands to benefit more when its people are united than when they are divided and fighting one another.
In his message after consecration, Rev. Fr Nyirenda said he was grateful for the support of the clergy and the church, which he received while serving as auxiliary bishop for the diocese and asked for continued support.
He further invited the faithful to support and collaborate with other church leaders in the proclamation of the Gospel.
“Know how to work in collaboration with the local clergy. Listen to and dialogue with priests, close collaborators, catechists and all God’s people,”
Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Most Rev. Gian Luca Perici welcomed Rev. Fr Nyirenda as the new bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and pledged to support him in his pastoral work.
He asked him to be diligent in his work so that he could meet the spiritual and social needs of the Roman Catholic Church faithful in the diocese.
“Men and women are waiting to receive from you the word of God to increase the life of God within them,” Most Rev. Perici said.
Born on June 20, 1976, in Mzimba, Rev Fr Nyirenda studied Philosophy at Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji and Theology at St Peters Major Seminary in Zomba.
He also holds a Diploma in Ecclesiastical Canon Law, awarded by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya and a Diploma in Religious Formation and Spirituality obtained from Lumen Christi Institute in Arusha, Tanzania.
Rev. Fr Nyirenda was ordained as deacon on May 19, 2007, and later in 2008, he was ordained as a priest at St Paul’s Parish in Mzimba.
He has served in various positions at national and diocesan levels including as Director of Kasina Formation Center, Director and Formator at Christ the King Formation Center in Rumphi; parish priest at St Augustine Parish and Vocational Director in Mzuzu Diocese.
Until his appointment as bishop, Rev. Fr Nyirenda has been serving as auxiliary bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.
Malawi News Agency journalist dies
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, April 3, Mana: District Information Officer for Machinga, Martin Chiwanda has died.
Chiwanda passed away Friday evening at Machinga District Hospital where he was admitted.
District Commissioner (DC) for Machinga Rodrick Mateauma, speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA), described Chiwanda's death as heartbreaking.
He highlighted Chiwanda's exceptional communication skills and his commitment to the council's development.
"We have worked with him for a long time, and we will remember Chiwanda as a diligent person who always delivered his assignments with expertise.
"He was instrumental in ensuring the council's progress and worked well with everyone in the district, including traditional leaders,” said the DC.
Deputy Regional Information Officer for the South, Evance Chisiano, echoed Mateauma's sentiments, stating that the information department would miss Chiwanda's hard work and dedication.
"He was a young man dedicated to his job, and his contributions will be greatly missed," said Chisiano.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the departed journalist.
Manford Chirombo, Nsanje district-based journalist said,” I have learnt with a heavy heart the news about the passing on of Martin Chiwanda a professional colleague and District Information Officer (DIO) for Machinga. I new Martin in 2013 when he was posted to Nsanje District Council as an Assistant DIO. I have learnt a lot from him as I was then new in the profession.
Alfred Guta also said,” Death is so cruel, we talked a few days ago you were saying, "I will be OK aixe ndilibe nkhawa" mkumamva zoti wapita eish Martin Chiwanda ndakulira ine.
Chiwanda joined the Ministry of Information on April 18, 2012.
Born on March 3, 1984, he is survived by his wife and two children.
His body will be laid to rest at Chilipa Trading Centre in Kalonga village, Traditional Authority (TA) Ntonda, Mangochi district, on Monday.
Welcome to Maula gets hearty nod during Lilongwe premiere
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, May 3, Mana: The much anticipated Welcome to Maula Prison movie by 4KAYA Studios was premiered in Lilongwe night at a packed Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
The production, starring Phwedo real name Tumpe Mtaya and Kendall Kamwendo was well received by the masses in Lilongwe that saw tickets selling out well in advance of the premiere.
Public Relations Officer for the movie, Desiree Namachotsa, said the premiere was amazing as the audience loved it from the turnout to the reactions of the movie as scenes were unfolding, adding that they were speechless with the large turnout which shows how much Malawians have received the movie.
“We did not expect this turnout, but this has made us realise how much Malawians love the product and Malawian films that 4KAYA is creating, hence this has given us a boost to seven go out and do better with productions that the people will love.”
She further added that Malawians should expect even bigger projects because one thing about 4KAYA is that they always try to compete with themselves saying Welcome to Maula was a step up from School days, ‘then we need to do something bigger, therefore the next project will be bigger.’
Namachotsa disclosed that Welcome to Maula Prison, a production sponsored by the Universal Service Fund (USF), a project under the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) symbolised a giant leap in Malawi's film Industry.
On his part, the Head of USF, Ronald Tembo, said as an organisation they are very happy to be associated in the production of the movie emphasising that this was not the first time as they have also funded other documentaries, talkshows and manymore hence Malawians should expect more from them in support of developing local digital content.
In her remarks the President of Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), Dorothy Kingstone, commended the Malawi government through Malawi Prison Services for the support of allowing the production of the movie to take place at the actual Maula Prison as it gives an insight and informs the people to know what happens inside the Malawi prisons, emphasising that for the film industry to grow it requires collaboration from all stakeholders including government agencies adding that it is time ‘the film industry was taken as a business and not only as entertainment or a pastime as it can create jobs and support the government’s efforts in creating employment.
The movie`s production, that has been helped and sponsored by Universal Service Fund, Diplomats Car Hire, Umodzi Pack, Mathumela Music, Goodwill Funeral Services and Zodiak among other institutions.
On Saturday, the film will be showcased in Blantyre at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel and on Sunday, at Chisanga Complex Mzuzu in Mzuzu.
Malawi appeals for support to eradicate female genital schistosomiasis
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 3, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health Noah Chimpeni has called for increased support in Malawi’s fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), citing the need for healthy citizens to achieve the country’s Vision 2063 goals.
Speaking at the launch of the Malawi-German FGS Initiative at Maganga Primary School in Salima on Friday, Chimpeni said access to safe water is essential in preventing schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that affects millions, particularly women and girls.
“To achieve our development goals, we need a healthy and productive population. Diseases like female genital schistosomiasis affect women disproportionately and hinder their productivity,” said Chimpeni.
He said integrated approaches in the health sector are important to tackle diseases therefore the collaboration between GIZ and Ministry of Health to tackle FGS is a good initiative to increase awareness and promote early health-seeking behaviour.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the German Development Agency (GIZ), will be piloted in Salima and Dedza districts.
It aims to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and ensure treatment of FGS, a disease often caused by contact with contaminated freshwater.
Germany’s Ambassador to Malawi, Ute König, said her government is committed to supporting Malawi in its fight against NTDs.
She commended the World Health Organization (WHO) for supplying medication and technical support.
“FGS is a silent disease that damages the female reproductive system and increases the risk of cervical cancer. We are committed to help Malawi address this challenge through prevention, treatment, and community outreach,” said König.
König also noted that Germany considers health a key area of cooperation and emphasized the importance of reducing the stigma faced by women living with the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 250 million people globally are affected by schistosomiasis.
In Malawi, FGS remains prevalent due to limited awareness and poor access to clean water.
WHO Representative in Malawi, Dr. Neema Kimambo, said FGS poses serious health risks including pain, bleeding, infertility, and anemia.
“This disease affects more women than men and is often misdiagnosed or ignored. Our focus is to support the government with technical expertise and ensure better detection and care,” said Kimambo.
She confirmed WHO’s continued commitment to help Malawi eliminate NTDs through training, research, and provision of medication.
The two-year initiative will focus on capacity building in health facilities, community education, and integration of FGS diagnosis into reproductive health services.
Malawi is among the pilot countries in this effort and officials are optimistic that the joint initiative will help reduce cases and improve women’s health outcomes.
Rumphi District Council invests K252 million in hospital theatre rehabilitation
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, May 2, Mana: Rumphi District Council on Wednesday launched the rehabilitation of Rumphi District Hospital's operating theatre worth K252 million to improve service provision at the facility.
Director of Health and Social Services for Rumphi, Dr. Arnold Jumbe, said the works will increase operating space.
"Currently we have only one major operating theatre. This means we can only operate on one patient at a time. We are going to modify some rooms so that we create at least three operating theatres. Once completed, we will be able to handle more cases at one go. This will save us time," said Jumbe.
Rumphi District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu called on the contractor to complete the job within the agreed period of 90 days so that more patients in need of surgery can benefit from the facility.
Chairperson for Rumphi District Council, Happy Chirambo, also urged the contractor to produce quality work worth the money.
Rumphi District Hospital was opened in the 1970s and is the main referral hospital for the district with a population of at least 240,000 people.
The project has been funded by the Malawi Government's Health Facilities Rehabilitation Fund.
Machinga farmers complain about One Acre Fund seeds
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, May 2, Mana: Farmers in Machinga have expressed dissatisfaction with One Acre Fund, alleging the organization provided poor-quality maize seeds on loans, leading to low yields and potential food insecurity in the district.
The grievances were raised during a District Agriculture Stakeholders Panel Committee (DASP) meeting at Ntaja Trading Centre in Machinga where farmers were advised to prepare for the May to August irrigation season.
“We received maize seeds variety like DK 777 and Kanyani, but the yields were very low. The seeds were clearly labeled as high-yielding varieties, but the results were disappointing.
“We urge One Acre Fund to reconsider the loan amount to avoid losses among farmers. Many of us are compelled to resort to irrigation farming to supplement our harvests, which is not sustainable.” said Joshua Maunde, a farmer from Nyambi Extension Planning Area (EPA).
The situation has put One Acre Fund inputs beneficiaries in an awkward situation with most of the farmers uncertain of their food security at household level.
“We had hopes that we would be food secure once we plant the seeds, but now we will face hunger. We urge One Acre Fund to work with us to find a solution to this problem," added Maunde, who is also Chairperson for Agricultural Stakeholders Panel for Traditional Authority Sale.
Agricultural Development Coordinator for Nyambi EPA, Maganizo Erick Likagwa, confirmed that many farmers experienced losses due to the seeds.
“The seeds didn't grow as expected, and we have consulted One Acre Fund about the issue. We have been working with One Acre Fund for a while, and we have trusted their distribution of different varieties like DK777 and Mzati.
“However, the quality of the seeds this season has been disappointing,” added Likagwa.
Agricultural Extension Methodology Officer for Machinga District Council, Betty Kujingo Tholo, emphasized the importance of DASP meetings in addressing farmers' concerns.
“These meetings provide a platform for farmers to share their experiences and challenges. We will take up this issue with One Acre Fund and explore ways to improve the situation,” she added.
Responding to the allegations, One Acre Fund's Public Relations Officer, Francis Chipanda, said the organization opted for maize seed variety, DK 8023, Mzati, based on farmers’ demand.
“We believe performance issues might be due to unfavorable weather patterns and ecological factors. The same seed batch has performed well in other districts like Mulanje and Chiradzulu.
“We provide crop insurance to farmers affected by extreme weather conditions, and our team will assess whether the affected areas in Machinga District qualify for this support. We are committed to continuous improvement and appreciate the feedback and concerns raised,” he said.
Chipanda said that One Acre Fund values farmer feedback, adding that the organization works to strengthen seed quality control processes and enhance farmer training and support.
Government wraps up Mchinji maize distribution, reaches 5.7 million people nationwide
By Rosalia Kapiri
Mchinji, May 2, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Friday concluded the final phase of its Lean Season Response maize distribution in Mchinji District, marking the end of a nationwide effort that has reached 5.7 million people since September 2024.
The final distribution exercise took place at Gandali Full Primary School ground in Traditional Authority (TA) Dambe’s area, where households impacted by El Niño-related food shortages received relief maize.
DoDMA’s Director of Preparedness and Response, Moses Chimphepo, commended the community’s resilience and stressed responsible food use.
“We all know about the El Niño which affected crops in the country. Government mobilized resources to help people for four months. We are now distributing the last phase,” he said.
Chimphepo emphasized the maize was strictly for consumption: “This is not for sale. It is to help food security in your household. The maize you harvest should be stored and used wisely, not wasted or sold.”
The initiative, supported by the World Bank and implemented through the World Food Programme (WFP), was carried out in 21 districts.
Chimphepo noted that government managed to mobilize over 87% of the needed resources.
“In some districts, we distributed three or four times, but everyone received at least twice. So far, so good. The challenge is big, but we’ve done a tremendous job,” he said.
Chimphepo encouraged communities to embrace food budgeting: “The harvest should be properly stored and rationed. Sometimes people sell all their produce and later need support again. It’s a shared responsibility between government and citizens.”
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. Dorothy John, 34, from Chimwala Village, thanked “government for bailing us out from hunger. We didn’t expect this, but we are grateful.”
Senior Group Chimwala also praised the programme, saying: “People had nowhere to turn to. With this support, people are now happy. I urge my people not to sell the maize.”
With the relief programme coming to an end as the harvest season begins, authorities hope the food security lessons learned will carry communities forward into a more stable and self-reliant future.
BDYO generates Risk Assessment Vulnerability tool
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, May 2, Mana: Blantyre District Youth Office (BDYO) has generated Risk Assessment Vulnerability tool to assess adolescent girls and young women’s (AGYW) mental and reproductive health and to track gender-based violence, HIV and Aids, drug and alcohol abuse, and school dropout.
Blantyre District Youth Officer Peter Mizedya said the tool is meant to deal with issues affecting the AGYW from the age 10 to 24, saying after assessment they will be referred to different institutions for attention.
“This tool helps to detect issues in a fast way at community level since we use peer educators that we trained. We expect to reach the whole district in the next 12 months,” he added.
On GBV, Mizedya said his office refers victims to police stations, community victim support units, education institutions and social workers in their respective communities for psychosocial support and other forms of assistance
“This initiative is really helping; we have seen girls being supported. This has also seen an improvement of uptake of services in health institution more especially in Youth Friendly Services,” he added and expressed hope the tool will offer more improvement on issues that affect the AGYWs.
Community Policing Coordinator for Milare Police Sub Station in Blantyre, Sub-Inspector Harry Makumbi, said there are rising cases of GBV only that some of them are not reported to police.
Makumbi said community members need to be sensitized on how, when and where to report GBV cases.
“Since the tool came into being, we have recoded one case of GBV. This tool will help to encourage GBV victims to report to police,” he added.
Makumbi said that Risk Assessment Vulnerability Tool will bring a greater impact to the AGYWs, observing that peer educators in youth clubs will also use the tool to identify, analyse, evaluate problems the AGYWs face in their respective communities to mitigate further consequences.
The District Youth Office in Chiradzulu used the tool to assess 4,178 AGYWs in Machinjiri and Mpemba where some AGYWs were referred to various institutions for further attention while some opted to go back to school to continue with education.
All set for 2025 Thumbs Up Premier Division
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 2, Mana: 2025 Thumbs Up Premier Division League is set to kick off Sunday at Mulanje Park Stadium, with Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) confident that its teams will deliver an entertaining and competitive season.
SRFA General Secretary Ishmael Sande told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday that the association is geared up for a successful 2025 season, having taken proactive steps to address past challenges and ensure a smooth-running season.
“This year we will go back to the round robin format where teams will play two rounds on home and away basis. The three teams with the highest number of points will be promoted to National Division League with the bottom three being relegated to Division one,” he said.
Sande added that SRFA facilitated a refresher meeting for team officials to look at challenges faced in 2024 season and find solutions to have a successful 2025 season.
“We also held a meeting with referees to iron out issues that transpired last season in readiness for the upcoming season and we have put in measures during the refresher meeting to ensure that safety and fair play is paramount,” said Sande.
He also disclosed that to address the issue of shortage of playing grounds in southern region, the association has planned to have some games played midweek and, where they have space during weekends, two games will be played on one venue.
“We are also looking at possibilities of availability of some school grounds after carrying out ground inspections,” Sande added.
Ahead of the new season, a number of teams in the league have engaged services of reputable and experienced coaches and have recruited good players to strengthen their squads.
Public Relations Officer for Chilobwe United, Julio Chimbuzi, said that they are well prepared for the new season, adding that they are targeting a promotion into the National Division League.
“The team is fully prepared for the new season. As you have seen that we have been signing new players including Mada Haji and Mada Chinsomba from Nsanje United and also Vava Badere from Dzaleka Select, among others, to boost our squad,” he said.
On Sunday, the launching game will be between FOMO Reserve and Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve at Mulanje Park Stadium whereas Nsanje United will play Mwanza Stars at Nsanje Community Center Ground.
In other games, Chilomoni FC will host Liberty FC at Chilomoni Stadium, Chilobwe United will play against Tigers Reserve at Money Men Ground while Nyambadwe United will welcome The Boys at Kamuzu Stadium.
On Monday, Wanderers Reserve will host Zingwangwa United at Mpira Stadium and FC Thondwe will play against Ekhaya Reserve at Kamuzu Stadium.
