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Government reaffirms commitment to strengthening Malawi's health system
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, December 13, Mana: Government has reiterated its dedication to improving the health system to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by constructing health facilities national wide by 2030 among others.
Chief of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, responsible for reforms, Samson Mndolo, said this Thursday at Ligowe community ground during commemoration of 2024 Universal Health Coverage Day held under the theme, Health: It’s on the Government.
He said government plans to construct over 900 health posts nationwide by 2030 to ensure every Malawian has access to a health facility within five kilometers radius.
“Government has developed standards and guidelines in accordance with international benchmarks as we move toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. We are ensuring these are implemented effectively to provide quality health care to communities.,” said Mndolo.
The Chief of Health Services added that there was need to partner with organizations such as Global Fund and Partners in Health, while urging communities to actively monitor these initiatives for accountability.
He added that government was committed to work in line with World Health Organization (WHO) s six building blocks for health, including human resource, infrastructure and service delivery.
“To ensure sufficient human resource, the government has recruited a significant number of nurses, doctors, and community health workers. This is critical for providing services efficiently and meeting international standards,” Mndolo said.
Chairperson of the Universal Health Coverage Coalition in Malawi, George Jobe, commended government for recruiting healthcare workers, constructing medical facilities and acquiring advanced medical equipment such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
“We have witnessed significant progress, but challenges remain including shortages of drugs, inadequate health workers, and limited access to health facilities,” Jobe said.
He also said there was need for good investment in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are becoming more prevalent.
WHO Country Representative in Malawi, Dr. Kibambo Neema, acknowledged progress under Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan III (2023–2030) which aims at improving health outcomes, enhance client satisfaction and reduce financial hardships among Malawians in accessing medical care.
“Universal Health Coverage ensures all people can access quality health services without financial hardship. This is essential for economic productivity, social cohesion, and resilience,” added Neema
Parliamentary Health Committee, Vice Chairperson, Eurita Mtiza Valera, lauded Malawi’s progress toward meeting Abuja Declaration on Health's target of allocating 15 per cent of national budgets to health.
“Malawi’s health sector allocations are currently at 12 per cent which is commendable compared to many African countries still allocating as little as 6 per cent,” said Valera observing that the parliamentary health committee continues to advocate for full adherence to the African Union’s Abuja Declaration of 2001.
Since its establishment in 2016, the UHC2030 initiative has been instrumental in supporting global efforts to promote universal health coverage, working collaboratively with multilateral organizations, civil society, academia and governments worldwide.
Malawi for long term resilience to challenges
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, December 12, Mana: Government of Malawi in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Union (AU) has embarked on the Country Structural Vulnerability Assessment (CSVA) process to strengthen Malawi's capacity to withstand and recover from crises.
Head of Governance, Peace and Security for COMESA, Dr. Oita Etyang disclosed this on Thursday in Blantyre during an engagement meeting with various stakeholders from the southern region regarding the CSVA.
Etyang said the exercise is a follow-up to the letter that the Government of Malawi wrote to the AU and COMESA to undergo self-examination on challenges and strengths related to governance, climate change, gender, security, education and development in order to plan better for the future.
“So, we are here in Malawi to engage with various stakeholders at the regional and then at the national level for us to be able to understand what the problems are, the challenges, the strengths and what it is that we can do together to solve some of those underlying challenges.
“We expect this exercise to end on December 17. Our expectation is to have a comprehensive and consolidated report that will include a mitigation strategy to provide long-term solutions to the challenges,” he said.
District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko described the consultative meeting as crucial in addressing critical and complex challenges and also in understanding the coherent risks and strengths that shape the ability of the nation to withstand and recover from economic, social, environmental and geopolitical crises.
“Blantyre and many districts in the southern region of Malawi have seen a good number of cyclones, the latest being Freddy and also an El Niño-induced dry spell.
“I am optimistic that the deliberations of the meeting will explore the frameworks, methodologies and innovative tools that can support policymakers, researchers and practitioners in identifying key areas of concern and leveraging strengths to enhance adaptive capacities,” he said.
Malawi has become the second country to undergo CSVA in the COMESA region. Similar meetings are being conducted in the other two regions of Malawi.
Local farmers contribute a lot to the country’s economy
by Christina Mkutumula
Lilongwe, December 12, Mana: Local farmers are said to contribute to the growth of the country’s economy through modern skills and knowledge on farming.
The sentiments were said by Managing Director of Naturals Limited, Towera Jalakasi, when a team from the International Labour Organization (ILO) visited her premises on Wednesday to appreciate the work she is doing.
Jalakasi said when she started her business of supplying Baobab products like juice, oils, powder and also mango juice, she only relied on her farm to make the produce but they were not enough.
“When we started this business we used to collect the materials needed from our farm but it was not much. We then decided to engage other farmers around the community, we were doing our farming to help in collecting the materials for us. We now have about 1,400 farmers who collect the Baobab fruits for us.
“These farmers have been given the necessary training so that they produce quality and standard products because we are buying from them and need standard products,” she said.
She further explained that the farmers whom they are working with are in partnership with Naturals Limited and are trained in business dynamics and how to keep farm records throughout so that the relationship is sustainable.
Asked how the company has grown over the years Jalakasi said a lot has happened since they started operation in 2013 as they used to do everything manually and could only produce limited quantity of the produce.
“At first we used to produce 1,000 litres of juice per month but now we are producing over 50,000 litres in a month. I can happily also say that we have also grown in terms of employees, we used to have only two but now we can boast of having 35 employees working for us,” she said.
She further said they are in partnership with the International Labour Organization where they are working together to create jobs for the youth and also to train youths that want to venture into self-employment, a thing she said started this year.
“We received funds amounting to MK30 million from the ILO to train young entrepreneurs and we engaged experts to train the youth in various skills,” she said.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency National Project Coordinator for the Global Program on Skills and ProAgro Youth Project Malawi, Patrick Makondetsa said his organization started working with Naturals Limited after an industrial meeting on how best apprentices can be placed in various areas to learn hands on skills by doing actual work but at the same time learning new skills.
“Am impressed with what Naturals Limited are doing as they have become a best example on how agricultural products can add value and be able to create more jobs for young people thereby contributing to the county’s economy.
“The company has impacted a lot of knowledge and skills to young people and we have seen today that the youths that had been trained by them have been given permanent jobs meaning they were good and displayed their skills very well,” he said.
Naturals Limited began operations in 2013 and has evolved significantly over the years. Initially packaging their products in bottles, they have transitioned to using biodegradable cartons in response to climate and environmental concerns. What started as a door-to-door distribution model has now expanded to supplying over 120 retail outlets across the country.
DAYOs gears to conserve environment in Blantyre rural
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, December 12, Mana: In a reforestation drive, Domwe Active Youth Organization (DAYO) is planting trees through a project called, Nzotheka at Traditional Authority Makata in Blantyre rural where deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation took place at the expense of people’s livelihood.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, DAYO Programmes Officer, Jennifer Kandoje said that Nzotheka project will help to replace trees in areas where forest cover was lost.
DAYO expressed optimism that the vegetative cover will in the long run help to reduce land degradation that is ignited by flooding which in turn affects people’s livelihood.
“We have targeted areas like Group Village head Chikwiya, Mtotela, Milli, Mpopo and Fred. These places experienced a lot of deforestation as all trees that were covering hills in these areas were cut off by residents,” she said, adding that this was why DAYO felt obliged to implement Nzotheka to ensure vegetative cover in bare areas.
Kandoje added that DAYO has been engaging the youths to set up clubs in the project impact areas to ensure effectiveness of the re-afforestation initiative.
“Our goal is to fulfill the MW2063 Vision through capacity building for the youth on re-afforestation, establishing more forest youth clubs that will plant different species of trees”, she added.
In a separate interview, environmental expert, Charles Mkoka said that projects like Nzotheka bring environmental and economic benefit to the community.
“Reafforestation initiative often is restoring forests that helps to prevent soil erosion, improving soil fertility and enhance water retention that supports agriculture and ensure access to clean water,” he said.
DAYO was formed to help young people understand and take full action in addressing issues that affect agriculture, education, health, environment and other issues that concern the society.
Teachers urged to uphold code of conduct to help eliminate GBV
By George Mponda
Karonga, December 12, Mana: Headteacher for Karonga Girls Secondary School Chimwemwe Mithi Chimwenkha has urged teachers to uphold the teaching code of conduct as one way of dealing with Gender Based Violence (GBV) in schools.
Chimwenkha was speaking during a women panel discussion conducted on Tuntufye Radio wrapping up the commemoration of 16 Days of activism against GBV in Karonga.
The Panel discussion was organized by Governance for Solutions through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
"When dealing with GBV in schools, it is essential that teachers should remember the ethics of their work. At our school, teachers are encouraged not to assist learners alone but rather they should be in a group to avoid being tempted to commit this malpractice," said Chimwenkha.
"We also provide continuous professional development training for teachers, recognizing their crucial role in combating GBV by integrating awareness into their lessons, and empowering students to understand its causes, consequences, and impact," she added.
On her part, District Gender Officer for Karonga Ireen Mwenelupembe said teachers can foster a culture of gender equality in the classroom by encouraging students to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and biases.
"Teachers can provide a safe and supportive environment for students who have experienced GBV, listening to their concerns and connecting them with resources and services.
“They should also be at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by harmful behaviours and attitudes that contribute to GBV," said Mwenelupembe.
She said negative cultural beliefs, poor reporting mechanisms and lack of resources are some of the things hindering the fight against GBV in Karonga.
"There is a need to intensify awareness on the dangers of GBV to eliminate the malpractice so we need as much support as we can get from various stakeholders," she explained.
WRM graduates 360 youths in vocational skills, technical education
By Timothy Peter
Dedza, December 12, Mana: As a way of improving lives among youths and ensuring they have something to do, World Relief Malawi through Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) has graduated 360 youths from the area of Senior Chief Kaphuka in Dedza with technical and vocational skills.
Speaking Wednesday, at Mwenje area in the district during the graduation ceremony where the youths were awarded certificates, Senior Chief Kaphuka, commended WRM for helping his area saying it will reduce immoral behaviors as the youths will be busy with what they have learnt.
One of the students, Auswin Mikundi, who underwent trainings at Chongoni Technical College said he expects his life to improve after acquiring skills in fabrication and welding.
"I plan to come up with my own company in the next few years. I advise my fellow youths who are yet to enroll into technical education to do so because it is important as opposed to doing other risky behaviors," he said.
WRM’s Country Director, Matilda Chirwa, said the initiative came in as a response to high levels of unemployment in the area.
"We noted that some of these youths dropped out of school and many of them were in poverty such that they could not proceed to university on their own,” stated Chirwa.
According to Chirwa, the project intends to reach out to 1,500 youths in the area by 2028.
TEVETA Regional Service Centre Manager, Joseph Sambaya, expressed excitement with the demand for technical education among youths arguing that this will help them (youths) to be self-reliant
In his remarks, Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Levis Eneya, who was the guest of honour at the graduation ceremony, commended WRM for helping government in contributing to the country's development in-line with the Malawi Vision 2063.
He said the training given to the youths in the area has reduced the problem of congestion in public universities in the country.
"Those that start in primary school and progress to secondary school are only 49.8 percent and from that figure, less than half proceed to tertiary education including TEVETA.
"This means that a lot of youths are neither in employment nor in training institutions and this is a big proportion we can’t ignore," he said.
TEVETA partnered with WRM and Thandizo Orphan Care to offer vocational skills and technical education to the youths of the area.
At the ceremony, the graduates were given start up tools and the organization plans to partner with National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for the youths to have access to loans that will help them venture into entrepreneurship.
Panthers FC Continue to Impress in Castel Challenge Cup
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, December 12, Mana: Panthers FC who play in the Chipiku Stores Premier Division team, have once again demonstrated their giant-killing skill in the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup after booting out Civo through a 4-2 victory in a nail-biting penalty shootout at Civo Stadium.
The match ended goalless after normal time, but Panthers FC's determination and resilience ultimately paid dividends as they edged their opponents in the penalty shootout.
This victory marks the fourth Super League team to fall at the hands of Panthers FC in this tournament, following similar impressive wins against TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers, Mafco FC and Chitipa United.
Panthers FC's remarkable run in the Castel Challenge Cup is a testament to the team's unwavering spirit. Despite competing in the Premier Division, they have consistently punched above their weight, by continuing defeating big teams of TNM super league.
Their semi-final clash against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers promises to be an exciting encounter, with Panthers FC seeking to extend their giant-killing streak. Can they pull off another upset and secure a spot in the final? Only time will tell.
Council awards best performing teachers, schools
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, December 12, Mana: There was dancing and jubilation at Balaka Primary School Wednesday when Balaka District Council through the District Education Office awarded 167 outstanding teachers for their outstanding performance during the 2023 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations (PSLCE).
During the function, 17 outstanding schools which registered 100 percent pass rate were also recognized and awarded for their remarkable performance.
Speaking during the function, District Commissioner for Balaka, Tamanya Harawa said the initiative aims at promoting quality education in the district.
He, therefore, challenged all teachers in the district to dedicate themselves to the noble course for the district to always produce good results.
Harawa, disclosed that the council will continue to support the education sector by ensuring necessary resources were available in both rural and urban schools.
"Depending on the resource envelope, we may also expand the rural allowance initiative so that those teachers working in these hard-to-reach areas are motivated. I would like to find ways in which we can intensify this,” he disclosed.
“When one is working and doing better, rewards are important as they act as an encouragement for the awardees to do more, it also motivates those not doing well to push harder.
“For the past years Balaka has been at the bottom ten of poor performing districts, but I am glad that last year we registered an improvement which is encouraging and looking forward to do more,” he added.
Harawa, therefore, cautioned teachers to be exemplary and exception, noting that the council will not tolerate misconduct and absenteeism, adding that the council will discipline anyone on the wrong side if the law.
“This is the beginning of these awards which will be done yearly, we will put this in our annual budget which will vary from one year to another, we are also happy that our partners such as NBS Bank and other non-governmental organizations have expressed interest to assist us during these events,” he said.
The money received during the function varied depending on the number of distinctions a teacher produced in a subject, but the highest smiled all the way to the bank with K235,500 with each best performing school receiving K50,000.
One of the awardees, Dorothy Naveya from Mponda Primary School, who was awarded as the best teacher who produced 157 distinctions in Chichewa, expressed gratitude for the council's decision, noting that it will inspire teachers to work hard.
“Mostly, I was encouraging the learners to read a lot and I was also doing make up classes so that I finish up the syllabus and start revisions so that the learners are reminded of what they have been learning,” he said.
Nomads white wash Bangwe All Stars to reach Castel Cup semis
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, December 12, Mana: Goals from Clement Nyondo, Misheck Bottoman and Sama Thierry Tanjong saw Mighty Mukuru Wanderers romp Bangwe All Stars 5-0 Wednesday at Kamuzu Stadium in Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinals.
Nyondo, who score a hatrick in the game, put the Nomads ahead on 5 minutes of the game after Bangwe all Stars defender lost composure.
They doubled the lead in the 56th minute through Misheck Bottoman followed by another goal from Nyondo in the 72nd minute which Cameroonian Sam also chipping in with his goal before Nyondo completed his hatrick that cemented his status as man of the match for the game.
In post-match interviews, Wanderers head coach, Bob Mpinganjira said their target was to battle it up to the finals and this was why his boys hit hard Bangwe All Stars, saying that this meant a lot to his side.
“Am very happy that we have won and proceeded to the next stage. We have been preparing hard for the game upon realizing how important the game was and it was good to see that the substitutions we made paid dividends as planned,” said Mpinganjira.
Following this result, the Nomads will meet giant killing Ryman Panthers from Area 49, Lilongwe who booted out Civil Service United through penalties.
Bangwe All Stars head coach, Trevor Kajawa said they needed to rebuild the team by scouting players who can withstand and compete with other teams, citing lost confidence due to poor performance in TNM Super League.
“We were trying to maintain the team’s pace but we couldn't and this is why we failed to go to the next level. We will go back on the pitch to correct mistakes and enhance the team,” said Kajawa.
In other matches, for the four semifinal slots of Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup played on Wednesday, Ryman Panthers managed to defeat TNM Super League club Civil Service United by 4-2 through penalties, Karonga United failed to seal Mzuzu City Hammers with 3-1 penalty defeat.
Sectors for intergration of gender considerations into health initiatives
By Catherine Chikopa
Thyolo, December 12, Mana: Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Health have underscored the need to integrate gender considerations into health initiatives as a key strategy to improve vaccine uptake and access to healthcare services.
This was emphasized Wednesday during an orientation session held in Luchenza, where Thyolo District Council, Gender Technical Working Group held a meeting to align strategies and share insights on linking gender and health.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana), after the session, Principal Gender and Development Officer, Francis Chitenje, said the meeting focused on ensuring both men and women take shared responsibility for health, particularly in immunization efforts.
“The main objective was to address low vaccine uptake in communities. We emphasized that vaccination is a shared responsibility between men and women and discussed strategies to effectively communicate this to communities," Chitenje said.
He said Thyolo District which has previously recorded low vaccine uptake, requires a robust approach to improve access, particularly by involving men as decision-makers and economic providers in most households.
“It’s vital for men to understand the benefits of immunizations. Without their involvement and support access to vaccines for children, wives and relatives can be significantly hindered," Chitenje added.
He also addressed the challenge of misinformation and stereotypes surrounding vaccines.
“Misconceptions such as claims that vaccines reduce sexual desire must be tackled with accurate information. These myths negatively impact vaccine acceptance in communities," he said.
Consultant Epidemiologist for the World Health Organization (WHO), Zaziwe Gunda reiterated the need for a gender-focused approach to health access.
“Gender and health are interlinked. To achieve health equity, both men and women must actively participate in healthcare decisions.
"Campaigns that empower women while involving men are critical for sustainable health outcomes,” Gunda said.
He noted that dependency on logistical and financial women have on men often hinders access to health services.
“Improving access to immunization requires addressing these dependencies and breaking cultural barriers that limit gender equality in health decisions,” he added.
The session concluded with a call for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, bolstered by government policies and grassroots initiatives, to ensure equitable health service delivery and improved vaccine uptake.
The meeting was conducted with support from the WHO.
