MANAonline
Stakeholders worried over low vaccine uptake amongst under-five children in Mzimba North
By Towera Kumwenda
Mzuzu, October 4, Mana: Mzimba North District Health Office (DHO) and other health authorities have expressed concern over cases of zero-dose children and vaccine defaulters in the district.
Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator for Mzimba North DHO, George Nundwe, raised the concern at Chigude in the district on Thursday during an interactive meeting with members of Chigude Mother Care Group.
The meeting was organized by Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) through its project which aims at identifying zero-dose children and strengthening routine immunization.
Nundwe said over 10 children within the catchment area of Chigude Health Post are unvaccinated while some continue to default.
He said the development was an indication that about 20 percent of children in the district are either unvaccinated or have defaulted vaccines.
“We have equipped mother care group with knowledge on channels to ensure that households are reached with adequate information on the importance of vaccinating their children.
“This arrangement is also aimed at dispelling misconceptions or beliefs surrounding vaccination hence we regularly hold such meetings with influential leaders and mother groups within their communities to scale up various vaccination initiatives,” said Nundwe.
Chairperson for Chigude Mother Care Group, Gertrude Muyaba, cited long distance to health facilities, lack of adequate information on vaccination and poor road infrastructure as some of the challenges counteracting efforts in ensuring that under five access vaccines.
“We, therefore, suggest that health surveillance assistants should be provided with transport which they can use to reach and vaccinate children in hard-to-reach areas,” said Muyaba.
MHEN Assistant Project Officer, Herbert Chakwawa, noted that some of the households deny their children vaccines due to religious and cultural beliefs.
He called for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders in addressing the challenge.
Inkosana Chimimba Nkhata said there are by-laws with penalties within his area to motivate households to have all children are vaccinated.
The project which is being implemented by MHEN in partnership with PATH through the Ministry of Health is taking place in Mzimba North, Mchinji, Blantyre and Dowa.
Mwasip disburses K285 million to Zomba communities
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, October 5, Mana: Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (Mwasip) has disbursed grants amounting to K285 million to communities implementing sustainable land management activities in Zomba District.
The funds are meant to encourage members through their Village Level Action Plan (VILAPS) to continue conserving the environment while establishing small-scale businesses.
Speaking during the funds disbursement at Chingale in the district, Zomba District Commissioner, Reignhard Chavula, advised farmers to invest the money into profitable enterprises.
She said although the grant is a token of appreciation for participating in conserving the environment, recipients of the grants should use the resources for businesses that should bring profits to broaden their income base.
“The value of money depends on how you use it. I, therefore, urge you to invest this money into something that will continue to spin money for you,” Chavula advised the recipients.
Mwasip Technical Officer, Joseph Kanyangalazi, said the Community Environmental Conservation Fund is aimed at encouraging farmers to conserve the environment.
He said farmers in Zomba have managed to restore 7,000 hectares which is worth rewarding.
“The target is 8,000 hectares and I believe that this will be achieved and even surpassed. All the 77 groups have been awarded with grants in recognition to their efforts to conserve the environment,” Kanyangalazi said.
One of the recipients, Joseph Kachimanga, said the gesture has motivated communities to continue protecting and conserving the environment in Chingale and has since promised to effectively utilize the funds.
Mwasip, which aims at restoring 4.5 million of degraded hectares by 2030, has been implementing sustainable land management activities for over four years in Chingale, an area along the Shire River Basin.
The objective of the project is to reduce soil degradation and river siltation due to human activities which include deforestation and cultivation along the river line.
MHEN hailed for promoting under five immunization in Mzimba
By Stella Mwalwanda
Mzuzu, September 3, Mana: Mzimba North District Health Office (DHO) has applauded Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) for empowering mother care groups (MCG) to promote immunization of under five children in Mzimba district.
Speaking in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande on Thursday, Expanded Program on Immunization Coordinator for Mzimba North DHO, George Nundwe, said the coming in of the MCGs will help eradicate some of the challenges the area has been facing such as long distance to access vaccines.
“MCGs help to identify zero dose children and encourage mothers to know the value of vaccines and track down farm workers and encourage them to send children for immunization so that no child is left unvaccinated,” said Nundwe.
Chairperson for Chigude MCG, Getrude Muyabo, appreciated the initiative saying many people now understand the need for vaccines.
“With the training we have received, we are able to teach others and encourage them to go for vaccination and we have experienced change,” said Muyabo.
Group Village Headman Inkosana Chimimba Nkhata said they take part in the initiative by not only encouraging other chiefs but also imposing fines on those who refuse to vaccinate their children.
MHEN Assistant Project Officer, Herbert Chikwawa, said the core objective of working with MCGs is to provide them with capacity to be part of the solution to health challenges in the community.
“This is achieved through provision of capacity building on how MCGs can trace immunization defaulters and how they can encourage women to take their children for immunization,” Chikwawa said.
MHEN is implementing the project in partnership with Ministry of Health since August last year.
Caleb's latest release "Kuleza" spreads message of unity, love
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, October 5, Mana: Malawi's music scene just got a boost with Caleb's latest reggae track, "Kuleza."
This catchy tune is more than just a great listen; it is a powerful call to action.
In "Kuleza," Caleb shares his vision for a harmonious community, where love and kindness reign supreme.
With every lyric, he emphasizes the importance of humility, cooperation and mutual support.
"I want people to understand that love and hospitality are essential. We need to remove hatred from our communities and learn to live together in peace,” he explains.
The song's message is particularly timely, as Malawi approaches its general elections next year.
Violence and division have marred past elections, but Caleb's music offers a beacon of hope.
For fans like Jon Barry, "Kuleza" is more than just a song; it is a rallying cry.
"Caleb is one of my favorite upcoming artists. His music preaches positivity, and 'Kuleza' is no exception. The song encourages peace among different political parties, which is crucial for our communities,” Barry said.
He believes "Kuleza" will play a significant role in promoting peace in the upcoming elections.
With "Kuleza," Caleb proves music can be entertaining, thought-provoking and inspire real change.
Nkhata Bay farmers urged to embrace value addition
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 5, Mana: Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resource for Nkhata Bay District Council, Raphael Mkisi, has urged famers in the district to embrace value addition to agricultural produce in order for their produce to compete on the market.
Mkisi was speaking Thursday at Chipopoma Ground during Nkhata Bay District Agriculture Fair where various agriculture stakeholders displayed a number of farm produce, inputs and implements for sale.
He expressed concern that the district faces low adoption of new agriculture practices due to inadequate agriculture extension workers.
“Besides this, some challenges include land degradation and low access to farm inputs by small scale famers.
“To excel under such conditions and attract the market, farmers need to embark on value addition to their produce,” he said.
Chairperson for Nkhata Bay District Council, Joseph Thula, advised agro dealers across the country to establish depots in the district as famers struggle to access farm inputs and implements.
Agribusiness Manager for Village Farms Limited, Chisomo Zawanda, said he has learnt new skills in value addition which will help his company increase production.
He commended Nkhata Bay District Council for organising the event which, he said, provided a platform for farmers to share best practices.
The fair was held under the theme ‘Agricultural value addition, leveraging technology for agricultural development.’
Minister of Information calls upon communicators to be transparent
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, October 4, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, has called upon the public relations and communication strategists to be proactive in disseminating narratives that promote principles of transparency and accountability as the country moves towards 2025 general elections.
Kunkuyu made the remarks at Club Makokola in Mangochi on Friday during the annual conference of Public Relations Society of Malawi.
He said that the theme for the conference; ‘Managing Narratives for Enhancing Democracy and Development' challenges the public relations and communication strategists on their role to manage the narrative in shaping public discourse and fostering inclusive development.
The minister said government recognizes the significance roles that communication practitioners play in promoting democracy and development such that Malawi cannot be democratic and developed if communication is not taken seriously.
“As you are all aware that Malawi will in September, 2025 be going for parliamentary and presidential elections management of narratives in taming misinformation is crucial during any election.
“It is essential that we prioritize fact based information and constructive dialogue because narratives have the ability to shape public opinion, influence and ultimately, determine the course of our democratic journey,” said Kunkuyu.
He expressed government commitment to ensure that public relations and communication practitioners operate in a conducive environment, support the sector through capacity building initiatives to ensure that those discharging public relations and communication roles are well trained.
Kunkuyu, therefore, urged communications strategists to be custodians of information citing that authoritarian narratives are gaining traction, seeking to undermine democratic institutions and values.
“Every day, as communicators, you have no choice but to go into the social media battle field to win that war. If you lose that war, you lose business, reputation and everything.
“These narratives often exploit grievances,” he added.
President for Public Relations Society of Malawi, Benson Linje, commended government in ensuring that the practitioners are working in a conducive environment following enactment of the Access to Information Bill.
He expressed gratitude to the minister for challenging and inspiring the practitioners to make the communication sector robust and vibrant apart from committing to make PR positions established in government sectors.
Established in 2018, Public Relations Society of Malawi is a grouping of public relations and communications practitioners from both public and private sectors in Malawi.
Norway funds US$3.5 million to Ministry of Education
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, October 4, Mana: Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Siri Frette Allsted, has emphasized that the funding amounting to US$3.5 million which the Norwegian Government has supported Malawi through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will support strengthening of foundation for learning in Malawi.
Speaking during a press conference at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Friday, Frette said Norway reaffirms its commitment to work with the government of Malawi and partners to give children education opportunities.
“I would like to thank UNICEF for the excellent partnership and your engagement with the Malawi Government to support education for all children,” she said.
Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, said the contribution is a clear demonstration of dedication to shared goals and will play a crucial role in addressing key challenges within the education sector.
“We are confident that we will see significant improvements in learning outcomes, particularly in the early years of education. This strategy is not only aligned with the NESIP 2020-2030 but also with the Malawi 2063 which places education at the core of our national development efforts,” she stated.
UNICEF Representative in Malawi, Shadrack Omol, said UNICEF effectively supports the Government of Malawi in its goals to enhance learning outcomes and bring a first class learning ecosystem to every child in Malawi through flexible funding.
“This flexible funding allows UNICEF to effectively tackle critical issues in our education sector, such as access to quality inclusive early childhood and lower primary education to further strengthen the foundations for learning in Malawi,” he said.
Veep calls on Youth to advocate for Technical Skills
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, October 4, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, has appreciated the Good News Mission for the support they are providing to the country in empowering the youth.
Usi made the remarks on Friday during the grand opening of International Youth Fellowship (IYF) centre in Lilongwe.
He said it is high time young people utilise their skills and talents to develop the nation.
“We live in a country where we cannot just depend on being employed by other people. It’s time to use our skills and resources just like this facility will help youth to acquire different technical skills and make them independent,” Usi said.
The urged the young people to maintain, preserve and protect the facility as it will be an asset towards shaping their future.
“As government, we look at the Malawi 2063 whereby we want to have independent youth. So, this facility should not be taken for granted but an opportunity to make good use of it,” he said.
Secretary for IYF, Rev. Young Joo Park, said it is their wish to see Malawi developing in all aspects that is why they want to empower the young ones as they have the ability to make a change.
He stated that IYF in Korea has opened a university whereby they want to train people from Malawi and other countries in different fields so that they can help their nations.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, said government is committed in ensuring that youth have attained technical skills to contribute to the development of the country.
“The ministry has started partnerships with different stakeholders to make sure that youth are developed. So, the coming in of IYF will help youth who are struggling to be employed to come and learn technical skills as they have a training centre,” said Mkandawire.
One of the beneficiaries, Yhobson Kumwenda, expressed gratitude to IYF for training him with media skills in broadcasting, photography and editing.
Kumwenda was selected to go to Kenya and pursue his education which, he said, has helped him to find a job in the media industry.
IYF will be providing youth with skills in media, tailoring, carpentry and construction.
Currently, IYF has branches in over 100 countries worldwide.
Established in 2001 in South Korea, IYF is a global youth organisation and NGO that provides local and international volunteers opportunities through a vast global network.
Gwengwe opens Metallo Trading Limited in Limbe
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 4, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, on Thursday opened Metallo Trading Limited in Limbe, Blantyre where the company is expecting to expand to produce pots, electrical cables and steel bars among others.
Gwengwe said was impressed to see Metallo, a big investor in Mozambique getting established in Malawi to buy and process metal.
He said Matelo is also a job creator to young people.
“Through the conversations we had, Metallo have built this shelter and have started small but their plan is to expand so they are able to deal with local scraps that we have in Malawi. They will be producing value added products like pots, electric cables, steel bars and everything else,” he said.
The minister also appealed to other foreign companies to establish bases to contribute to Malawi’s economy.
“The trade balance has always been on the negative side for our country and we are trying as much as possible to have policies that reverses the trend where our trade balance start balancing,” Gwengwe said.
He observed that Malawi was having too much imports and very little exports, adding government was working hard to encourage companies to make export quality goods that should compete on international markets.
Speaking on behalf of the metal company, Shivam Mittal, appealed to Malawians to sell scraps to Metalo Trading Limited, saying their products will also be sold here.
“We are here now to buy the scraps and recycle them. Next year we will start manufacturing copper cables so that Malawi will not have to import from other countries. Malawi will be exporting these products to earn forex,” he said.
Before opening Metallo Trading Limited, Gwengwe toured Pharmanova Malawi Limited in Blantyre to appreciate how the company is faring.
British High Commissioner says Rumphi has tourism potential
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, October 4, Mana: British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Richie, says Rumphi District has potential in attracting tourists who would help improve economic activities in the district and the country at large.
Richie made the remarks Thursday when she engaged officials for Rumphi District Council on various issues.
“Rumphi is an incredibly beautiful part of Malawi. I think, with good infrastructure, it would be easier for tourists to come here. Nyika National Park is an asset to the country. It is beautiful. It offers what you cannot see in other places,” said Ritchie.
Richie, later in the day visited headquarters of Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe at Bolero to pay a courtesy call to the traditional leader of the Tumbuka people.
She said she was pleased to have been offered royal experience of Chikulamayembe Chieftaincy.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said he was honored by British High Commissioner’s visit to his headquarters.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu, said tourism is one of the council’s strategic areas aimed at improving the district’s economic development in contributing to the attainment of the Malawi 2063 with focus on upper middle income status.
Bulukutu also shared the council’s plans to have an industrial park to promote value addition to crops such as soya beans and groundnuts, among others.
"We export a lot of raw agricultural produce such as groundnuts. We need to start adding value to our farm produce. That would create job opportunities to people. We need to work on these opportunities to transform our economy and achieve Malawi 2063," said Bulukutu.
