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Malawi Rolls Out Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 3, MANA: The Ministry of Health has rolled out a Measles-Rubella supplementary vaccination campaign across several districts in Malawi following a prolonged outbreak that has led to 653 confirmed cases and one death since it began in October 2024.
According to a press release by the Ministry, the campaign, which runs from 2 June to 6 June, 2025, is targeting children aged 9 months to 9 years in the districts of Lilongwe, Nkhotakota, Salima, Blantyre, Ntcheu, and Mangochi. In addition to the measles-rubella vaccine, children will also receive Vitamin A supplements as part of the initiative.
Secretary for Health, Dr Samson Mdolo stated in the statement that Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications and urged the public to seek medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as fever, facial rash, red itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening routine immunization programs, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and called upon communities to actively participate in the campaign to protect children and prevent further spread of the disease.
Health expert George Jobe has commended the initiative, noting that the campaign will play a crucial role in reducing the risk of further outbreaks and protecting vulnerable children in high-risk districts.
“I wish parents, guardians, and the communities could strongly support and collaborate with the government in this fight.
“Only through joint effort can we ensure that no child is left behind and that measles is eliminated from our communities,” Jobe said.
Health authorities are conducting the campaign through a variety of channels including health facilities, schools, trading centres, and mobile outreach teams.
Court in Mzuzu grants Jappie Mhango bail
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, June 3, Mana: Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has granted bail to Jappie Mhango, former Cabinet Minister and current vice president for Democratic Progressive Party in the north who was arrested on Monday by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) over abuse of office.
In his bail ruling, Chief Resident Magistrate Godfrey Balaka said where major factors in granting an accused person bail are not disputed by the prosecution, denying such accused bail will not be in the interest of justice.
Among conditions Balaka outlined are that the accused makes a cash deposit of K1 million, provide two reliable surities bonded at K500, 000 each not cash, report to ACB offices once in every two weeks on Wednesdays and surrender his travel documents.
Mhango has been charged with two counts of abuse of office and giving false information to the Bureau contrary to section 25B (1) and giving false information to the Bureau contrary to section 14 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Earlier, Principal Legal and Prosecution Officer for the ACB Daniel Nyasulu told the court that the Bureau brought Mhango before court to formerly inform him of the reasons for his arrest.
Nyasulu however stated that the state is not ready with plea taking as there are some two more suspects in the same case who have not been arrested yet.
Mhango was arrested on Monday and spent a night at Mzuzu Police Station. He was moved earlier in morning to ACB offices where he was recorded caution statements before being brought before court later in the afternoon of Tuesday.
Minister impressed with rise in girl participation in the 2025 JCE Exam
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, June 3, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has attributed the 8.7 percent rise in female participation in this year’s Junior Certificate Education (JCE), to national commitment to ensuring equity and access to education for all.
Wirima made the remarks on Tuesday when she inspected the start of the 2025 JCE at Linthipe Secondary School and Nthulu Community Day Secondary School in Dedza district.
The minister, said the schools that government introduced under Secondary Education Expansion for Development (SEED) project to increase access to secondary education, for young Malawians especially girls, are materializing.
“We introduced 72 secondary schools under SEED project and most of them this is their maiden year to administer the exams. This is encouraging because we have noted an increase in girl’s participation in secondary education,” said the Minister.
Commenting on the development, Inkosi Kamenyagwaza 5 of Dedza commended the ministry of education for the efforts in promoting education mainly for girls.
He further said he deliberately ensured that all school going children in his area report for classes as a way of promoting Malawi2063 through education.
“The rise in number for the females sitting for exams this year is encouraging. Our target as an area here in Kamenyagwaza is to ensure that all learners continue with studies up to form four,” he said.
He said village development committees and village heads work hand in hand with schools by conducting periodic roll calls to ensure all leaners are in school.
“When they are not found at school, a follow up is made to know their where about, and child marriages are not entertained in the area,” he said.
He added that best performing learners are awarded with various materials including travel bags for those selected to national secondary schools.
Girl’s school dropout in Malawi is fueled by early marriages, long distances to schools and poor infrastructure among others.
A total of 166,123 candidates will sit for the JCE examinations nationwide this year, against a total of 154,504 last year.
Three men drown in separate incidents in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 3, Mana; Three men have drowned in separate incidents in Lake Malawi in Karonga District, police have confirmed.
The deceased are Lowland Ng'ambi, 29, Jonas Mtawali, 32, and an unidentified adult male.
According to Karonga Police Station Public Relations Officer, Margret Msiska, Ng'ambi went to cast fishing nets on May 31, 2025.
He was last seen on June 1 when he returned to check his nets but did not come back. His body was later found floating near Gumi fishing dock around 5:30 a.m. on June 2 by a fisherman.
"On the same day, another body, believed to be of an unidentified adult male, was discovered in a decomposed state by a passerby near Israel fishing dock in Mwandovi Village.
“In a separate incident, Mtawali went fishing on May 30 with a companion when their boat capsized due to turbulent waters. While his friend was rescued by nearby fishermen, Mtawali went missing and his body was found on June 2 at around 9:00 a.m. floating in Lake Malawi," said Msiska.
Police detectives from Nyungwe, Chilumba, and Kaporo Police Stations, alongside medical personnel from their respective health centres, visited the scenes and postmortem results confirmed that all three died due to suffocation secondary to drowning.
Ng'ambi hailed from Mwakisenjere Village under Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe, while Mtawali came from Chakwera Village under Senior Chief Kilupula, both in Karonga District.
Msiska has since urged fishermen to take extra precautions.
“We are deeply saddened by these tragic incidents. We urge all fishermen and lake users to monitor weather conditions closely and prioritise safety before setting out on the lake. Such tragedies can be avoided with better awareness and preparation,” said Msiska.
Meanwhile, Police investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to identify the third victim.
CRFA axes home advantage in fixture shift
By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 3, Mana: Central Region Football Association (CRFA) has made key adjustments to its Week 2 Chipiku League fixtures, relocating several matches from home venues to neutral grounds to preserve the spirit of fair play.
CRFA Fixture Secretary, Wales Chanza Kazonde confirmed the strategic adjustments in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, stressing that all stakeholders were consulted before the decision was made.
The fixture shake-up follows concerns raised by various clubs over perceived home-ground advantages, especially in potentially high-stakes encounters.
“Football thrives when the pitch is level, literally and figuratively, Taking the game to neutral venues ensures that every squad steps onto the turf on equal footing, this game is about integrity, competitiveness, and respect,” Kazonde said.
One of the headline adjustments sees the clash between Mbadzi United and Extreme FC moved both in date and venue, from Sunday to Saturday, and from Mbadzi Ground to Blue Gym Ground. The shift was necessitated by Blue Gym’s Sunday restrictions, as the pitch is owned by a church that prohibits Sunday usage.
He said originally, Mbadzi Ground was set to host the match, but the opposing side raised concerns. After further deliberations, we agreed on Blue Gym as a fair alternative. All clubs have been duly informed and are aligned with the updates.
“The kickoff in Salima was a spectacle. The teams were sharp, organized, and hungry. If that opening is anything to go by, we’re in for one of the most electric seasons in recent memory,” Kazonde added.
This weekend’s other fixtures include exciting matchups such as Airborne FC vs St Kaduya, Kasungu Police vs Mbambande, Support Battalion vs Wimbe United, Santhe Admarc vs Luanar FC, Silver Strikers Reserve Vs Green Rangers, and Dwangwa United vs Kawinga FC, a slate that promises thrills across the region.
In his remarks, General Secretary for Extreme FC, Kondwani Kayira said they are aware of the changes.
“it is just a welcoming development, considering that the communication has been done in good time and looking at the condition of the pitch, we felt the new venue is better off than the first one
Meanwhile, one of the most passionate supporters, Lyson Mussa from Lilongwe, is already bracing for an epic campaign
“This season has a different feel, “Santhe Admarc look dangerous, Silver Strikers Reserve are always solid, and Extreme FC are no pushovers either as they're also looking for their return into the elite league, expect fireworks, this league is going to be lit!" Said Mussa
Beyond fixture changes, the association is commited to raising the professional bar this season. All players are now fully registered on Mpira Connect, ensuring transparency and eligibility compliance. Matchday officiation will feature a Referee, two Assistants, a 4th Official, and a Match Assessor, enhancing the integrity of every match.
All five matches for Week 2 will still kick off at 2:30 PM across the various venues.
Tragic road accident claims life of a 38-old woman
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, June 3rd, Mana; 38-year-old business woman, Eneless Maduka has died in a road accident in the early hours of Tuesday along the Lilongwe-Kasungu M1 road.
According to Lumbadzi Police Spokesperson, Sergeant Felix Kwinyani said the incident occurred around 04;20 hours near Valley Chicks road junction along the Lilongwe-Kasungu M1 road.
“Maduka (Now deceased) was driving a Toyota Axio Saloon registration number SA10664 from the direction of Lumbadzi going towards Kanengo, where she lost control of the vehicle, due to speeding.
“The vehicle swerved and hit a stationary diesel van lorry registration number CP9482 which was parked on the side of the road, driven by Danken Sayeni aged 43,” he said.
Kwinyani said Maduka sustained severe head injuries and was taken to Lumbadzi Health Centre where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Lumbadzi Police is urging motorists to adhere to road safety guidelines to prevent such accidents.
Driver arrested for exceeding passenger capacity
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, June 3, Mana: Lilongwe Police traffic have arrested a 35-year -old driver for putting lives of people at risk after he used a 16 seater minibus to carry 37 passengers and bags of maize in Lilongwe on June 2 ,2025.
Lilongwe Police spokesperson, Hastings Chigalu, identified the man as Thomson Bisayi who was driving a Toyota Hiace minibus heading to Lilongwe City.
“Upon stopping the minibus at Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) roadblock for a search, road traffic police were amazed to discover the 37 passengers, most of whom were standing to give each other space, thereby exceeding its carrying capacity with 21 more people,” he said.
Chigalu said police immediately impounded the vehicle and arrested the driver who is currently in custody pending to appear in court soon to answer applicable charges.
Meanwhile, Lilongwe Police has urged passengers to be responsible and assist police in reducing road accidents by checking and valuing their own safety before boarding passenger service vehicles.
Bisayi hails from Gamba Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Chilowoko in Ntchisi District.
44 extension workers from SAPP II districts undergo Farmer Field School
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, June 03, Mana: At least 44 extension staff from 4 Sustainable Agriculture Production Program (SAPP II) implementing districts of Mzimba, Dowa, Lilongwe and Balaka, are undergoing a five-day Farmer Field School (FFS) training in Mponela, Dowa, to help farmers explore technologies that can improve animal and crop production.
The training which opened on Monday and is expected to run up to Friday, has been organized by the Department of Agriculture Extension Services (DAES) with funds from SAPP II.
Speaking in an interview after the official opening, DAES Deputy Director, Kenneth Chaula described the training as crucial to the extension workers as it will allow them to establish FFSs with the farmers in their respective localities and districts.
“As frontline workers, the extension staff are the most critical link in the agriculture sector as they interface with farmers on the ground, and also interpret policy, hence the need for them to be trained,” explained Chaula.
He defined FFS as one of the approaches used in the ministry where the teacher is the enterprise being pursued, either crop, or livestock, and that the training is built around the life cycle of that particular enterprise, observing and noting lessons along the way.
Chaula challenged the extension workers to establish the “much needed FFS” to allow their farmers to test released technologies based on locality and needs within the district where SAPP is being implemented.
“As a country, we would want to increase productivity of all enterprises that are very critical to bring about food security and economic prosperity, as enshrined in MW2063 Agenda, Pillar 1,” said Chaula.
He continued: “Pillar 1 of the MW2063 aims to increase agricultural productivity and commercialization; this is where we want smallholder and commercial farmers to adopt and implement new technologies to increase yields for income.”
Lead facilitator of the training, Adam Kabango, said the one-week training is the first in a series of 3 similar trainings spread across the season, during which the extension staff are expected to establish and manage the FFSs in their respective localities and districts, and report progress in subsequent trainings.
“FFS are schools without walls; they are learning fields where farmers go to test and analyse farming systems and technologies to establish which ones are ideal for either crops, or livestock,” explained Kabango, who is also Principal Agriculture Officer responsible for extension methods, and he is, also, national farmer field school trainer in Malawi.
One of the extension workers, Grace Dayo, from Malingunde EPA, commended DAES for the training, saying the changes brought by climate change call for new technologies that need to be transferred to the farmers.
Dayo said the establishment FFS will help break resistance among farmers who believe old farming systems are still applicable and better than those released now.
“The challenge that we face with farmers is mindset change: they are, mostly, used to old ways of farming, despite the changes brought by climate change,” explained Dayo.
She added: “So, with the FFS, we will explore the technologies and draw the lessons together. That way, it’ll be easy for them to change their mindset.”
There are 660 FFSs across the country, but there are less such establishments in the SAPP II implementing districts and, according to the DAES Deputy Director, the Department is targeting establishment of 180 FFSs in the 4 SAPP II districts in the next 7 years.
MCP parliamentary candidate introduces football tournament in Chiradzulu
By Yanjanani Mendulo.
Chiradzulu, May 2, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aspiring parliamentarian for Chiradzulu Nguludi, Winston Bergi on Tuesday awarded Suma FC, K150,000 and a trophy for emerging victorious against St. Theresa FC in the finals of Winston Bergi sponsored Tournament at a function that took place at Nguludi Boys Primary School ground over the week end.
St. Theresa FC, the runners-up, received K130,000 while each of the eight teams that were eliminated at zonal level prior to the finals walked away with K40,000.
Bergi told Malawi News Agency (Mana), that he was happy with the football tournament, saying it was organized to encourage football discipline apart from appreciating talent among youths in the constituency.
“Besides awarding the winners, I wanted to instill football discipline. That is why I also awarded K20,000 to the most disciplined team for others to emulate,” he added and disclosed plans to set up a vocational and technical training school to offer technical skills in carpentry, joinery, and bicycle repair, to empower youths beyond football.
Nguludi Zone Chairperson, McDonald Kapiche, hailed Bergi for introducing the tournament, saying this will motivate young players to strive for discipline and competitive playing standards.
“The trophy has inspired our players to work harder. It has given them reasons to improve and aim higher in the next competition,” added Kapiche.
Village Group head, Sumani 2 also commended the initiative, saying it has the potential to actively engage the youth in productive activities.
“It is very important to keep the youth busy. Time spent in participating in this trophy could have otherwise been used in unproductive things or even criminal activities. This tournament has spared the players and entire community from crime,” added Group Village Suman 2.
He further appealed to the sponsor to extend similar support to young women through a netball tournament, adding that this will help improve their talent in netball.
CSQ to hold cancer awareness campaign in Chileka
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, June 3, Mana: Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ) will on 10th to 13th June conduct Cancer awareness campaign at Chikuli in Blantyre aimed at engaging traditional leaders and communities on cancer screening and prevention.
Executive Director for Cancer Survivors Quest, Chikhulupiliro Ng’ombe told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that the ultimate goal of the campaign is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer, improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected, and encourage regular screenings and check-ups to detect cancer at an early stage.
“We want to inform people about different types of cancer, their causes, symptoms and risk factors. Regular Cancer screening is a crucial step in early detection and treatment. As a country we have to invest in promotion of healthy lifestyle and habits that reduce the risk of developing cancer,” said Ng’ombe.
According to Ng’ombe, the campaign will target Chileka, after noting that the area is terribly hot which results in exposure to radiation from the sun.
“We are selling 13 cancer awareness key holders at K10, 000 each to raise funds for this activity in order to reach our targeted budget of K130, 000. At the end of the campaign, we will have cancer training for those that may volunteer to join our support group,” he said.
Blessings Pasala from Chikuli commended the organization for organizing the campaign in his community as public health is crucial in one’s health.
“By prioritizing cancer screening, individuals can take proactive steps towards their health and well-being. I am happy that CSQ is hosting the campaign in our area which will reduce discrimination among other factors,” said Pasala.
He added that prevention of cancer is possible but the general population is not informed and empowered.
Pasala hoped that after the campaign, the population will know and be able to adopt best measures of cancer prevention.
