MANAonline
MCP aspiring legislator constructs bridge at Nguludi in Chiradzulu
By Yanjanani Mendulo
Chiradzulu, May 8, Mana: People from Gomani and Ngusiche villages, Senior Chief Likoswe in Chiradzulu, will soon have better mobility after Chiradzulu Nguludi aspiring legislator for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Winston Bergi started the construction of Mapanje Bridge estimated to cost K1.8 million.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) during a visit to the site on Wednesday, Bergi said good roads and bridges are important for development.
“This bridge is more than just cement and poles. It will connect people, help them go to markets, schools, hospitals, and make their lives better,” he said.
The shadow member of parliament said many people, especially farmers, struggle to take agricultural produce to markets as they could not cross Mapanje River during rainy season.
Group Village Head Gomani thanked Bergi for listening to the people’s concerns over mobility, saying; “For a long time, we have suffered. This bridge will end our struggles and make grow as a community,”.
He also asked villagers to take care of the bridge once it is finished and warned people in the area against stealing project materials, saying the law will take its course.
Mirriam Keyala from Ngusiche Village, said the bridge will facilitate transportation of goods and services.
“Vehicles will transport our farm produce without problem, Learners will no longer miss classes during the rainy season because the bridge will help them cross safely to schools” she said.
Works on the bridge have already started with completion expected soon.
Distribution of bicycles motivates female teachers in Rumphi
By Ella Mlenga
Rumphi, May 8, Mana: Director of Education and Sports for Rumphi District, Fides Msowoya, has commended government for its efforts of improving female teachers lives by providing them with easy transportation through the Malawi Education Reforms Programme (MERP).
Msowoya made the commendation on Wednesday during a media tour, adding that the bicycles have significantly enhanced the district's education standards by providing better and easy transportation to female teachers.
"I am very grateful that government has also considered giving female teachers bicycle for easy transportation. This development will tremendously improve education standards in Rumphi district," she said.
However, she appealed to government to prioritize addressing accommodation and transportation challenges that female teachers are facing, so that they do not run away from teaching in rural areas.
Nellie Chawinga, Head teacher at Kakuyu, one of the primary schools in the district, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely.
"As a way of safeguarding this development, we already have existing by-laws and regulations in place to protect the bicycles and ensure it continues to serve future generations," Chawinga said.
She also advised fellow headteachers against personalising the bicycles, emphasizing that they are intended to serve all teachers in the district and promote equitable access to transportation.
CEDEP terminates HIV and AIDS project amid aid freeze
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, May 08, Mana: Center for Development of People (CEDEP) has terminated a project that was aimed at reducing HIV prevalence and increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among key populations in Mzimba North, Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mangochi.
Technical Director for CEDEP, Angela Simwanza, disclosed this on Wednesday during an exit meeting for the project with Mzuzu City Executive Committee.
She said they cannot continue with the project due to an aid freeze following USAID cuts effected by the United States of America.
Simwanza said the project, called Peer Solutions for Epidemic Control, was targeting, among others, female sex workers, men who have sex with men and trans genders to prevent new HIV infections among them, and ensure that those infected are accessing ART, as well as sexual reproductive health services.
“The project started in 2015 after noticing high HIV prevalence rate among key populations. For example, HIV prevalence rate was 49.9 percent among female sex workers, 12.7 percent among men who have sex with men and 13.8 percent among trans genders,” she said.
“These figures were so alarming compared to HIV rate among the general population which was at 7.7 percent. The aim of the project was to uncover the key populations, who mostly are in hiding, to ensure that they start accessing ART and that they are not spreading infections,” she added.
The Technical Director further said through the project, the organization was conducting outreach clinics for key populations where a core package for HIV and AIDS services were being offered, including viral load monitoring, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and psycho-social counselling.
Director of Planning and Development for Mzuzu City Council, Philemon Maseko, commended the project for expanding access to HIV and AIDS services among the key populations.
Maseko said the country needs HIV and AIDS interventions that target everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
World Bank for renewable energy for Vehicles
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, May 7, Mana: The World Bank has called on Malawi to invest more in renewable energy to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, adding that the adoption of e-mobility has the potential to reduce fuel import costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
World Bank Country Manager in Malawi, Firas Raad, said this in Lilongwe on Wednesday during a workshop held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) on pioneering electric mobility in Malawi.
Raad said saving money on fuel imports and reduction of greenhouse emissions could improve the country’s economy, and mitigate climate change.
“I urge authorities to invest more in infrastructure to facilitate the growth of the e-mobility industry in the country" he said, and pledged to continue supporting Malawi government on its efforts to adopt electric vehicles.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Madalo Nyambose, said the ministry is currently developing a regulatory framework aimed at covering electric vehicles in the country.
"This framework will help guide the adoption and use of electric vehicles in the country,” she said.
The World Bank's call to action highlights the potential benefits of investing in renewable energy and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in Malawi.
Chakwera calls for national support towards MRCS Flag Week
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 8, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, who is also the patron for the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS), has called upon the Malawi nation to support the Society in order to fulfil their target of raising K200 million for humanitarian activities.
He made the remarks during the launch of the MRCS 2025 Flag Week at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Thursday.
“It is very important to remember that natural disasters can affect anyone without considering their status hence we must unite to help and support MRCS as it plays a crucial role in responding to natural,” he said.
Chakwera has since donated K2 million to MRCS towards the cause.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, explained that MRCS plays a crucial role in helping the ministry and the nation during various national disasters including cyclones, floods and others
“It is everyone’s duty to support and help the Society in resource mobilisation for various emergency operations in the country.
“MRCS plays a very important role helping people when emergencies occur. For instance, last year we worked together during the various cyclones and we are still working together right now to fight against Mpox. As such, we call upon everyone to support the cause by donating the little they have to the Society,” she explained.
MRCS President, Innocent Majiya, expressed gratitude to the President’s commitment to support the Society through the K2 million donated.
He said the money collected during the week will be used in various emergency operations in the country.
“We celebrate the unwavering commitment of millions of volunteers and staff worldwide. We remain deeply rooted in their communities including people affected by armed conflict violence and humanitarian crisis. We call upon people to support us in order to reach the set target,” he said.
MRCS has over 85,000 volunteers across the country.
The funds raised during the Flag Week will be used to support vulnerable communities that are experiencing effects of natural disasters and hunger across the country.
This year’s Flag Week is being held under the theme “On the Side of Humanity.”
Maching NGO donates to female learners in Machinga
By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, May 08, Mana: Centre for Community Change and Youth Development (CECOYOD) on Wednesday donated pens and exercise books to 38 learners at Mtubwi Primary School in Machinga as one way of promoting quality education among needy school girls.
Chief Executive Officer for CECOYOD, James Chilongo, said the organization is commitment to grooming brighter leaders, adding that the donation targets needy girls as a way of encouraging them to work hard and excel in class.
“As CECOYOD, we noted that in most circumstances, girls face a number of obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goal.
“This donation is one among many other initiatives that include; providing school fees, uniform and pocket money, to students just to make sure they have all the necessities that should encourage them to perform well and succeed in their education,” he said.
One of the girls, a Standard 6 learner, Bertha Chibwana, hailed CECOYOD for the support and she pledged to work hard in class to prepare for her future.
“I am delighted to be among those that have received pens and exercise books. I really appreciate the gesture and I will work hard to achieve my goal,” added Bertha, whose ambition is to become a nurse.
Mtubwi School, Head teacher, Margret Mazengera, urged girls that dropped outs of school for various reasons to return to school.
“Educating a girl child is equal to educating a whole nation. I therefore appeal to young mothers to returning to school so that they can do better in life," added Mazengera as she received CECOYOD donation, which was worthy K430, 000.
One of Directors of the organization, Samson Funny, encouraged girls to work hard and continue with their education up to tertiary level.
He has since asked partners to assist CECOYOD with financial resources to ensure wider outreach in assisting needy girls to achieve their goals.
CECOYOD was established in 2020 to, among other areas; provide support to female learners in both primary and secondary schools in Machinga District.
Malawi delegation leading team at 2025 eLearning Africa Summit
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, 7th May, Mana: Malawian delegation attending the 2025 e-Learning Africa Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected as the leading team, with Minister of Higher Education Dr. Jessie Kabwira, and Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu at the helm of the team.
The Summit, which runs from 7th to 9th May, 2025, is being held at Julius Nyerere International Convention Center, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzani, and the two cabinet ministers are accompanied by senior officials from the two ministries.
A statement released by the Ministry of Higher Education Wednesday described the opportunity to host dedicated tables at the summit as a significant honour “reserved for selected delegations recognized by the organizer’s”.
The statement further said the gesture symbolizes Malawi’s influence and capability at fostering meaningful engagement in digital education and the development of the skills for the future.
Renowned education rights activist and Civil Society for Education Coalition (CSEC), Benedicto Kondowe, has since described the two-day summit as significant opportunity for Malawi to learn from cross boarder universities that offers best education practices.
Kondowe added that the Summit is an opportunity for Malawi to adopt an improved eLearning service delivery for Malawi`s higher learning institutions to significantly contribute towards Malawi 2063 Agenda.
“Human capital development relies on physical presence of students in various institutions of higher learning; our view is that eLearning is central for the purposes of expanding access to education, considering that physical spaces are limited,” he said.
The two-day e-Learning Africa Summit offers the continent's leading platform for exploring the intersection of technology, education and development hence Malawi's engagement during the Summit positions the country as a key player in shaping the future of digital learning across Africa.
Mother Care Group commended for vaccine coverage
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, May 7, Mana: Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director, George Jobe has expressed satisfaction with improvement registered in under-five vaccine and immunization coverage from 40 percent to 95 percent at Kajombo Village, Traditional Authority Kapeni in Blantyre.
Jobe observed the success during monitoring of Ntonda Clinic in Blantyre on Tuesday, and he said commended the area’s Mother Care Group (MCG), Mabala, for its contribution to child vaccination and immunization.
He said the monitoring tour was aimed at identifying problems, success and challenges that Mabala MCG faces in the under-five vaccine and immunization process.
The MHEN Executive Director observed collaboration between Mabala MCG and Health Surveillance Assistants has proven to be instrumental in mobilizing communities to appreciate child vaccination and immunization, adding that community mobilization has in turn resulted in high child vaccine coverage.
“Mother Care Groups and Health Surveillance Assistant (HSAs) play a crucial role in dispelling myths and misconceptions about vaccine,” he said, and continued: “MCG also plays advocacy role in providing accurate information that brings a sense of trust in immunization, which leads to increased child vaccine coverage.”
He urged men to embrace child vaccine, describing men’s involvement as significant in improving child vaccine coverage and overall child health.
Senior HSA for Mtonda Clinic, Getrude Kamanula, said community members had no interest in under five vaccines due to cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge and myths and misconception until the Mabala MCG and HSAs jointly carried out awareness campaigns, which brought about the positive change.
She noted that MCGs and HSAs have been instrumental in addressing community misconceptions about child vaccination, thereby improving vaccine uptake among under-fives.
MHEN is an independent alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to improve distribution, quality, and access to health services throughout the country, promoting equity and quality in health for all people in Malawi._
Human rights crucial in public service programming
By Tamala Kamanga
Dowa, May 7, Mana: Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) says public service has to mainstream and align issues of human rights as they execute their work, saying this can help achieve effective service delivery.
MHRC Deputy Director of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Lucius Pendame was speaking Tuesday after conducting a training on Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) training for Dowa district council officials.
The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of council officials in mainstreaming HRBA in the planning and implementation of public services at the district level, especially as the country works on achieving the Malawi 2063 agenda.
"Development, effective service delivery, and even Malawi 2063 plan cannot be achieved if duty bearers are not holding on to human rights principles.
"So this training is meant to ensure that as we move towards implementing development and the country’s 2063 ambitious plan, duty bearers must embrace the principles of human rights as they work.
"This will not only ensure the promotion of people's trust in daily public services and upholding of human rights but also promote people's participation in Malawi's 2063 agenda. So this training was very important," said Pendame.
The workshop also provided a platform for engagement, knowledge-sharing, and discussions on best practices, ensuring that human rights principles are effectively integrated into public service frameworks.
Sectors involved in the training included planning and development, gender, information, social welfare, community development, police, health and administration.
In his remarks, Director of Finance for Dowa, Martin M'baya said the training will help the council to improve its implementation and incorporation of human rights issues.
"As a council, we have many plans and activities to implement regarding the promotion of Malawi 2063 plans. So this training has equipped us with skills of incorporating human rights issues in our service delivery programming," he said.
PGP move to raise K10 million through fundraising
By Rennie Tembo
Lilongwe, May 7, Mana; Pretty Girls Pray (PGP), a grouping of girls and women aimed to empower and uplift women through prayer and providing a supportive environment for spiritual growth and development, has organized a Tea Party with an aim of having a permanent place of worship.
PGP Administrator, Tiyamike Betha told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday that the event which will take place on 10th May 2025 at the Botanical Gardens in Lilongwe, is aimed at raising K10 million for the ministry to have its own buildings.
“For the past three years, PGP has been operating in a rented place, and we believe it is high time we have a place to call our own, where we can gather to pray and serve together effectively.
“We are optimistic that through this event, our dream of owning a plot will finally be achieved,’’ she said.
Betha then further said that the ministry is counting on the generosity of well-wishers, partners and friends to help reach the planned amount of K10 million.
“We are relying on well-wishers and friends to assist us in raising this amount. Any contribution, big or small, will be of much help to us and we shall be grateful to our members who have already started making their donations through buying tickets,” she said.
Founder of Mai Mbambande Foundation, Deborah Mbale, an invited guest to the function, thanked PGP for the initiative saying she is looking forward to seeing God’s glory descending on that day.
“As it is written in the Bible that ‘With God all things are possible’, so shall it be on that day,” she said.
The fundraising Tea party will start from 2 pm to 5 pm with a lineup of exciting activities such as raffle draws, games and live music performances.
PGP ministry was launched in the year 2020 and has branches in Mzuzu, Blantyre, Salima and Lilongwe as its headquarters, with over 2,300 members.
