MANAonline
Kasungu District Council warns against stigmatisation
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, June 23, Mana: Social Welfare Officer for Kasungu District Council, Ephraim Njikho, has said stigmatisation against women and girls with disabilities is not only a violation of human rights but also a serious impediment to achieving national development.
Njikho said this in Kasungu on Saturday during an anti-stigma awareness meeting organized by Nkhotakota based Umunthu Radio under its Quality Menstrual Health for Women and Girls with Disabilities project being implemented in the district.
“Every person has equal entitlements under the law regardless of being a person with disability or not. So like anybody else, girls and women with disabilities have great potential to contribute to national development hence must be treated without any elements that point to discrimination.
“It is in this spirit that we applaud Umunthu Radio for this initiative where they are trying to raise awareness on the rights of women and girls, specifically those with disabilities,” Njikho said.
He said while his office appreciates the remarkable contribution the project has made in raising awareness of women and girls with disabilities, there is need to extend the initiative to the entire district so that it benefits more people.
Representing Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), Maness Matsimbe William, said there is need for intensified efforts to fight stigmatisation against women and girls with disabilities, a practice she said is common in communities.
“We hope that with the interventions under this project, we will see women and girls with disabilities being treated with the dignity they deserve as many people will understand that stigmatisation is evil.
“It is our belief that as communities are made aware of the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, they will be able to treat and support them in the right manner,” she said.
General Manager for Umunthu Radio, Edward Kwacha, said his organisation is aware of different forms of stigma and discrimination that women and girls with disabilities face hence the intervention.
“This meeting was very crucial as we reflected on our project that seeks to eliminate various forms of stigma and discrimination against women and girls with disabilities, particularly menstrual health.
“It has enlightened stakeholders as to what is happening in the communities, calling for continuous interventions like awareness and popularizing policies and laws to plug the information gaps that are there regarding the rights of persons with disabilities,” he said.
Kuwacha said if women and girls with disabilities are knowledgeable about their rights, they will be able to demand services and seek redress where violations have occurred.
“For example, we are aware that most women and girls with disabilities face challenges to access sexual reproductive health services and that is exactly why we decided to come up with this project,” he said.
The project is being implemented in traditional authorities Kaomba, Chilowamatambe, Lukwa, and Mwase in Kasungu District with an aim of enhancing capacity and knowledge in women and girls with disabilities to access quality menstrual health.
MHEN seeks to improve immunisation in Kasungu
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, June 23, Mana: Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Board Chairperson, Carolyn Kassam, says active participation of communities in healthcare delivery is key to ensuring that all children get vaccinated against various ailments.
Kassam said this Saturday during a training for members of Chipozinkhono Mother Care Group in Traditional Authority (TA) Santhe in Kasungu.
She said community participation through structures like mother groups can help reduce default rate for child immunisation as the care groups assist in mobilising communities to vaccinate their children.
“The role of mother groups is to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation for children and in the process, creating demand for vaccination.
“It is pleasing to note that here in Kasungu, statistics show that since we started this initiative, immunization rate has significantly improved including in hard to reach places,” she said.
Kassam said the training was meant to update the mother group on new developments in immunisation including the introduction of new vaccines such as that of malaria.
“We don’t want even a single child to miss vaccines especially in the critical years. So, the training is meant to remind the mother care group about its role in this important task,” she said.
Apart from creating demand for immunisation, mother groups also lobby for necessary health services not available in their communities including support infrastructure such as under-five clinics and houses for health workers.
Chairperson for the group, Aness Kanamwali, said the group has helped to ensure male involvement in child immunisation which was previously seen as a woman’s responsibility.
She said: “It’s no longer strange here to see men taking their children to under-five clinics for vaccination because we have managed to raise awareness about this.
“In our assessment, there are reduced cases of morbidity amongst children in this community now because many people take their children for vaccination.”
MHEN organised the training in partnership with Good Health Organisation under its Health Strengthening Immunisation System initiative with financial support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation.
The training, which will also be conducted for all the 32 mother care groups in the district, zeroed on new developments in immunisation and vaccines, rights and responsibilities of communities and advocacy.
Climate Smart programme empower communities in Blantyre
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, June 23, Mana: Communities in Blantyre District have hailed the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) for accelerating economic opportunities in their households.
This was said Friday during an assessment of how communities are implementing activities solely to restore the degraded landscape.
Member for Mwayi Trust Sub-catchment, Anne Swedish, from M'banda Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kunthembwe said the project has changed her life economically.
"We gather stones and place them in several lines inside the gully, this controls the running water speed and the lines of stones in the gullies assist in detaining the sand which will result in gully reclamation. In the end, we get paid,” she said.
Member for Chinkhali Sub catchment, Caleb Kasawala, from Kasawala Village, TA Kuntaja concurred with Swedish that the project has transformed their lives in different ways.
"This project has transformed our lives; issues of school funds for our children are no longer a challenge because we are paid for doing these activities, " he said.
Land Resource Conservation Officer for Blantyre District Council, Salatiel Mthyoka, was satisfied with the way participants are conducting activities in their groups.
"I am impressed with the way participants have welcomed the initiative since CSEPWP is focusing on integrated watershed management, covering sub-projects such as land resource conservation, afforestation and natural regeneration,” he said.
In Blantyre, the programme has about 17,000 participants in 15 catchments.
CSEPWP is funded by the World Bank, facilitated by the National Local Government Finance committee and is being implemented by councils across the country.
Top action returns in TNM Super League
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June22, Mana: Top action returns for 2024 TNM Super League in week 10 after two weeks’ break and games to be played in Sunday and Monday.
The Break was due to international engagements of the Malawi National Football Team, the “Flames” and the death of Former Vice President, late, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others, who died in a plane Crash on June 10, 2024 at Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba.
Teams are geared up to fulfill their fixtures after Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) lifted the suspension of games after government had ordered 21 days of mourning in honour of the departed souls in the plane crash.
TNM defending champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who are fifth on the log table with 14 points are on the road and are facing Creck Sporting at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe
Bullets will be without Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma who are reported on their way to join TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alongside Mighty Mukuru Wanderers skipper, Lawrence Chaziya.
Creck Sporting need to be on the lookout as they will be face wounded Buffalos and if need playing their cards well for fear of being whipped at home.
Wanderers are playing host to Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday and the game promises a thrilling encounter.
The Nomads are still in a winning mood after they thrashed Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 3-0 in their last match before the break and are fourth on the standing with 15 points.
Current League leaders, Silver Strikers will be away to Blantyre to face Mighty Waka Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Monday and will home team have the muscle to stop them.
Three weeks ago, the Central Bankers banked a win over Bullets through a 0-1 win and the winner was deposited by second half substitute, Chinsinsi Maonga in the 90th minute of the game.
The Bwandilo Boys will face their former Reserve side mentor, Leo Mpulula in an encounter where they are hoping to collect maxim points in order to consolidate their lead as they have 25 points from nine games.
Currently, leading scorers chart are Kamuzu Barracks striker, Zeliat Nkhoma, Civil Service United on loan player, Emmanuel Savieli and Mzuzu City Hammers captain, Isaac Msiska with seven goals to their names.
The following are fixtures for the week 10 expected to kick off at 2: 30 pm.
Sunday, June 22, 2024
Creck Sporting vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets @ Civo Stadium
Karonga United vs Moyale Barracks @ Karonga Stadium
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Vs Civil Service United @Kamuzu Stadium
Bangwe All Stars vs Mzuzu City Hammers @Mpira Stadium
Mafco vs Chitipa United @ Chitowe Stadium
FOMO vs Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos @Mulanje Park
Monday, June 23, 2024
Mighty Waka Waka Tigers Vs Silver Strikers @ Kamuzu Stadium
Baka City vs Kamuzu Barracks@ Karonga Stadium.
Journalists asked to promote rights of persons with disabilities
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, June 21, Mana: Journalists in the country have been urged to embrace and utilise their role as an ally in the promotion and protection of rights of persons with disabilities for effective, genuine and holistic reporting.
George Chiusiwa, Director General of Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) made the remarks on Friday in Salima during a three-day workshop that MACODA in collaboration with World Vision held to train media practitioners on reporting issues concerning persons with disabilities.
"This is an orientation exercise to ensure that media practitioners are conversant with the new disability legislation in the country, the persons with disabilities Act, 2024. To successfully enforce this Act, we need to engage different stakeholders," he said.
He observed that journalists are agents of change therefore engaging them will help in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, additionally, journalists will assist in popularizing and raising awareness on the Act.
Chiusiwa said the media engagement will help persons with disabilities who are the principal rights holders to be aware of the new disability legislation and MACODA.
"We want persons with disabilities to know about MACODA in terms of its powers, functions and responsibilities in as far as the enforcement of the law is concerned. This will also help the media to unearth various issues affecting persons with disabilities in terms of enjoyment of their fundamental freedoms and rights," he said.
He urged the media practitioners to be active in investigating, researching, monitoring and reporting cases affecting persons with disabilities to achieve an inclusive environment free from misrepresentation of issues.
Director of Advocacy and Communications at World Vision Malawi, Charles Gwengwe hailed the workshop saying it will help members of the media to deliver proper information that can shape the public on how it views persons with disabilities.
"The media is regarded as the nervous system that will send proper messages to people in the country. We need our media institutions to provide the public with proper information that can change perspectives of people on how we view persons with disabilities," he said.
Chiusiwa called upon duty bearers in various sectors implementing disability related interventions to extend their supporting arms to the enforcement of the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024 to protect rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities.
The workshop being held in Salima has drawn media practitioners from both community and national media outlets from across the country.
NICE Trust engages journalists on investigative journalism
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, June 21, Mana: The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust through its Boma Lathu project on Friday engaged Salima based journalists on the critical role of investigative journalism in strengthening democratic principles and values.
Speaking on the sidelines of the training, Programs Officer for NICE Trust, Chris Naphiyo said the media plays a very critical role in providing information, education, and entertainment in the communities hence the engagement.
"Our concern is more on how the media can support the work of NICE. We are doing a lot regarding the strengthening of democracy in Malawi, particularly in looking at development in the districts and discussing factors that can hinder this development.
"Journalists have the authority to ensure that the values we pursue, such as good governance, are strengthened. Through this engagement, we have also heard the challenges media practitioners face. We cannot address these issues alone; it requires collective efforts," he said.
Naphiyo called for collaborative effort to address challenges the media face to ensure success.
"We need to identify and engage with key actors in the governance sector to deal with these challenges through engagement and ownership of the process," he said.
District Information Officer for Salima, Fostina Mkandawire said the investigative reporting sessions are very important and will help in promoting good governance and accountability in the district.
She said: "This training is crucial for equipping media members in Salima with the necessary skills and information to uncover stories and serve the community better. We are hopeful that the media is now better equipped to expose wrongdoings and promote transparency and accountability."
Mkandawire also said as a way forward, they will emphasize on frequent engagement with the media to make sure that they are always on the same page.
"We will be following up on the stories that the media is covering and offer guidance whenever needed. My office is open to provide help to media members requiring clarification or support," She said.
The workshop was aimed at fostering a stronger collaboration between NICE and media practitioners to ensure that the principles of democracy and good governance are upheld and promoted in Salima district.
Malawi to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 22, Mana: Malawi is set to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with calls for an evidence-based approach that prioritizes awareness, prevention and treatment.
National Coordinator for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Maxwell Matewere disclosed this to Malawi News Agency (Mana) Saturday in Lilongwe the day will be commemorated on June 26, 2024 from 1:30 pm at Kamuzu College Health Sciences in Blantyre
He said the event would bring together key stakeholders such as students, media, public, Ministry of Homeland Security, Ministry of Health, National Aids Commission, UNODC and Crime and other stakeholders to a public lecture
Matewere added that the public lecture would be hosted and organised in partnership with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Blantyre and aims at raising awareness, advocating for investment, facilitating dialogue and collaboration, promoting evidence-based policymaking and empowering youth.”
The Coordinator pointed out that, “Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,”
He believes that if strategically harnessed, the youth could help the country achieve its ambitious developmental aspiration by 2063.
Matewere observed that harmful drug use and trafficking are becoming serious problems in the country, particularly among the Youth.
“Malawi plans to adopt a Drug Control Policy that will provide guidance in mainstreaming drug control in the national development process and provide direction for the efforts on demand and supply reduction, prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation, and treatment measures resulting in a society that is free from drugs of abuse and promote responsible drug use,” he explained
Matewere said that this year’s campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic and health implications of drug use.
A Youth resident from Mtandile in Lilongwe, Adrian Mussa said most youths are being exposed to cheap alcohols which are harmful to their heath.
He said the country need to develop a tangible mechanism in order to address the current situation.
The Global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide.
The Country plan to roll out Drug Harm Reduction Programme first by utilizing the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) Demand Reduction Programme.
CICAD's core mission is to enhance the human and institutional capacities of its member states to reduce the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs, and to address the health, social and criminal consequences of the drug trade.
Two arrested for motorcycle robberies in Blantyre
By memory khutuliwa
Blantyre, June 22 Mana; Police in Limbe, Blantyre district are keeping in custody Ernest Phunduwa, 25, and Fantile Mautana, 24, on suspicion that they were involved in a series of robberes targeting motorcycle taxi operators along Machinjiri road at Peretia and Chiradzulu turn off.
Limbe Police, Deputy Public Relation Officer, Sub-Inspector Chibisa Mulimbika confirmed of the arrests to Malawi news Agency (Mana) in an interview on Friday.
Mulimbika said the police have recently been received complaints from motorcycle taxi operators of a series of robberies along the road which prompted them to carry out investigations.
“During a raid which was conducted early morning on June 18, 2024, the suspects were arrested and a total of seven motorcycles of various brands were recovered,” he said.
Phanduwa comes from Thambula Village, Traditional Authority Chiwalo in Phalombe District while Mautana is from Chikondi Village, Traditional Authority Mulumbe in Zomba District.
According to Mulimbika, both suspects are expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of robbery, as investigations to make further arrests continue.
Thyolo based youth organization graduates 102 students
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, June 22, Mana: 102 students on Friday graduated with certificates after completing courses in Hotel Catering Management, Tailoring and Fashion Designing and Electrical Installation at Vision for Development Youth Organization (VIDYO) in Thyolo District.
The graduation ceremony took place at Game Haven Lodge in the district where guest of honour, Senior Chief Bvumbwe urged the graduates to ensure discipline and hard work as they venture into various industries if they are to be successful in their fields.
“As graduates, the journey has just begun as you venture into various industries. You are supposed to be diligent and hardworking wherever you go. I wish you well as you venture into the industry to play a part in developing Malawi,” he said.
Senior Chief Bvumbwe also encouraged the graduates to start their own businesses rather than waiting for someone to employ them.
“Do not wait for someone to employ you, Start small-scale businesses. I appeal to parents to provide you with startup capital as you cannot raise capital in the shortest period," he said.
VIDYO, Director, Charles Bokosi said the graduates will be independent as they have been equipped with various skills to build their capacity to stand on their own for a living.
“Be innovative, do not wait for vacancies but rather start opening restaurants and tailoring shops for a start,” he said.
Louisa Phinifolo, who graduated with certificate in Hotel Catering Management said she was grateful for the course and was looking forward to open her own business in catering.
Stakeholders engaged on farm household registration
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, June 21, Mana: Deputy Director of Agriculture Extension Service in the Ministry of Agriculture, Kenneth Chaula Friday said the Ministry would from July 1 to 30, 2024 conduct farm household registration across the country in order to have one stock centre for updated agricultural information.
He was speaking in Mzuzu during the Ministry’s engagement meeting on National Agriculture Management Information System with Traditional leaders, District Commissioners and Agriculture staff employees drawn from all districts in the north.
Chaula said the initiative has been necessitated to address some of the challenges which the Ministry has been facing in programming, quantifying needs for farming communities and providing information to agriculture stakeholders including policy makers among others.
“So we want to ensure that agriculture information is collected and stored and disseminated to stakeholders using NAMIS.
Using NAMIS, we will collect information which include, number of farming households and their agricultural interventions, market information, programmes running at district, area planning extension and traditional authority levels,” he said.
The Deputy Director added that the initiative would be a catalyst in pursuing agriculture productivity and commercialization as enshrined in the Malawi 2063.
“This this system, we will be assured of providing real needs of farming communities across the country,” he said.
Chaula said the intervention would ensure that ineligible households are not registered for programmes that do not directly address their needs.
He pointed out that the system would register both households and land parcels to establish farm land hectares and categorize farmers in terms of their agriculture needs hence contributing to effective programming based of the households’ capacities.
Senior Chief Mwaulambya of Chitipa commended the Ministry for the intervention saying it was important for the government to know the number of active farming households for projection, planning and budgeting.
“This system will ensure that active farmers benefit from what government provides in relation to agriculture through Agriculture Input Programme (AIP) among others. Some people who do not have farm land benefit from AIP and end up selling out the inputs, hence this system will identify eligible beneficiaries,” he said.
