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Ministry of Health urges women to prioritize cervical cancer screening ahead of Elimination Day of Action
By Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, November 13, Mana: Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Doreen Namagetsi Ali, has called on women across Malawi to prioritize cervical cancer screening in the lead-up to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action on November 17th.
Speaking at a health event held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, themed ‘Elevating Frontline Health Workers,’ Ali emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged the active involvement of men in supporting the health of their families.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” Ali stated, “yet it continues to claim lives due to limited awareness and insufficient screening. Men should be a part of the change by encouraging their wives and daughters to get tested. We need everyone involved in fighting this disease.”
The event aimed not only to increase awareness about the importance of screening but also to empower frontline health workers who play a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. The focus on ‘Elevating Frontline Health Workers’ recognized the dedication of healthcare professionals and sought to provide them with resources to improve service delivery in communities.
Dr. Susan Kambale, an official at the World Health Organization (WHO) Malawi Country Office, echoed the call for increased vigilance.
“Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, especially in countries with limited access to healthcare like Malawi.
“Early detection through screening can save lives, but unfortunately, many women do not come forward until it is too late. We must work together to change that,” Kambale noted.
According to WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, but it is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination. In Malawi, however, cervical cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, mainly due to a lack of awareness and accessible healthcare services.
To help combat this issue, the Ministry of Health has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of screening facilities across the country, including mobile clinics in rural areas. These efforts are part of Malawi’s commitment to the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which aims to reduce cervical cancer deaths worldwide by 2030.
Ali encouraged women to take advantage of the free or low-cost screening services offered at health centres and upcoming mobile clinics. She highlighted that screening is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can detect early signs of cancer, allowing for timely treatment and prevention.
“If detected early, cervical cancer is treatable and preventable. I urge every woman to get screened your health is worth it,” she said.
In addition to screenings, the event highlighted the importance of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, which protects against the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. WHO and the Ministry of Health are working to increase vaccination rates among young girls, aiming to make cervical cancer a disease of the past for future generations.
Community leaders, health workers, and volunteers were urged to spread the message in their local communities, encouraging women to participate in screening and men to support these efforts. By raising awareness and making screening services more accessible, the Ministry of Health hopes to significantly reduce cervical cancer rates and empower women to take control of their health.
“Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and, with commitment, ultimately eliminable,” said Ali. “Let’s work together to ensure no woman loses her life to a preventable disease.”
The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to join the fight against cervical cancer by participating in the activities leading up to November 17th and supporting their loved ones in getting screened.
Parliamentary Committee concerned with Airtel Malawi poor services
By Pickson Chipeso and Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 11, Mana: The Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information, and Communication has expressed concern over poor internet and call services provided by Airtel Malawi.
Speaking on Tuesday at Parliament during a meeting with Airtel Malawi's Acting Managing Director, Committee Chairperson Susan Dosi stated that they have been receiving complaints from customers about the poor services being provided.
"We invited them to understand the challenges they are facing and to learn about the plans they are implementing to ensure these issues are resolved. As we are aware communication is key and most of the times people do business online and also communicate online with colleagues, if people are failing to do that because of poor internet or calls services, that's a big challenge. So we invited them to explain to us as a Committee on these challenges," she said.
According to Dosi, the Airtel Managing Director highlighted that the on-going road construction is the cause of their poor services due to cutting of fibres as well as vandalism. She also added that as a Committee they would like to visit the places where fibers were cut off.
"So as a Committee, we would want to go and visit these places as you are aware we also invited them to come and answer why they are not putting their gates on towers that have been constructed under last mile project, as a committee we are there to represent people and connectivity is a key and we cannot be quite. So we want to go and verify what is indeed happening on the ground," said Dosi.
Airtel Malawi Acting Managing Director, Abdul Shaik, said they are taking all necessary steps to ensure people in different communities are having access to all services.
"We are confident and can demonstrate the efforts we have made as a company to ensure the protection and maintenance of the high quality of services provided to the public," commented Shaik.
All set for Piano Fiesta in Blantyre
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, November 12, Mana: Nyasamusic Group and Beerland have organized a show dubbed Piano Fiesta at Moneymen in Blantyre on November 16 to create space where music lovers will appreciate authentic vibe of Amapiano music, celebrating its roots and showcasing talents with Leemckrazy, who is Amapiano star from South Africa, in attendance
One of the organizers, Director for Nyasamusic Group, James Makunje, told Malawi News Agency (MANA that they are thrilled to bring in the energy and essence of Amapiano closer to music lovers to appreciate the genre.
“Amapiano music lovers should expect an immersive experience with a lineup of top Amapiano DJs, producers, and live performers that will bring breath taking performances. Food and drinks from different cultures will be there making fiesta an unforgettable and vibrant experience for everyone,” he said.
Makunje assured those that will come for the show that there will be enough security as the organizers have collaborated with professional security teams for safety and security of people and property.
“We will follow all health and safety protocols, including sanitation measures to keep everyone comfortable and secure throughout the event. We have partnered with music labels, cultural organizations and National Bank,” he explained.
Attendees will stay updated through social media channels, which are; Beerland and Nyasamusic group pages where people can access real-time updates, announcements, and any changes.
One of the DJs that will perform at the event, Chifundo Ntwana, popularly known as DJ Boo said music lovers should expect a blend of familiar Amapiano vibes with an urban edge, fused with live elements to make it unique to the moment.
“I have been diving into the latest Amapiano tracks and exploring ways to layer in other sounds from the streets, like hip-hop and Afrobeat influences. This will keep the audience on their toes because I want the crowd to feel the music,” he said.
Other artists that will perform include; Fada Moti, Patience Namadingo, Zeze Kingstone, Trappy Beatz and Deo Cruger
DJs such as DJ Drew, Might Virus, DJ Vinnea, Dj Badupp Skills and DJ Love will also perform at the event.
CSE-PWP morning talks yield results in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, November 12, Mana: Communities in Nkhata Bay have commended Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program(CSE-PWP) for introducing morning talk sessions which address potential safety and risky issues which may arise in the course of work.
Speaking Tuesday during a media tour Foreperson for Lifutazi Catchment Area, Phillip Banda, said the sessions have reduced incidents of wasp or snake bites among others.
Banda said the intervention has enhanced safety awareness at the communities’ work places under CSE-PWP.
“We, every morning, always have brief discussions on safety tips, emergency procedures, potential hazards among others hence ensuring that our working environment is safe,” said Banda.
One of the CSE-PWP participants at Lifutazi Catchment, Leah Chuwa, said the morning talks have not only reduced accidents but have also fostered team work, improved relationships besides promoting compliance to requirements of the programme.
“Every morning, we are reminded of potential hazards in our various hotspots. We are also told that there is no compensation in case of any accident while working if anything happens during work, hence we are advised to priotised our safety at all cost,” said Chuwa.
The programme which promotes environmental conservation falls under Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (Tidzidalire) and is being implemented by Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Fund.
SULOM goes for electronic ticketing
By Hope Chimwala
Blantyre, November 12, Mana: Super League of Malawi (SULOM) in partnership with Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) on Monday announced that starting from December 1 football fans will only be using electronic tickets to enter venues to watch TNM Super League games.
Speaking during a press briefing in Blantyre, SULOM’s Marketing and Commercialization Committee Chairperson, Chimwemwe Nyirenda, said the introduction of e-ticketing will improve accountability and efficiency on management of financial resources collected on games.
“With this system, there will not be cases of stealing at the entrance and it will even help the club owners to track how money is managed as the system clearly shows the number of people attending the game,” he said.
General Manager for TNM Mpamba, Chris Sukasuka, said TNM is ready as the system was tested for nine months since April to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the e-ticketing.
“Today we are glad and excited to announce that all challenges and gaps have been closed and corrected,” he said.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA), a sports expert, Kim Kamau commended TNM and SULOM for the development saying this will help teams to generate more revenue and further urged TNM to improve its network.
“Let TNM improve its network systems as poor network poses a big challenge,” he urged the service provider.
The debt cards for the application of the tickets will be accessed in all TNM shops and all stadiums where matches will be played.
The elder urges the younger to get registered for 2025 elections
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 12, Mana: Cecelia Namota, 86, of Mlooka Village in Zomba has urged the younger generation to take voter registration seriously and have themselves registered to vote in the forthcoming elections.
Namota made the appeal on Tuesday at Chimbiya School in Zomba Lisanjala Constituency where she went for voter registration in readiness for the 2025 General Elections.
She said the youth form a large part of the country's population as such they need to be on the lead in the voter registration.
“Despite my age, l finds it important to take part in the voting process of the country. Voting gives a person an opportunity to choose people that can lead the country better,” she said.
Namota said as voter registration continues in phases, Malawians should come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right for the September 16, 2025 tripartite elections.
Second phase of voter registration in Zomba and other districts started on November 9 and is expected to end on November 22.
Title battle intensifies as Wanderers close in on Silver
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, November 12, Mana: The TNM Super League title race has reached an uplifting stage as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers continue to apply intense pressure on leaders, Silver Strikers, with only a few matches remaining.
The Wanderers have reduced the gap to just four points, setting the scene for an electrifying finish to the season.
Wanderers' latest victory over Waka Waka Tigers has brought them to 50 points, leaving them just 4 points behind of Silver Strikers, who have sat at the top for much of the season.
The pressure is now clearly on Silver Strikers to respond to the Wanderers' challenge, with the title race hanging in the balance, every point will be crucial in the remaining fixtures.
Will Silver Strikers hold their nerve to secure the championship, or will Mighty Mukuru Wanderers complete an outstanding comeback to snatch the title? The remaining games will determine as who will be the champion at the end this season.
Over 80,000 households to receive ITNs in Nkhata Bay
By Abednego Sibale
Nkhata Bay, November 11, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Hospital Community Malaria Coordinator, Emmanuel Mapondera says government is this year expected to distribute insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to 84,292 households in the district.
In an interview on Monday along the sidelines of mass distribution of the nets at Mkumbira, Mapondera said the district has incidence rate of 954 malaria cases per 1,000 people annually hence the intervention.
He said the initiative is one of the means government has put in place to eradicate Malaria in the country by 2030 and therefore every net distributed counts.
"Our initial plan was to distribute 188,799 ITNs as per registration. However, we have a shortfall of 261,534 nets. As such, we are providing one net to three people with a maximum of three nets per household,” said Mapondera.
He advised households which have received the nets against selling them but use them for the intended purpose.
A mother of four, Emily Kamwemba from Mkumbira Village commended government for the support and promised to put it to good use so that her family is Malaria free.
"We are thankful for these free mosquito nets as not everyone can afford to buy on their own. My children will now be having peaceful sleep and protected from mosquito bites,” said Kamwendo.
The campaign, which targets 19 million people with 11.7 million ITNs across the country, is being implemented through Malaria Control Programme with funding from Global Fund.
Women in Rumphi hail SCTP
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 12, Mana: Women in Rumphi have hailed Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for transforming their livelihoods from abject poverty.
In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Jane Makungu from Mlongoti Village in Rumphi, says she acquired cattle through SCTP, a Malawi Government initiative funded by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank.
Makungu, who receives K9,000 per month from the programme, joined Vision Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group in 2019.
This group provides her with access to funds for investment through share contributions. She receives her share of profits annually.
"In my first year with the group, in 2020, I received K50,000 in profits which I used to buy a mattress. In 2022, I invested the K100,000 I earned from the VSL in tobacco. I bought one bale of tobacco, which earned me K250,000," said Makungu.
In 2023, she deposited K250,000 as a partial payment for a cow priced at K400,000. She completed the payment earlier this year and the cow has since given birth to a calf.
At 68 years old, Makungu describes the SCTP as a lifeline enabling her to meet her household’s daily needs such as food through small-scale businesses funded by the programme.
She added that before she became a beneficiary she struggled with her husband who is an elderly man to provide for their family but the programme has made their lives easier as they are now able to provide for their daily needs.
Another beneficiary, Eunice Zgambo says the programme has given her a lifeline as she is able to take care of four children of her late sister.
Two children of her late sister have disabilities; one does not speak while the other one has a mental illness.
"The others are in college and I support them through this programme. One is studying law at University of Malawi while the other one is at Ekwendeni College of Nursing.
"I invest my money in farming. I grow tomatoes, vegetables and other crops which I harvest and sell to support my family," said Zgambo.
Desk Officer for the programme in Rumphi, Abel Ndlovu, notes that many beneficiaries in the district have used the programme to acquire assets such as livestock and to build decent homes.
SCTP is a Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods (SSRLP) which is funded by the World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
CS-EPWP participants want expansion of beneficiary coverage
By George Mponda
Karonga November 12, Mana: Participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Karonga have asked for an increase in the number of paid participants engaged in the programme to scale up conservation efforts.
The participants made the call Monday during a media tour to appreciate the programme’s achievements and impact of conservation works on the local environment in Sanambe and Iponga Catchments.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Catchment Management Chairperson for Chikutu in Senior Chief Kilupula's area, Blessed Mvula, said their catchment has 500 participants but there are many who would like to join.
Mvula said: "We've been working on various projects, including natural tree regeneration, river bank protection, and gully reclamation. It's exciting to see these efforts bearing fruit. For instance, the Kasantha River, which typically dries up by October, is still flowing.
“The progress we've made, combined with the wages we receive, has sparked interest from many others who want to join the programme."
John Mkandawire a Foreman from Sanambe Catchment in Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe's area echoed Mvula's sentiments saying communities have realised the benefits of the programme and they want to be part of it.
"Our catchment has 1,600 participants but the area is very large with lots of people who can lend a hand in the conservation works as well as benefit from the K48,000 in wages which we receive and in the process our area will also be developing," said Mkandawire.
CS-EPWP District Programme Facilitator for Karonga, Austin Kafere, urged community members who are not enrolled in the programme to take part in the works which are instrumental in conserving their areas.
"Although some community members are not under the CS-EPWP, government is also implementing other interventions like the Social Cash Transfer Programme which has also enrolled other beneficiaries. However, the works being done under CS-EPWP are very important, therefore everyone should be taking part inorder to increase its impact," Kafere said.
CSEPWP is a government initiative under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.
