MANAonline
WHO urges substantial funding to lifesaving blood donations?
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, June 14, Mana: World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Region has stressed the need to raise adequate and sustainable funding in a bid to continue to build systems and capacities to increase blood donation rates and separate donated blood into its components that can be stored for long-term use.
The WHO made the statement in a message from WHO Africa Region Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti as the global community is set to commemorate World Blood Donor Day Friday.
The Day which is commemorated annually will this year be observed under the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”
According to Moeti, the 20th anniversary was a time to reflect on achievements, address challenges and envision a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible as well as a time to remember the health of blood donors and the quality of care accorded to such people.
She said this was critical in encouraging them and building the commitment and willingness to donate blood regularly.
“I recommend that communities support those who donate blood to encourage others to donate. This has the potential to create an exponential increase in the availability of life-saving donor blood when and where it is needed most,” Moeti said.
She encouraged organizations to support capacity building efforts for efficient National Blood Transfusion Services.
Moeti emphasized on the critical role that blood transfusion plays in the provision of lifesaving health care to vulnerable people, such as mothers during childbirth, under-nourished and malaria-affected children, victims of trauma and accidents and patients suffering from sickle cell and other chronic diseases.
Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has postponed this year’s commemoration for the World Blood Donor Day which was slated for Saturday, June 15, 2024 following the death of Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others in a tragic plane crash earlier this week.
In a statement signed by MBTS Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Janet Katonda, MBTS arrived at the decision following the President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration that the nation should observe 21 days of mourning in honour of late Chilima and others killed in the accident.
Ntchisi mourns Chimaneni
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, June 14, Mana: Remains of late Inspector, Chisomo Chimaneni who died on Monday along with late Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima was accorded military honours on Thursday in his Makwaule Village Senior Chief Chilooko in Ntchisi district.
Representing President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the funeral, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, who was in the company of Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sam Kawale, described late Chimaneni as a “patriotic hero who died serving his country.”
He said that, “His death is a big loss to the country, to his district, and to me personally as Minister of Homeland Security because it is devoted young ones like these that who should take over these positions we hold as we are aging towards retirement.”
Ngo’ma went to caution against social media ‘excitement’ and sensational reporting under such sorrowful occurrences.
Present was legislator for Ntchisi North Constituency, Arnold Kadzanja who described late Chimaneni as a personal friend who inspired and encouraged him to rise above average heights.
He said that, “When he heard of my ambition to represent my constituency as MP, he called me personally and encouraged me against any form of discouragement. His death is a great loss to Ntchisi as a district, Ntchisi North as a constituency, and to me as a personal friend.”
In his eulogy, Senior Chief Chilooko echoed Kadzanja saying it was heartbreaking to experience the loss of young ones like Chimaneni “but there are some things we have no control over and all we can do is look up to God because He knows best.”
Malawi hosts 52nd Global Fund Board meeting
By Wallace Chipeta
Lilongwe, June 23, Mana: As Malawi prepares to host 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting, a team of seven members from the Fund’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland were in Lilongwe from June 10 to 13, 2024 to discuss and agree on priority preparatory activities the host’s organizing committee requires to implement ahead of the global event.
Among such undertakings are identifying vetted service providers in internet connectivity boosting, safety and security, conference and accommodation, transportation and events planning and management.
Others are capturing life changing stories in form of print and video documentaries from Global Fund supported health programmes on Malaria, HIV and Aids, Tuberculosis including infrastructure construction and equipment provision.
Success stories will be showcased during the Board Meeting official opening segment, side events including welcome receptions and cultural events to showcase Malawi’s culture.
Speaking on Thursday at the end of discussions with the Malawi Organizing Committee for the Board meeting, Senior Governance Officer from Global Fund, Eva Trujilo Herrera said her team will be in constant engagement with the subcommittees’ chairpersons to follow up on progress made in all thematic areas of logistics, protocol, security and connectivity just to mention a few.
She was accompanied by six other Global Fund delegates that included Max Muller, Deputy Head, Governance Team leader, Osian Jones, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager, Malawi, Grant Management Division, Rebecca Phillips, Media and Communications Events Manager, Marielle Mellinet, Events Manager and Thomas Ehlers, IT Support Officer and William Helfand, Senior Security Officer.
Malawi’s Ministry of Health Global Fund Programme Manager, Dr. Doreen Sanje said the face to face interaction with Governance Team Scoping Mission would culminate into a very successful Global Fund meeting to be held from 19 to 22 November, 2024.
She said the engagement enabled Global Fund and Malawi to express their respective major perspectives and expectations regarding the Board meeting organization and implementation.
Government of Malawi qualified to host 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting because it met all the guiding principles and its practical experience presented in its expression of interest submitted Global Fund through Ministry of Health as principal recipient of Global Fund grants in the country.
Malawi, as an implementer country, previously hosted similar high level Global Fund officials, has capacity to provide services such as visa processing, general event coordination, conference and accommodation, security and transport among others.
Global Fund Board meeting is expected to bring 300 heads of global agencies and several ministers. President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera will officially open the 52nd Global Fund Board meeting.
Global Fund Board meets twice a year in implementer countries.
In January, 2024, The Global Fund approved US$9.2 billion for grants starting in 2024 supporting more than 70 countries to continue their lifesaving work to end the three epidemics of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and build sustainable and climate-resilient systems for health over the 2024-2026 period.
Since 2003 the Global Fund has committed over US$ 2.2 billion in support of the Republic of Malawi’s National HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria programmes.
The investment has helped reverse the courses of the three epidemics in the country making it one of the stand-out countries in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Vice President official medical doctor buried
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, June 14. Mana: Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo has described the death of Daniel Kanyemba who until his death was late Chilima’s official medical doctor, as a great loss for the entire nation.
In his eulogy Thursday during the burial ceremony of Kanyemba, he said President Chakwera was saddened and shocked by the death of the Nine people including the Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima in a plane crash that occurred in Chikangawa Forest, saying all of them contributed greatly towards the development of Malawi.
Mvalo said that, "President Chakwera is deeply shocked with the untimely departure of Kanyemba and Eight others including our country's Vice President. This is a tragedy and loss to the deceased families and the entire nation at large,”
Group Village Headman (GVH) Chiseka said late Kanyemba was a productive young man and was acting as a role model for the youths in his area for working in high office of the Vice President.
He commended President Chakwera and government for rendering support to the bereaved family of Kanyemba during the bereavement.
Late Kanyemba was born on December 12, 1989 and he survived by a wife and three children.
Some of the notable people who were present during the burial ceremony were Minister of Tourism Vera Kantukule, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Liana Kakhobwe, councilors and the clergy.
Blantyre Police Engages Motorcycle Operators
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, June Mana 13: Blantyre Police on Thursday engages motorcycle taxi operators in Blantyre Central Business District (CBD) to remind them about road safety.
Motorcycle operators were told to follow road safety rules like wearing crash helmets, avoid over speeding and to work within designated time.
Addressing the motorcycle operators, Blantyre Police Community Policing Coordinator, Dan Sangwa asked the taxi operators to work in collaboration with the police in an effort to avoid road accidents.
“We are here to protect your lives and property so when you notice others who are not following the rules you have to report them to police,” he said.
Sangwa advised the operators about illegal parking and urged them to park on the authorized areas.
“Be reminded that wrong parking is an offense and if we find you parking at prohibited places you will be arrested,” Sangwa said.
He encouraged those operating in the CBD rank to register with the police by providing the details of their motorcycle and the operator’s personal information so as to recognize.
At the engagement meeting, Sangwa facilitated the formation of a new rank committee to be chaired by Thomas Musesa, one of the operators.
Musesa commended the police for good relationship saying that his committee will help the police to enforce the laws and make sure that their members are following road safety rules and regulations.
“As the new executive we will work hand in hand with the police and bring change at the rank by ensuring that the rules are being followed,” Musesa said.
Kasungu in tears as Kapheni rests
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, June 13, Mana: On a sunny, yet cold Thursday, Mazinga Community Ground in Senior Chief Santhe's area in Kasungu was full to capacity as hundreds of mourners came to bid farewell to the Late Lucas Kapheni who died in a plane crash at Chikangawa in Mzimba District on Monday.
Until his death, Kapheni was the Guard Commander for Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima who also died in the accident.
As the remains of the 46-year-old Assistant Commissioner of Police arrived at around 3pm for burial, what was being heard as a distant occurrence turned to become a sad reality, sending the mourners led by cabinet ministers into tears.
Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda, who is also a Member of Parliament for the area, said it was unfathomable to accept the reality that an energetic young man, they were together in Korea, a week ago is no more.
"Today Thursday we are burying a dedicated young man we had gone together on duty in Korea to discuss matters that will help improve our economy. Exactly one week Kapheni is no more and it's hard to believe.
"We cry for a young man that served his country well. However, we cry with hope that God is in control and we look up to him," Chithyola said.
Senior Chief Santhe said she has lost a productive son of the community who had a bright future.
She said: "It is a difficult time for us because as we are mourning the demise of the Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima, here in my area we are also grieving the passing on of our son, Lucas.
"As parents in the village, we have hope in our children who are in town working and helping us. It is saddening that we have lost such a young and productive child whom we loved."
Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponda, who represented President Lazarus Chakwera said the country is in a lake of tears following the plane crash which killed nine people including the Vice President.
"In several places this week, we are burying our loved ones. It's a difficult moment for us as a country. It's a desperate time where we have to look up to God for comfort," she said.
Chiponda described Kapheni as a dedicated man who was climbing up the ladder of his career as a manager in the Malawi Police Service.
Also in attendance were Minister of Transport Jacob Hara, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madalitso Kazombo, Members of Parliament, senior police officers, chiefs, government officials and representatives of various political parties.
Nine people, including the Vice President, died on Monday when a military aircraft they were traveling in to attend a funeral in Nkhata Bay crashed in suspected bad weather conditions in Mzimba.
Kapheni is survived by a wife and four children.
Mkandawire wins the inaugural Afreximbank Research and Innovation award
By Tikondane Vega
Nassau, June 13, Mana: At the ongoing Afreximbank meeting in Bahamas, Malawi’s Professor, Richard Mkandawire and Nigeria’s, Umezuruike Linus Opara have been awarded with the inaugural Research and Innovation Competence in Agriculture Awards.
The two were awarded for their notable contributions to the research development and capacity building of Africa’s agriculture and food systems.
The awards were given by the Forum for Agriculture Research in Africa (FARA) and the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) during the Bank’s annual meeting currently underway in the Nassau city.
Mkandawire, was awarded with the 'Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award' for his foundational role in conceptualizing the Comprehensive African Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and catalyzing its domestication in African countries.
He is a Former Head of CAADP at the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) where he was the principal architect in the design and adoption of CAADP.
While as Linus Opara Umezuruike, Distinguished Professor in Post-Harvest Technology, Faculty of Agri-Sciences at Stellenbosch University, was awarded the 'Africa Research Excellence Award' in recognition of his contribution to developing and validating a novel integrated value chain approach to post harvest research, innovation and capacity building in Africa.
Professor Mkandawire who received the prize in absentia talked to Malawi News Agency in a telephone call from Bahamas where the event is taking place.
He said,” I had hoped of coming in person to receive the award but as you know the tragic loss of our Vice president and others necessitated returning from Washington DC to Malawi. I am currently in transit in Addis Ababa.
Mkandawire is currently the African director Alliance for African Partnership and Chairperson of the Mwapata Institute of board of Directors.
Umezuruike received a 25,000 dollars’ prize, while Mkandawire received a 10,000 dollars’ prize.
The AFRICA awardees are selected by an autonomous entity—the AFRICA Independent Awards Selection Committee (AIASC), comprising five eminent personalities jointly appointed by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and the Executive Director of FARA. The AIASC is supported by the Africa Awards Working Group (AAWG), composed of dedicated professionals from FARA and Afreximbank.
The award seeks to recognize and celebrate individuals, groups of individuals, or established organizations that have recorded excellence in advancing the Agricultural Innovation System.
Chakwera attends send off for late Patricia Dzimbiri
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, June 13, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera Wednesday afternoon presided over the send-off of late Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, former First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, at Sunset Funeral Private Mortuary at Kanengo in Lilongwe.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Minister of Local Government, a Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, said the President is in deep sorrow at the death of Dzimbiri.
"The late Dzimbiri was dedicated and hard working woman who had interest in the empowerment of women and children in the country. Her death is a big loss to Malawi; we have lost an important person as a nation,” he said.
Dzimbiri died in a plane crash that also claimed the life of Vice President, Saulos Chilima, and eight others at Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba.
Requiem mass and prayers were conducted by the Catholic Church in respect of fallen First Lady.
A large crowd gathered to pay their respect and witness the send-off of late Dzimbiri.
Other noticeable people who attended the ceremony include Former President, Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda, former Chief Justice Richard Banda, senior government officials, political representatives from various parties and religious leaders.
Born on September 25, 1964, Dzimbiri served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Balaka West from 2014 to 2019.
Her remains will be laid to rest at Senzani in Balaka on Friday.
Six bodies taken for burial
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, June 13, Mana: People from different walks of life Wednesday morning gathered in large numbers at Sunset Private Mortuary in Lilongwe to carry bodies six of people who died in an aircraft crash on Monday.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, said their death is a great loss to the nation and encouraged people to accept the situation.
He said arrangements of the burial ceremonies for all bodies will take place Friday in their respective areas.
According to Inspector General of Malawi Police Service, Merlyn Yolam, the body of late Dan Kanyemba will be buried at Chiseka in Lilongwe, Lukas Kapheni will be buried in Kasungu, Chisomo Chimaneni will be buried in Ntchisi, Col Owen Sambalopa will be buried in Zomba.
Others who lost their lives in the plane crash which also claimed the life of Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima, are Wales Aidi, Major Flora Seleman Ngwirinji and former First Lady, Patricia Dzimbiri Muluzi.
It is expected that Chilima will be laid to rest at Nsipe in Ntcheu.
Saint John of God Hospitalet takes mental health awareness to universities
By Maranatha Chima, Janet Mkonongo and Regina Chalira
Mzuzu, June 13, Mana: Community and Mental Health Department of the Saint John of God Hospitaller Services has embarked on mental health awareness to students in universities and colleges.
Speaking, Thursday when she made a presentation at Livingstonia University(UNILIA) - Kaning’ina Campus in Mzuzu, mental health expert, Melissa Saji said many people including students in various education institutions face mental health challenges, hence the initiative.
Saji said most of the mental health problems in students are triggered by academic pressure, sexual abuse, poverty, lack of social support, cyber bullying, biased treatment towards one’s gender or sexuality, peer pressure and internet addiction, among others.
She said according to world statistics, there is one death in every 40 seconds between the ages of 10 to 34 resulting from suicide and the ratio in Malawi is one female to four males.
“Most young people especially students and some members of staff in education facilities spend most of their time on the internet hence instilling the spirit of loneliness. This tendency affects one’s mood and relationship with family members including friends.
“People who are addicted to the internet suffer from anxiety and are depressed and I hope that the institution will train lectures on mental health so that each academic facility have counselors,” Saji said.
Another mental health expert, Tionge Msachi said people commit suicide and indulge in drug and substance abuse, commit self-injury as a way of coping with depression, anxiety or expressing their pain and feelings.
“These challenges can be dealt with provision of peer support, psychotherapy, addiction recovery programmes, hospitalization for brain stimulation therapy in critical conditions,” Msachi said.
Registrar for UNILIA- Kaning’ina Campus, Rev. Wisdom Mwale commended Saint John of God Hospitaller Services for the lecture which will contribute towards enhancement of good morals amongst students and members of staff.
“As an institution we try to groom students and lecturers to be of good behavior with sober mental health so that they become productive citizens and contribute to the development of the country,” Mwale said.
One of the students, Lucy Kaisi, said she had acquired knowledge on how to handle stress and the importance for seeking counselling when one is depressed.
“We have also learnt how we can help each other as students in handling mental health related issues,” said Kaisi.
