MANAonline
Farmers hail newly opened Phwezi-Uzumara Road
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, October 8, Mana: Farmers from Uzumara, in the area of Senior Chief Mwankhunikira in Rumphi, expressed optimism on Monday about making higher profits from their produce, thanks to reduced transport costs with the opening of the new Phwezi-Uzumara Road.
The farmers expressed their happiness at Uzumara during the inauguration of the eight-kilometer earth road.
Petros Mbale, a farmer and grocery shop owner in Uzumara, noted that transport costs between Uzumara and Phwezi Market would be significantly reduced.
He added that farmers would now be able to transport their perishable produce to Phwezi Market on time, improving their overall profitability.
"Motorcycle used to cost us about MK6, 000.00 to transport farm produce such as tomatoes to Phwezi.
“With the new road, prices have already started to drop. Today, we saw the first vehicles use the road. We expect vendors will now come directly to us, which will further reduce our transport expenses,” said Mbale.
Another farmer, Dorothy Mzumara said that she used to pay up to MK4, 000.00 to transport one bucket of tomatoes to Phwezi and hoped that she will make more profits due to accessibility to the area.
Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central, Chidumba Mkandawire said that he was happy that the people of Uzumara have been connected to Phwezi and pledged to continue upgrading the road further.
"We have been implementing a number of development projects such as construction of school blocks, teachers houses among others and I am happy to have added the road to that list.
Traditional leaders and I kept knocking on the doors of Roads Authority Offices to achieve this. I am happy that they responded positively and now vehicles can pass through this road for the first time," said Mkandawire.
Senior Chief Mwankhunikira also said that, though being an earth road, it is a milestone achievement in the development of the area.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the road would ease challenges that people of the area have been experiencing in transporting their farm produce.
He added that government through Rumphi District Council is also working hard with different stakeholders to provide electricity, and clean and portable water in the area.
Roads Authority funded MK70 Million towards construction of five bridges on the road and people of the area rehabilitated the road as community contribution to the project.
Paramount Chief Kawinga for women and marginalized groups inclusion in politics
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, October 8, Mana: The Yao Paramount Chief Kawinga has assured all Women Legal Resources (WORLEC), Oxfam Malawi and other stakeholders drumming support for participation of women and other marginalized groups in politics that chiefs will continue providing necessary space and support ahead of Malawi’s 2025 general elections.
The Yao Paramount Chief made the reaffirmation at his Nanyumbu headquarters on Monday during WORLEC and Oxfam Malawi organized engagement meeting with chiefs and religious leaders to discuss gender transformative and inclusion of marginalized groups in democracy.
With support from European Union, WORLEC and Oxfam Malawi organized the meeting to encourage the leaders to encourage meaningful participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in political processes and decision-making.
Paramount Chief Kawinga said Machinga chiefs had already started the initiative as they created conducive environment for women and people with physical disabilities to take part in politics such that two women aspirants became Members of Parliament out of the district’s seven constituencies while two persons with physical disabilities became ward councilors of 14 wards.
“As Machinga district, we are on the right track in as far as putting women, youths and people with disabilities into various positions,” he said, citing two female Members of Parliament, Esther Jolobala for Machinga East and Fyness Magonjwa for Machingas South East, two female ward councilors and two Ward Councilors with physical disabilities.
Kawinga also mentioned two female traditional authorities saying this was not mean achievement in as far as the inclusions of the marginalized groups is concerned. Adding that chiefs in the district will continue to give room to women, youths, and the marginalized groups to participate in various positions, including elective political positions.
The paramount chief added that; “We are geared to do more as we have more trust in people that performed well during their tenure of office.”
Kawinga said other districts in the country can learn from Machinga on empowering women, youths and people with physical disability.
“We are ready to do awareness in other districts regarding issues of empowerment. We are on the right track and we will do more in the forth coming general elections,” added Yao Paramount Chief.
WOLREC Executive Director, Maggie Kathewera Banda applauded Machinga chiefs for embracing gender issues in their respective areas, saying WOELEC was expecting more women, youths and people who are physically challenged in both political and local leadership positions.
Banda however reminded chiefs that they were crucial in mobilizing women, youths and marginalized people to be part in the 2025 general elections saying their voices matter the most in the communities.
Earlier in the day, WORLEC and Oxfam engaged district level political leadership to orient them on the same project.
WOLREC and Oxfam Malawi are implementing a project called Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy in Malawi in seven districts including Machinga with funding from the European Union.
Alleviating the plight of people with NCDs through PEN
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, October 07, Mana: In the heart of Malawi’s Neno district, 71-year-old Richard Mabvuto clung to life, a frail yet resilient figure in the face of adversity. His battle with hypertension took a devastating turn one fateful day when his body betrayed him, leaving him paralyzed. Yet, against all odds, Mabvuto’s story didn’t end in tragedy. While he continues to grapple with the aftermath, his journey is far from over.
From his hospital bed, Mabvuto recalls the day that changed everything. His voice trembles as his eyes fill with tears.
“I remember my legs giving in, I couldn’t move or stand. I thought it was the end,” he says. “But people found me, rushed me to the hospital, and here I am today, alive to tell the story.”
Mabvuto’s experience is just one of many faced by those living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs such as hypertension, stroke, cancer, asthma and diabetes account for 70% of global deaths in low and middle-income countries like Malawi and the burden is even heavier with 82% of premature deaths due to NCDs occurring in these economies.
In a bid to address the growing NCD crisis in Malawi, Partners in Health (PIH) known locally as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) launched the Package of Essential NCDs (PEN-Plus) project in September, 2023.
The initiative, expected to run through August 2027 is designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of NCDs by providing critical care and resources to vulnerable populations.
PIH has been operating in Neno since 2012 reaching over 5,000 people with NCD care. The PEN project offers lifesaving services such as treatment for diabetes and hypertension, post-acute health system recovery and ongoing care management.
Mabvuto is one of the beneficiaries of the PEN-Plus project. His wife, a pillar of support during his recovery beams with hope as her husband slowly regains his independence.
“My husband was so close to death,” she recalls. “But now, he’s improving every day. He can even do small tasks by himself. It’s like we’ve been given a second chance at happiness. Truly, there is always hope, even when things seem impossible.”
Another life transformed by the PEN-Plus project is that of 60-year-old Flora Livison, whose leg was amputated due to diabetes.
“I was on the verge of death,” she says. “But with support from health workers, I’ve stabilized. I’m on treatment now. It is possible to live with diabetes.”
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, PIH continues to deliver high-quality healthcare to underserved communities.
From building infrastructure like Neno District Hospital and introducing advanced NCD clinics to renovating facilities in response to COVID-19 and Cyclone Idai, PIH has left an indelible mark on the district’s healthcare landscape.
PIH Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Banda said the organization together with the Malawi Government spends about US$ 175,000 per month to achieve their mission of helping government in advocating, designing and implementing a universal health system centred in community empowerment, equity and social justice.
“We believe in what we call the theory of change which basically looks at delivering high-quality health services while we accompany the government,” Banda says.
Banda says they support their clients by providing them with food and transport money to come to the hospital and get medication as medicine alone can't work, adding that resources are not adequate and they are looking for more partners to help in the delivery of safe health care.
In 2007, PIH constructed Neno District Hospital which was opened in 2009 including its fence, oxygen generating plant and planted a high-capacity generator, a variety of hospital equipment, paved ‘Dr. Keith Road’ from Lisungwi to Neno Boma to shorten the distance between the hospitals by 68 kilometers.
Banda adds that PIH also constructed integrated chronic care clinic at Neno District Hospital and a maternity wing at Ligowe Health Centre. Beginning in 2018, Neno District became the first district in Malawi to introduce Advanced NCD clinics.
PIH also constructed houses for 23 families in Neno who were affected by Cyclone Idai, renovated isolation centre, screening shelters and water systems in response to COVID-19 and constructed a High Dependency Unit at Neno District Hospital.
Despite the tremendous progress made, challenges remain. Neno Director of Health and Social Services, Haules Zaniku notes that extreme poverty limits many patients’ ability to follow prescribed treatment plans especially when special diets are required.
“Some clients need specific food that they simply can’t afford. It’s a real challenge,” Zaniku explains.
With a US$2.8 million grant from the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), PIH is expanding its reach. While PEN services are available in all districts, full PEN-Plus services are currently limited to Neno, Salima and Karonga.
Through training healthcare workers, decentralizing NCD clinics and scaling up public awareness, PIH aims to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for patients across Malawi.
The story of PIH’s work in Neno is not just one of medical care - it’s a testament to the resilience of human life and the power of community. People like Mabvuto and Flora who once faced the grim prospect of death are now living testimony that with the right care, support and determination, even the bleakest diagnoses can be transformed into stories of survival.
Their journeys remind us that hope, in its most powerful form, is not just a feeling but a lifeline and in Neno, that lifeline is being woven, one patient at a time.
Mama Amina Foundation distributes food items worth MK5 million in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, October 8, Mana: Mama Amina Foundation which is an Islamic Organization on Monday distributed relief food items which included maize, sugar and cooking oil among others to the tune of MK5 million to 150 Muslim households in Likoma district.
Speaking during the distribution exercise of the items at Likoma Mosque, Director for the foundation, Hassan Malick said the organization decided to carry out the exercise and one way of rescuing people from effects of food insecurity.
“We assessed people’s livelihoods and the result indicated we should intervene by providing them with such items,” said Malick.
Sheikh Abudul Mbewe of Likoma Mosque commended the organization for the donation which he described as a timely intervention towards reducing starvation in the district.
“We are thankful for the food items as they will help less privileged families to have food and we welcomed the initiative,” said Mbewe.
Ward Councilor for Likoma Island, Ernest Gulu thanked the organization for the support which he said will go a long way in complementing other social support programs in the district.
One of the beneficiaries, Regina Mgada said that the assistance has come at the right time when she had no food to provide for her family.
“I am thankful to the organization, I did not have anything to provide for my family and many people here we are depending on mangoes as main food. May Allah bless these people so that they continue assisting us,” said Mgada.
World Vision Malawi calls for youth economic empowerment
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 8, Mana: Programme Manager for World Vision in Dowa and Kasungu, Arnold Tsalayekha has called for investment into the youth to realize Malawi's 2063 agenda of youth economic empowerment.
He made the remarks on Monday at Lipili in Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa, when World Vision Malawi handed over 45 sewing machines to youth who underwent a six-month training in tailoring, and 15 other machines to be used for training of other youth at Lipili.
He said one of the solutions to empower the youth in line with the Malawi 2064 agenda is to equip them with vocational skills for self-sustaining economic endeavors.
"If you look at the MW2063 agenda, the youths are supposed to be very productive and have a responsibility of contributing to the economic development of this country. But they need help.
"So by strengthening their different skills, we are not only empowering their productivity on an individual level but also on how they can partake in the national development and realization of our goals," he said.
Apart from tailoring skills, World Vision has also supported and trained other youths in motorcycle repair, welding, and fabrication.
The donation is worth MK22 million.
Currently, World Vision has partnered with the Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational, and Education Training Authority to continue training the youth as the organization plans to leave the area after 18 years of the programme’s intervention at Lipili, with support from World Vision New Zealand.
"As we are leaving, we leave an empowered community that is very productive, has a vision for their future, and a community that will be able to sustain the interventions in place.
"And even when other organizations come to this area to work, I think they will find it easy because they will find a community that is already prepared for development," he said.
19-year-old Winnie Custom of Yohane village in an interview said the donation will boost her vision of economic independence.
"We used to rent sewing machines which we were using, and that was expensive. But with my machine, I will be able to improve on my income generation, which I can use in taking care of myself, my parents, and help realise my dream of owning my shop," she said.
She then urged other young girls not to look down upon themselves but strive to achieve their dreams saying anything is possible with determination.
Another beneficiary, George Junior Banda of Lipili village thanked World Vision Malawi for the donation saying this will help the youth become better versions of themselves, rather than spending time engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
"In the future, I would also like to train other youths so that they can also be self-reliant," he said.
Friday Kalonga, Chairperson of Kayembe Area Development Committee in his remarks said they will make sure the donation is put to its intended purposes by making sure the beneficiaries sign a Memorandum of Understanding and that they abide by it.
SULOM waits for report on Bullets and MAFCO game.
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: Super League of Malawi (SULOM) says they are waiting for a report from the officials who officiated the football match in the TNM Super League between FCB Nyasa Bullets and MAFCO FC that played on Saturday 6 October 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Deputy Secretary for SULOM Donex Chilunga said what happened at the stadium during the game between FCB Nyasa Bullets and MAFCO was out of football.
“We have seen a clip circulating on social media about what happened in the game and we are shocked by the scenario. This is unprofessional as far as football is concerned. This should not happen in our football, especially in our super league,” he said.
Chilunga therefore said that they are waiting for a report from those who officiated the football match for them to take further action.
“We are going to investigate on what happened but based on what we have seen in the video clip on social media, it is a thing which is not supposed to happen in our football. It is very shameful in our football as we are trying to rebrand, reform and revive. So we are going to sit down and discuss the issue after receiving the report,” said Chilunga.
In a separate interview, Chris Kalichero from Referee Association of Malawi said they are also waiting for a report from match assessor so that they can have a picture on what happened in the match.
“Referee works with match assessor therefore as of now I cannot say anything. Let me consult match assessor,” he said.
Kimu Kamau, sports analyst said what happened is bad for our football and that MAFCO should apologize to Football Association of Malawi and to Bullets.
“We need an apology from MAFCO. Three players for Mafco: Vitumbiko Phiri, Blessings Chandiyang’ana and Francis Black who were involved in this malpractice should receive punishment because what they have done is contrary to football,” he said.
Kamau advised that SULOM should act fast and make its decision to fine the three MAFCO players.
MAFCO Football club on its page through Captain Paul Ndhlovu has apologized to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Wongani Lungu for what happened in the match.
On the day, the match ended 1-0 in favor of Bullets as Maxwell Gasten Phodo scored in the 15 minutes of the first half.
Unleash Hack Malawi trains young innovators
By Joseph Mtendere Ligowe
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: The Unleash Hack Malawi over the weekend conducted a two-day hackathon at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), which was aimed at providing young Malawians with the knowledge to create innovative solutions through mentorship that can bring impactful changes within their society.
Speaking during the activity, the team leader for Unleash Hack Malawi, Joe Nkhula said that the youths are the solutions to the problems we are facing as a nation hence they need to be equipped with knowledge that will positively impact their community.
“We want youths to take charge of their community by identifying a problem in their community and be able to find a solution on how they can solve that problem for themselves. So we are part of it because if the solution needs money we can help them find the donor provided they can provide proof that they can do it,” said Nkhula.
One of the participants, a second-year student from MUBAS Eneless Martias said that the hackathon has been fruitful for her as a young star.
“This workshop has been an eye opener because we have realized that we as youths have the power to come up with the solutions to the problems that our communities are facing and also help in reducing the unemployment rate,” she said.
Unleash Hacks is a global initiative that aims at providing local talents with tools, knowledge, and support to address sustainability challenges in their society.
MPC Assures Malawians of Secure Service Delivery
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, October 7, Mana: In preparation for World Post Day, Malawi Postal Corporations (MPC) has affirmed its dedication to serving Malawians with integrity.
During a media tour organized ahead of World Post Day, which is celebrated annually on October 9th, MPC's International Mail Processing Manager for Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), Enala Jumpha, emphasized the importance of security in their operations.
"All mail and parcels that we receive and send here are scanned to ensure there are no illegal items, so you can see that security is a priority at MPC. We urge Malawians to trust us as they do business with us," said Jumpha.
She also mentioned that to embrace digitalization, the corporation has implemented an IPS system to scan all incoming and outgoing mail, thereby speeding up the tracking process for international mail.
"Currently, the only challenge we have is that we rely on one airline to ship our mail. Previously, we had South African Airways, which played a vital role in transporting our mail. But due to COVID-19, we switched to using Ethiopian Airlines (ET) for our business; however, the demand is there," elaborated Jumpha.
On Wednesday, Malawi Posts Corporation (MPC) will join the global postal community in celebrating 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) global postal service leadership.
Since its establishment in 2000, MPC, along with 191 other UPU members, has benefited from the union’s leadership in overcoming disasters and adapting to rapid technological changes, ensuring the best service provision to everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Chiradzulu District Council elects new council chairperson
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, October 07, Mana: Chiradzulu District Council on Monday elected Patrick Chimtengo from Chikowa Ward in Chiradzulu South Constituency as council chairperson, while Nelson Mwandama from Mombezi Ward in Chiradzulu West Constituency was elected Vice Chairperson.
Chintengo won the chairperson role with eight votes, defeating Chikondi Nkula of Ntayamwana Ward in Chiradzulu North Constituency, who garnered six votes out of 14 cast. In the vice-chair election, Mwandama secured nine votes against Douglas Mkweza of Mwanje Ward in Chiradzulu East, who received five.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) following his victory, Chimtengo pledged to strengthen collaboration between the council secretariate, local chiefs and elected council members to ensure efficient execution of development projects.
Chimtengo also acknowledged the challenges in local revenue generation, noting that inadequate sanitary infrastructure in key markets has hindered the council’s ability to maximize revenue collection.
“Before I was elected as chairperson, I served as chairperson for the Finance and Audit Service Committee, so I’m well aware of the council's financial challenges and we have already laid out measures to boost our revenue base.
“For example, we have constructed toilets and sheds in markets, we are just waiting to hand them over to the people so that they could start utilizing them. We are also taxing Kabanza operators and contractors,” Chimtengo said.
Chimtengo, however, called on councillors, members of Parliament, traditional leaders and the council secretariat to work together to enhance service delivery and improve the district's performance in the Local Authority Performance Assessment, saying this will guarantee additional grants for developmental projects.
On his part, Mwandama echoed Chimtengo’s sentiments, vowing to collaborate with the council leadership and secretariat to ensure quality service delivery for the benefit of the people of Chiradzulu.
“I will work tirelessly within the confines of the law to help in developing the district,” he said.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere congratulated the new leadership and assured them of the council’s support.
Youths key to Malawi’s environmental sustainability
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: Malawi's young people have been urged to take an active role in environmental conservation efforts to help achieve the country’s sustainability goals.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday, Chief Executive Officer for the Centre for Youths and Environment, Calvin Mataya said that the energy and potential of young people make them ideal for spearheading environmental activities such as cleaning cities, places they stay and tree planting.
“Youths are the ones that are still energetic. Even though older people can do some environmental activities, youths can do that work much better. They can involve themselves in cleaning our cities, planting trees and a lot to do with the environment for a better Malawi. We must invest in our youth and provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead environmental initiatives,” he said
In providing youths with necessary tools, Mataya said as the country there is a need to invest in young people because they influence their friends to do positive things in their communities.
“When youths are empowered, they can influence their peers and communities, creating a flow effect that can lead to significant positive change,” he added.
Environmental expert Mathews Malata also emphasized the importance of youth involvement, saying that Malawi is a country full of young people and there is a need to push them to act.
“Malawi is a country full of young people. Transformational leadership and development is when you can see how best to pass on knowledge from one generation to another, this is in the Malawi 2063 vision enabler 7, which emphasizes environmental sustainability,” he said.
Malata added that youths play a key role in driving innovation and change as they act as a bridge for knowledge transfer, innovative leaders and agents of change.
“We cannot win if we focus on the same people who brought us where we are now. We need to target young people, some of whom are in secondary schools and universities so that they can be at the center of our transformation,” he explained.
