MANAonline
SCTP boosts economic resilience of community members in Nkhata Bay
BY Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 18, Mana: Beneficiaries of Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP) in Nkhata Bay are celebrating the program's transformative impact on their lives and economic resilience.
In an interview on Tuesday Botito Chitaya, 44, from Tayambapo cluster in the area of Group Village Head Kondawanga said before joining SCTP, he struggled to provide for his family of six.
"Previously I couldn't afford school necessities for my children, threatening their future. Now I can easily pay school fees for my form two child, Kondwani," he said.
"To mitigate potential economic shocks, I have diversified my income streams by investing in pig farming, selling fish and joined village banks to have access to loans," Chitaya added.
According to Chitaya, the capital base of all this is from usual transfers of MK52, 000.00 he receives and the once off lean season response payment of K170, 000.00 he had in the previous year.
Elesi Gama, 35, a single mother of four from Kachenga Cluster in the area of Group Village Head Chang’ombe praised the program for transforming her life and family.
“Before the program, I was struggling to make ends meet, with no domestic animal. Today I have 12 local chickens which I am able to sell and buy some needs for family, my children are able to eat the eggs for improved nutrition and I have just bought a goat at MK50 000.00 from my savings from village savings and loan groups,” Gama said.
Nkhata Bay Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Wisdom Mwafulirwa said was impressed that beneficiaries in the district are diversifying income sources and joining savings groups.
“During pay days we always take time to talk to beneficiaries about goals of the program. I am glad to say as a district we are moving in the right direction as beneficiaries are now able to do multiple investments apart from just joining village savings banks, which is encouraging,” Mafulirwa said.
Currently 6,479 households are benefiting from the program in Nkhata Bay.
SCTP is Malawi Government’s Program being implemented across the country through the National Local Government Finance Committee with financial Support from Multi donor Trust Fund and World Bank
Snorkeling, diving courses to boost tourism sector in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, September 18, Mana: Assistant Tourism Officer for Likoma, Joyce Storey says snorkeling and diving courses can help in boosting tourism sector in Likoma district.
In an interview on Tuesday, following a week-long snorkeling and diving course which was held in Monkeybay where some youths from Likoma were in attendance, Storey said the participants will be able to draw tourists to destinations known for their rich marine life among others.
“Tourism centered around snorkeling and diving often promotes marine conservation efforts and supports initiatives to protect underwater environments and it will help to enhance tourism by attracting visitors and supporting local economies,” said Storey.
A participant, Yusuf Asima who is also a tour guide said the course has been an eye opener to the youth saying it will help in various ways such as job creation, rescuing people on the lake and many more.
“It is an advantage to me as a tour guide because this is a first of its kind here in Likoma, now I will be able to assist the tourists when they will need experts in snorkeling and diving. Government has also created job opportunities for us because after assisting the tourists, we will get paid in return,” said Yusuf.
Another beneficiary Anslem Gondwe from Likoma said he was thankful to government for the free courses which were offered.
“The courses offered will help in attracting tourists to visit our island. There are some tourists who love diving and snorkeling. This will help in bringing forex,” said Gondwe.
He then asked government to provide snorkeling and diving materials which will enable the youth to put into practice skills gained from the training.
Kasungu District Council vouches for girls' education
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, September 18, Mana: Kasungu District Council Chairperson, Mwambilaso Mbedza, has hailed Plan Malawi International for promoting girls' education and ensuring that they are protected against elements of violence and abuse.
Mbedza was speaking on Tuesday in Kasungu when Plan Malawi International announced the phasing of a project called Kulimbikitsa Ufulu ndi Umoyo wa Achinyamata (KUUWA) which was designed to help reduce early pregnancies and bring girls back to school.
"We applaud Plan Malawi for this project which has significantly helped to promote education, especially that of the girl child. We cannot discuss achieving national development if we do not fight the obstacles hindering girls' education.
"Through the KUUWA project there has been a tremendous reduction in teenage pregnancies and this is good news to us as a district and for Plan Malawi, this is a job well done," Mbedza said.
Director of Programmes for Plan Malawi International, Janet Chidothi said the phasing out of the KUUWA project was not the end of the road but rather the start of a new chapter, calling on authorities to ensure the efforts are sustained.
"As the project phases out, we are glad to note that a good number of girls have benefited as knowledge of income-generating activities has been imparted to them and some have been provided a chance to continue with their studies, which is a good step towards achieving development.
"We are grateful to all partners who were managing this programme together. The collaboration has been fruitful in that there has been a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies since the project started in 2019," Chidothi said.
One of the project's beneficiaries, Chikondi Chantchonda, advised girls who got pregnant to consider going back to school to continue chasing their dreams.
KUUWA project started in 2019 and has phased out this year, 2024.
Chakwera for collective responsibility for attaining SDGs
Lilongwe, September 18, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said the attainment of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires collective responsibility of all member states.
He said this on Wednesday at Kamuzu International Airport(KIA) before departure to the United states of America for the 79th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York slated for September 20-27,2024.
Chakwera added that UN had set 2030 as the deadline of achieving the goals and no country could attain without the support of others, hence the call for concerted efforts in implementing them.
He said the UNGA would provide an opportunity for member states to share notes on progress made during the implementation
“As member states, there are tangible progress that are being registered despite some challenges that are being encountered and we need strive in order to achieve them,” the president said.
Chakwera said time has come that no country should be left behind in the implementation progress of the SDGs with only six years of execution to go.
During the general assembly the president will attend the Summit of the future and high level meeting on the Miombo Forest Declaration.
He will also attend among other things, the high level meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and deliver a National Statement to mobilize support for Malawi’s development priorities.
79th UNGA meeting set in New York
By Arkangel Tembo, New York, USA
New York, September 17, Mana: Delegates from various countries have started arriving in New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly which marks a key milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The session which started on 10 September 2024 with the first day of the high-level General Debate on 24 September – will focus on the theme: “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
Meanwhile, His Excellency the President, Dr.Lazarus Chakwera, is expected also to attend the meeting from 20 to 27 September.
During the general meeting, President Chakwera will attend the summit of the future and the High-Level meeting on the Miomba Forest declaration.
The President will also attend the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and deliver a National statement during the United Nations General Assembly and general debate to mobilise global support for Malawi's developmental priorities.
In addition, the Malawi leader will hold bilateral discussions with other Heads of State and Government and other business executives to continue advancing Malawi's diplomatic relations and economic partnerships towards implementing agriculture, tourism, mining strategy and achieving sustainable development goals by 2030.
The President will also host the Malawi Partners Conference 2024 which will also bring together investors to discuss the future and potential of food production in Malawi.
Below is a pictorial focus by The Malawi News Agency Photojournalist, Arkangel Tembo before the big event.
Global Fund commits to sustaining support for Malawi’s health sector
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, September 17, Mana: As Malawi gears up to host the Global Fund Board Meeting in November, a team preparing for the mega event embarked on a site visit on Tuesday, touring various health facilities in Lilongwe. The team visited the Kamuzu Central Hospital's Lighthouse, Area 25 Health Centre’s KP Drop-in Centre, and the National Reference Laboratory.
Global Fund, a worldwide initiative dedicated to combating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, has played a significant role in Malawi's healthcare progress. The country showcases numerous achievements from Global Fund-supported programs in these areas.
During the site visit at Kamuzu Central Hospital’s Lighthouse, Medical Director Dr. Ethel Rambiki shared insights into the facility’s operations.
"The Lighthouse is a public trust strategically positioned in central hospitals, and we have been operating for 20 years. We receive referrals from districts and provide complex HIV care management, prevention, and treatment services. Currently, we have over 89,000 recipients of care across the nation under the Lighthouse Trust, with vital support from organizations like the Global Fund," explained Dr. Rambiki.
Joseph Bitilinyu, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical role the Global Fund has played in advancing diagnostic capabilities in Malawi.
He said: “Before the Global Fund’s assistance, we had to send samples to South Africa for testing pandemics like COVID-19 and cholera, which was costly. Now, the National Reference Lab is capable of diagnosing these pandemics on its own. Thanks to the Global Fund, we have four sites that can detect TB, enabling us to provide test results in time as well as targeted treatments. Similar support is offered for HIV treatments, helping us monitor patient responses in real time.”
Rhoda Banda, Deputy Manager of the Global Fund-Gavi Program Implementation Unit, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Malawi and the Global Fund.
“We’ve partnered with Malawi since 2002. With the current Cycle 7 support, the focus includes laboratory systems, which ensures sustainable support that complements the government’s efforts," Banda said.
The Global Fund team will continue their site visits on Wednesday, with planned tours of Matapira Health Centre for integrated services and CLM, as well as Nanthenje Health Centre, including its CSCP program and mobile van services.
Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” looks forward to showcasing its achievements and progress in healthcare at the upcoming Global Fund Board Meeting.
Chiefs crucial in educating youths on matters of SRH -First Lady
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, September 17, Mana: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has said traditional leaders are crucial in educating and guiding young people on matters of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and that their influence can prevent early pregnancies and child marriages, thus securing a better future for our youth.
Chakwera said this at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a national engagement meeting with senior chiefs on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
She said adolescents and young girls hold the potential to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Malawi, especially as the country is in the process of implementing the Malawi 2063 hence, they need protection and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health services.
“In Malawi, the challenge of early pregnancies among adolescents is deeply concerning as about 29% of girls aged 15-19 have either given birth or are pregnant, which significantly contributes to high rates of maternal and neonatal complications.
“I am aware that teenage pregnancies account for 25% of all births in the country. Even more alarming is the fact that teenage pregnancies are responsible for 18% of maternal mortality. These young mothers are at most vulnerable, and the health of both mothers and their children is at risk,” she said.
The First Lady further said Malawi faces another major health crisis of cervical cancer, with a prevalence rate of 51.5% and a death rate of 67.9%.
She said, that while efforts to screen and detect this deadly disease have led to 46.2% screening coverage, the country remains behind regarding where is it supposed to be, therefore calling for a multi-sectoral approach to protect the health and future of women and girls.
In his remarks, Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said her ministry organized the national engagement meeting with the First Lady and Senior Chiefs intending to reduce child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
She noted that chiefs play a pivotal role in empowering our young people to make informed decisions that shape a brighter future.
She also said, that as custodians of culture, chiefs have to advocate for early antenatal visits, hospital deliveries, and access to Sexual Reproductive Health services and can also champion bringing these services closer to the people.
During the meeting, the First Lady was given a role to be a champion in SRHR focusing on reducing teenage pregnancies, child marriages and promoting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and she will work together with the chiefs.
Digital Transformation Set to Bridge the Justice Gap
By Sellah Chunda
Lilongwe, September 17, 2024: In a significant move towards modernizing Malawi's judicial system, the government has launched its E-Justice initiative, which aims to improve access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities.
The announcement was made during the Malawi E-Justice National Conference held at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, from September 17th to 18th, 2024.
Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo, highlighted the government's commitment to embracing E-Justice.
“As government, we are determined to fulfill e-justice. We acknowledge the gap in computer literacy; hence, we will ensure this gap is addressed from the primary school level. Additionally, we will establish community ICT centers to give people in villages access to computers and E-Systems.” Mvalo stated.
Mvalo underscored the financial and time-saving benefits of digital justice, aiming to enhance efficient court proceedings and ensure timely delivery of justice.
“The implementation of E-Justice systems requires substantial investment, not only financially but also in education and public sensitization. The benefits, however, are significant—greater transparency, improved record management, and a stronger fight against corruption,” he said.
UNDP Resident Coordinator, Fellena Frost, also emphasized the importance of digital transformation, stating that UNDP is committed to supporting digital transformation to improve service delivery.
"Malawi is making significant progress in its digital transformation, particularly in expanding access to justice. The introduction of digital solutions like E-Courts is bringing judicial services closer to the people, irrespective of their location or financial standing.
“This is especially important for rural communities, where traveling to courts can be costly and time-consuming," Frost said.
Frost stressed the need for strong government commitment, particularly in terms of budget allocation for digital transformation.
“The presence of both the Minister of Justice and the Chief Justice at the conference signals a strong commitment to this cause. In comparison to other nations, Malawi has made notable strides, but there is still room for growth,” she explained.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda stressed the importance of increasing computer literacy from an early age to improve the efficiency of service delivery. He called for continuous public sensitization and the adaptation of E-Justice solutions to local contexts.
The conference, themed "Relying on Digital Transformation to Close the Justice Gap," brought together various stakeholders to discuss and gather ideas for the successful implementation of E-Justice in Malawi.
Security expert condemns mob justice in the country.
By Prisca P. Mashushu
Lilongwe, September 17, MANA: Security expert Aubrey Kabisala has condemned mob justice in the country as it is against the laws of the country.
In an interview with Malawi news agency (MANA), Aubrey Kabisala emphasized that mob justice brings tremendous implications and destroys evidence of people committing crimes, hence denying natural justice that is given to offenders of the law to defend themselves.
“The participants of mob justice are also offending the law, which is also a challenge rather, people should avoid taking the laws into their own hands.
"People should be encouraged to report to police any misconduct that is happening in their perspective communities as one way of reducing issues of mob justice in the country,” Kabisala said.
He further said mob justice is not a solution for offenders of the law rather, people should allow them to follow the right procedures and obtain justice for both offenders of the law and the victims.
Meanwhile, Lucky Mbewe who is a social commentator said that everything is happening due to a lack of trust from the right stakeholders by the natives which is also a burden to people who seek justice from offenders of the law hence a need to build trust between people and lawmakers.
He further said that despite mob justice becoming rampant the Malawi police service and the courts of the nation are working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and prevent mob justice in the nation.
“I would like to appeal to Malawians, to make sure to remember that capital punishment is not acceptable by the laws of the country and if anyone is misbehaving, allow the police to address the problem,” he said.
VSL a tool for poverty alleviation – Action Aid
By Doreen Chiwalo
Mwanza, September 17, Mana: Action Aid through its Tipindule Project has expressed satisfaction with Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups in Mwanza District.
The VSL groups are, among others, making progress by making profits through savings and loans; saying this is the right direction in economic empowerment at the household level in the district.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Action Aid Project Field Facilitator, Gift Kifwamba said he was impressed to note that huge sums of money expected to be shared soon have been saved by the groups but started with a small amount.
“I am very grateful to see people in rural areas like learn about savings of up to K3.3 million in the form of shares in their bank account because it will help individuals to buy food, a development which is in line with the project’s area of focus,” said Kifwamba.
He deplored misinformation among some people who take VSLs as an agenda for women only, instead, he encouraged male counterparts in the district to join so that poverty is reduced in their households.
Secretary for Chimwemwe VSL group from Lipenga Village in Inkosi Kanduku Maseko’s area, Joyce Chilekwa said before joining the group she was unable to buy some basic needs for her household.
However, she said since she joined the VSL she has been able to buy a bag of fertilizer ahead of the farming season which will help her to harvest high yields and sell the surplus to pay school fees for her children.
“Before joining this group, life was very hard because I had a family to look after as well as school fees to pay but now, I get a soft loan from the group and solve such problems,” said Chilekwa.
She also encouraged her fellow women who are yet to join VSLs instead of relying on ‘katapira’ where interest rates are unreasonably high.
Chimwemwe VSL group was established in January 2021 and now has 15 members and their savings are expected to be shared in December this year.
