MANAonline
First round concludes in Gateway Netball League
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, August 30, Mana: First round games for K40 million Mpico sponsored Gateway Mall Central Region Netball League games are expected to wind up this coming weekend.
According to General Secretary of the League, Daniel Chigowo, teams are expected to conclude the first round by playing games at Gateway Mall Netball court on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
With the big one which involves Civonets against Young Eagles as they will be battling it out for the second position on the table.
He told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Lilongwe that the conclusion of the games would spell out clearly as to which teams are fighting for the title and which one are battling for relegation.
“We are very happy to report that Mafco Soldiers fulfilled their fixtures last weekend where they were able to play against Sharp shooters and Blue Eagles Sisters,” Chigowo revealed.
He said it was worrisome that the Salima netball outfit, Mafco Soldiers some two weeks ago were unable to fulfill their fixtures as a results they donated points and baskets to others teams in the league.
“When they returned they managed to beat struggling Sharpshooters by 59 baskets to 14 and they lost to current league leaders, Blue eagles Sisters by 35 baskets to 15. With the win the move on the ladder from position eight to seven with five points,” the General Secretary explained.
A Netball follower from Ntandile in Lilongwe, Anne Phiri noted that Boma, Immigration and Sharpshooters need to do something in their last games in order to raise their points and remain relevant.
She said the points tally their have collected from eight games are not encouraging and this is putting them on an awkward position.
“The bottom three teams are not looking good and these teams they need to jack up as they are not here just to fulfill their fixtures. We need teams that will compete in such leagues not that will only participate and donate points anyhow,” Phiri fumed.
Currently, Blue Eagle Sisters are topping the chart with 16 points from eight games and they are seconded by Young Eagles with 14 points from the same number of games while Civonets are third with 14 points on the same games played.
League results of August 25, 2024
Dyna Queens 35 Young Eagles 44
Sharpshooters 14 Mafco 59
Immigration 16 Vanessa 50
Lioness 36 Civonets 37
Blue Eagles Sisters 35 Mafco 15
Weekend fixtures for August 31,2024
Boma vs Immigration@ 9: 00 am
Vanessa Sisters vs Sharpshooters @ 10:30 am
Dyna Queens vs Lioness @ 1:00 pm
Blue Eagles Sisters vs Boma @ 2:30 pm
Civonets vs Young Eagles @ 4:00 pm
LWT launches sourcebook to promote wildlife, environmental education
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, August 29, Mana: Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a sourcebook on wildlife and environmental education for primary schools which seeks to promote wildlife and environmental education in the country's primary schools.
The sourcebook among other things is tackling issues about waste and water management, how people would interact and relate with animals as well as forest conservation.
Speaking after presiding over the launch of the sourcebook at LWT's Environmental Education Centre in Lilongwe on Thursday, the Secretary for Education in the Ministry of Education, Dr Mangani Katundu applauded LWT for the sourcebook.
“The sourcebook will not only benefit the learners in terms of the environment but it will also enhance their ability to think and solve ethical dilemmas associated with wildlife and environmental conservation,” Katundu said.
He added that the sourcebook will also assist learners to attain skills, knowledge, competences and attitude that are in line with environmental conservation that would make them appreciate the value of wildlife, environment and natural resources that the country possess.
He also said the sourcebook would also enable the pupils to understand their role in protecting the wildlife and human from catastrophes associated with environmental degradation and climate change.
Katundu further added that the ministry will make use of the sourcebook in primary schools in order for the learners to learn more about wildlife and environmental conservation.
“We are going to incorporate the sourcebook in primary schools so that pupils should gain more knowledge about wildlife and environmental conservation,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch of the sourcebook, LWT Director of Programmes Dorothy Tembo Nhlema said that as LWT they decided to come up with the sourcebook after observing a limitation of wildlife and environmental education in the national education curriculum.
“When we looked at the curriculum we realized that it is little lean in terms of wildlife and environmental education and when we engaged the Ministry of Education the they agreed that indeed primary school curriculum is limited in terms of wildlife and environmental education.
“This prompted us to develop the sourcebook so that it should be used in primary schools for wildlife and environmental education,” Nhlema said.
LWT has developed the sourcebook with support from Nyika Vwaza Trust, Born Free Foundation as well as Tusk and the first copies of the sourcebook will be distributed in 16 primary schools across the country, according to Nhlema.
Natural Resources and chiefs sign MOU on conserving and restoring natural resources
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, August 29, Mana: Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change says traditional leaders are critical stakeholders in conserving and restoring natural resources within their communities because they are highly respected and capable of enforcing by laws.
Principal Secretary in the ministry, Richard Pelekamoyo made the remarks in Balaka when traditional leaders from seven districts were signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change to prepare a climate resilient future for generations in their respective areas.
Pelekamoyo said there was need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to address effects of climate change, which has negatively impacted Malawi in various aspects.
He added that chiefs are critical stakeholders whose influence and powers can help in conserving and restoring natural resources, promoting sustainable agriculture and other means of sustaining livelihood within their communities.
“Chiefs play vital role in protecting natural resources because they are respected by their subjects. They have powerful voice, very crucial in natural resources management,
“Their authority and influence enable them to mobilize support for effective governance and sustainable practices,” he added.
Senior Chief Makanjira of Mangochi and Traditional Authority (TA) Nkula of Machinga applauded government for recognizing the role traditional authorities play in natural resources conservation.
Makanjira pledged total commitment to enforce by laws that are meant to help conserving natural resources in his area.
On the other hand, TA Nkula said he will enforce the already formulated by-lays in his area to ensure that forests and other natural resources are protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
The signing of MOU between Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change and the chiefs as initiative to conserve natural resources was an activity by Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Programme (MWASIP) funded by the World Bank.
The chiefs that came for the signing of MOU were from Machinga, Neno, Balaka, Blantyre, Zomba, Ntcheu and Mangochi.
Environmental experts bang heads on integrated landscape management
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, August 29, Mana: Environmental experts from Thursday convened in Salima district to develop actionable strategies to address critical issues in landscape management and agricultural productivity.
The three-day multi-stakeholder meeting has been organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI).
Principal Secretary of Irrigation Services, Engineer Geoffrey Mamba has called for integrated approaches to restore the country's degraded landscape.
He said the country is currently struggling with land degradation hence developing actionable strategies for managing and restoring the environment is vital.
"We need to build a shared understanding of landscape restorative approaches by identifying key priority areas," he said.
Mamba emphasized that the solutions that will emanate from the meeting are a proactive step towards mitigating adverse weather conditions like El Niño, as well as combating recurring threats such as Army Worm infestations, which have plagued the nation in recent agricultural seasons.
He noted that effective landscape management is essential for ensuring food security, clean water, and reduced carbon emissions.
Global Director for Invasive Species at CABI, Hariet Hinz reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s environmental and agricultural reforms.
Hinz underscored the need for countries to come up with integrated approaches to address the challenge of low yields posed by climate change.
She observed that the country has huge bare land that needs interventions such as climate-smart agricultural methods and land restorative methods such as natural tree regeneration.
The meeting has drawn international experts in environmental management to share experience, lessons and develop actionable strategies.
CABI is actively involved in several key projects in the country, including the PlantwisePlus initiative and the Malawi Digital Plant Health Service (MaDiPHS), all aimed at strengthening the nation’s agricultural resilience.
Radiotherapy services, a game changer in health services delivery
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, August 29, Mana: Head of Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Health Dr. Sanderson Kuyeri has described the K10 billion magnificent radiotherapy center at the National Cancer Center (NCC) at Kamuzu Central hospital in Lilongwe, as a game changer in health service delivery in the country.
Kuyeri made the remarks Thursday in Lilongwe during a media tour of the facility which
he said will be operational by the second week of October 2024.
“This is a game charger. As you may be aware the country has been sending patients to South Africa, Tanzania, India, and Kenya for treatment and the government has been spending over $2 million (about K3.4 billion) per year, which is a huge amount of money. But now those services will be done right here,” he said.
Kuyeri said once fully functional, the facility will have four bunkers for radiotherapy and two bunkers for black therapy, which he said is a huge milestone in the treatment of cancer in the country.
“It has been a long journey, but we are now happy that we have reached this far. As of now, the installation of modern equipment has already been done and we are expecting that next week, we will be commissioning the equipment,” he said.
Kuyeri further said once operational, 80 percent of the patients will be treated within the country except those who may have complex conditions.
Malawi registers over 18,000 cases of cancer annually and presently, the country provides oncology, including chemotherapy and palliative care services for cancer clients.
The National Cancer Center is being constructed with funding from the OPEC Fund for International Development and Malawi Government.
Stakeholders Unite to Push for Safe Abortion Law Reform in Malawi
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, August 29, Mana: Theatre for a Change (TfaC), a local non-governmental organization, hosted a stakeholders' meeting to discuss the proposed Termination of Pregnancy Bill.
The event brought together religious leaders, government officials, civil society organizations, and community members to advocate for safe abortion options.
TfaC Fundraising and Grants Manager, Ulala Kondowe, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to move the bill forward, citing the health implications of unsafe abortions.
"We believe that by working together, we can prevent unnecessary pressure on the health system and ensure that women and girls have access to safe abortion options," Kondowe said.
Participants acknowledged the challenges in passing the bill, given the sensitive nature of the topic.
However, they expressed optimism that involving community members and stakeholders would help build momentum for the cause.
Christopher Biton, a participant from Luanar's Human Ecology Department, stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including children, to raise awareness about safe abortion.
"We need to design good messages for them and ensure that we are saving lives," Biton said.
TfaC Agent of Change, Christopher Gumunda, shared the organization's approach to addressing resistance from the community through drama and radio presentations.
"We use scenarios that resonate with people's lives, and it's helping to change their perspectives," Gumunda said.
The meeting concluded with a sense of determination among stakeholders to continue pushing for the amendment of laws to allow for safe abortion options. With a united front, they believe they can win the battle and save lives.
Women and girls in Balaka encouraged to embrace cervical cancer self-test
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On her part, Health Promotion Officer for Balaka District Hospital, Mercy Nyirenda said since the inception of the self-testing initiative in January, the district has seen an increase in people demanding to be screened.
Nyirenda, therefore, asked for an escalation of the initiative to all health centres across the district.
“From January to June this year Nandumbo has screened 626 women and Phimbi has screened 547 women which is a good development compared with the past trends.
“This project will increase awareness on the need for cervical cancer screening targeting women of childbearing age; thereby, detection of the disease in its early stages and this will reduce admissions due to cancer and in the long run reduce disease burden in the district,” she said.
Nyirenda, however, urged everyone in the district to work together in encouraging women in the childbearing age bracket to come in large numbers for screening, saying cervical cancer does not show signs in its early stage and the only way to be safe is to come for screening.
DODMA Calls for Precise Targeting and Transparency in Lean Season Response Programme
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, August 29, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) Commissioner Charles Kalemba has emphasized the crucial need for accurate targeting and integrity in the distribution of aid under the Lean Season Response Programme on Thursday at Bwaila Secondary School. The program is set to benefit 5.7 million people in September.
Speaking at a training session for beneficiary targeting, Kalemba highlighted past errors in the misallocation of resources and stressed that the program must prioritize the most vulnerable individuals.
"We want the beneficiaries to be those that are vulnerable, we have had situations where well-to-do individuals have received relief items instead of those in need and that's a problem”, he explained.
Kalemba also addressed the importance of integrity among leaders involved in the distribution process.
"We don't want leaders stealing from the poor, it's wickedness. We must uphold honesty and transparency to ensure the program's success", said Kalemba.
Logistical efficiency was another key point discussed, with the program utilizing a combination of resources, including its trucks and hired transportation, supported by the World Food Programme.
CEO of Lilongwe City Council, McCloud Kadammanja, echoed the program's significance.
"This program is crucial for our communities, especially during the lean season. By properly targeting the most vulnerable, we can make a significant impact on reducing hunger and poverty”, he stated.
Amongst the attendees, Ward Chairperson for Kayiliyeka 1, Lilongwe, Agatha Agustino Chitengu highlighted the program's importance for local communities.
"Many families struggle to put food on the table during the lean season. This initiative will bring much-needed relief to those who need it most. We're grateful for the focus on integrity and proper targeting," she said.
She then added that this training will help the representatives not to repeat the same mistakes made in the previous years due to lack of training.
With 70% of the required resources already secured, Commissioner Kalemba expressed confidence in the program's ability to provide timely assistance and mobilize additional resources as needed.
Mission Rabies takes vaccination campaign to Neno
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, August 29, Mana: Mission Rabies, a charity organization dedicated to combating rabies, has launched a mass canine vaccination campaign targeting all 17,777 pets in Neno District to run from September to October.
Speaking during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting on Thursday, Mission Rabies Project Coordinator, Nelson Mundira emphasized the importance of the campaign in preventing the spread of rabies in the district and across Malawi.
“Rabies claim lives of at least 500 people annually in Malawi and globally, the number rises to 59, 000,” Mundira said.
Mundira said in Malawi, about 200 rabies cases are reported each month, making rabies control a top priority of their organization considering there is no cure, pointing out that the goal of the organization is to prevent rabies by vaccinating as many dogs as possible.
He disclosed that Mission Rabies began the vaccination campaign in Blantyre in 2015 following alarming figures of child rabies deaths recorded at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, the highest of any institution in Africa.
The project coordinator added that the programme's success in Blantyre led to its expansion in 2016 to the surrounding districts of Chiradzulu and Zomba and in 2019 to Thyolo, Chikwawa, and Balaka; thereby, protecting more at-risk communities.
Mundira, therefore, said the organization will employ sensitization and public awareness campaigns through radio and television, among other strategies, to increase public awareness about rabies and how to prevent it.
He said last year alone, Mission Rabies successfully reached out to 710,768 children in the districts of Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Thyolo, Balaka and Chikwawa with rabies awareness programmes through various channels, including local community governance structures.
Chief Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Officer for Neno District Council, Upe Maseko highlighted the significance of the campaign, saying the district has recorded numerous dog bite cases in the past.
“This campaign is crucial as it brings dog vaccination services closer to the people. Previously, vaccination centres were far apart, resulting in many dogs remaining unvaccinated due to the inconvenience for their owners,” Maseko said.
Maseko also emphasized the need for annual vaccinations, noting that Neno District records an average of 11 dog bites per month.
Rabies, a nearly 100% fatal virus, can affect any mammal and is mostly transmitted through dogs, monkeys and bats. In humans, 99% of rabies are caused by rabid dog bites.
Fresh graduates challenged to be creative
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, August 29, Mana: Vice Chancellor for University of Malawi (UNIMA), Professor Samson Sajidu has challenged newly graduated students to be creative to survive pressure in the industry.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony on Thursday at UNIMA in Zomba, Sajidu noted that creativity is the key to supplementing papers obtained from institutions of higher learning.
Sajidu’s remarks came against the background that most graduates are just languishing, waiting to secure formal employment by unknown prospective employers.
He said the market is being saturated by graduates who have nothing to do; thereby, demeaning the prowess of education.
The Vice Chancellor, however, warned graduates against being involved in corrupt acts.
“At this university, we don’t teach stealing or corruption tricks. If you find a graduate from this university involved in corruption, deal with him or her. We don’t teach corruption here, they are tainting the image of this highly recommended university,” Sajidu said.
Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Christopher Guta echoed remarks by Sajidu, urging graduates to put into use skills acquired from the college.
Guta said implementation of good ideas remains a stumbling block to development, saying Rwanda copied Malawi’s Vision 2020 and executed it while the country is still lagging in projections of the vision.
Director responsible for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Levi’s Eneya said government expects the new graduates to be innovative, saying: “We look up to you, be ambassadors of progress.”
One of the graduates, Comfort Mankhwazi promised the nation to dedicate the knowledge and skills gained through university education for the benefit of a common man.
At least 1 292 have graduated where 508 are females while 784 are males. Among the students, four have graduated with PhDs, 154 with masters, 1 002 with bachelor's degrees, eight postgraduate diplomas, 107 diplomas and 16 with certificates.
This marks the second congregation of 2024, following the first one held on March 13 and 14, earlier this year.
