MANAonline
France State Minister hails WFP on school feeding programme
By Tracy Kafansiyanji
Dedza, December 16, Mana: France Minister of State Chrysoula Zacharopoulou on Friday hailed the World Food Programme (WFP) for its interventions on the school feeding programme under the Joint Programme on Girls Education.
Zacharopoulou said the home grown school meals programme being implemented by WFP with support from NORAD and the Royal Norwegian Embassy has improved primary education in the country.
She made the remarks when she led a visiting delegation to Mphunzi Primary School in Dedza.
“I am pleased to see the growth of the project we have supported for both students to go back to school and farmers who supply foods in schools.
"We implemented it in the eight districts and we have seen its short term results, such as students going to classes while well fed and farmers benefitting from profits for supplying foods in schools because we buy them,” she stated.
She further added that their aim is to focus on long term impacts and that France will continue funding the project, as well as working with the government in order to reach out to many schools in various districts across the country.
On her part, Principal Secretary for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education, Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, said the programme has, among others, improved on enrolment of learners compared to the past as many failed to attend classes on empty stomachs.
She added that apart from improved enrolment, the project has also seen learners completing their primary education as well as reduced absenteeism.
"We have hope that the initiative will scale up to all the districts by 2030 with the availability of funding,” she stated.
In his speech, Mphunzi head teacher Joseph Kapetuka said the initiative has brought in a lot of benefits at his school, more especially increased pass rate for girls which rose from 72 percent in 2018/19 academic years to 93 percent in 2023.
In 2024, WFP's school feeding programme is expected to expand to schools in Mzimba, Nkhata Bay and Rumphi districts.
Sexual offences toping list in Dedza
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, December 16, Mana: Dedza Senior Resident Magistrate (SRM) has disclosed that they are receiving more sexual offences than any other cases in the district.
SRM James Mankhwazi made the remarks in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday.
He said the sexual cases fall in the category of defilement, apart from other cases of burglary, house breaking and robbery.
“In a month, we register not less than 20 cases of sexual offences alone,” he said.
He however pointed out that his office in the district is understaffed, having only four magistrates in ranks of SRM, First Grade Magistrate, Senior Grade Magistrate and the Third Grade Magistrate, adding there are so many cases being handled by a magistrate.
“Apart from that, police also experience challenges when it comes to bringing witnesses from far places like Ntakataka, Golomoti, Linthipe, Maonde due to financial challenges which also burden us when it comes to completion of cases,” he said.
Speaking in a separate interview, Programs Officer for NGO Progressive, Yamikani Mwaonah, said the figures are worrisome considering that victims of the offences are under aged girls.
He, however, said the development should give a picture that victims are now able to come out and report on various abuses happening to them.
“What we can do is also to continue with the awareness interventions with a focus not only to empower victims on reporting the cases but also reducing their occurrences.
“I should also ask government to consider allocating enough court personnel in districts so that we help reduce the burden of our magistrates being overwhelmed with cases,” he stated.
Homeland Security Ministry outlines festive season security measures
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, December 16, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has unveiled a Crime Action Management plan during Christmas and New Year period, which will be implemented in all the five regions of the country.
Zikhale Ng’oma rolled out the initiative on Friday during a press briefing in Lilongwe where he said the essence of the exercise is to prevent crimes and reduce the number of road accidents.
Ng’oma said the Malawi Police Service (MPS) will conduct strategic operations that will include the deployment of uniform and civilian police officers in different locations, as well as mounting road blocks in all accident prone roads.
“There shall be intensive foot and motor vehicle patrols in all tourist attraction and crime prone areas and drivers should strive to observe all regulations, such speeding, capacity and driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
He also hailed the MPS for their outstanding performance in 2023 where they were able to register and conclude cases in a timely order’
He, therefore, pledged to lobby with the government to have the MPS’s annual budget fully covered to alleviate different problems they encounter that include transportation.
In a separate interview, National Police Public Relations Officer Peter Kalaya said the service has intensified awareness campaigns using social media platforms, which encompass how to report crimes as well as offering security tips at household level.
Kalaya said the strategic festive season plans cater for, among others, road management with deployment of traffic officers on all major roads as well as in all districts by the lake while also urging Malawians to cooperate with the police.
He further expressed satisfaction with the sentiments shared by the Ministry of Homeland Security regarding their outstanding performance, noting that the service is doing its best and that Malawians can testify of that.
Recently, the Malawi Police made huge strides on the controversial murder case of Reserve Bank of Malawi employee Agnes Katengeza with the arrest of the victim’s close relative Amos Katengeza.
Covid-19 T2T initiative launched
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, December 16, Mana: Ministry of Health in conjunction with Family Health International (FHI 360) have launched Covid-19 Test to Treat (T2T) initiative, which is aimed at encouraging people to go for rapid Covid-19 test and get treatment immediately once confirmed positive.
Speaking on Friday at Nsanjiko Primary School ground in the area of Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe during the launch, FHI 360 Behaviour Change Communication Advisor Dunia Chiwala said the World Health Organization (WHO) has now approved medicine that can treat Covid-19.
Chiwala said once one has been confirmed positive, he or she will be given medication immediately which is supposed to be taken for only five days.
“Let me take this opportunity of encouraging the people who are noticing signs of Covid-19 for five days, such as general body pains, sneezing and coughing; they should rush to health facilities and get tested and receive treatment immediately,” she said.
However, Chiwala said despite having these medicines, people are still encouraged to keep on observing all Covid-19 preventing measures like washing hands with soap frequently to avoid contracting the disease.
Lilongwe District Chairperson Dan Mtayamanja, who was the guest of honour during the event, thanked the Ministry of Health and FHI 360 for timely intervention against Covid-19 which he said is a threat to the development of any country.
Mtayamanja said it is sad that the country lost a lot of people due to Covid-19 pandemic who could contribute to the development of the country.
He then urged people to go for rapid Covid-19 test so that they should be assisted medically once they have been found positive.
The T2T initiative will currently be implemented on pilot phase in three districts in the country, namely Lilongwe, Zomba and Mangochi before rolling it across the country.
According to Ministry of Health records, the country has lost about 2,686 people to Covid-19.
Malawi transitions Region 5 Chairmanship to Namibia
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, December 17, Mana: Minister of Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire has expressed gratitude for the support rendered to the Ministry of Sports in the preparation and execution of the 2022 Lilongwe, African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
He made the remarks on Friday on the sidelines of the AUSC Ordinary Council of Ministers Meeting, an occasion that marked the symbolic transfer of Chairmanship from Malawi to the next hosts Namibia led by Minister, Agnes Tjongarero.
Outgoing Chairperson, Mkandawire highlighted Malawi’s role in aligning to resolutions drawn from the meeting which among others includes investing in school sports.
“It was a challenging task to host the games but I must admit we received tremendous help from the President, with resources needed in preparation and readiness for the games in terms of the infrastructure and other investments therefore we are proud to have succeeded and we look forward to Namibia who take up the challenge.”
“A few years ago the country initiated a program for schools called the Malawi youth games, which are implemented by Malawi school sports association with support from Malawi nationalcouncil for sports and we believe we are going in the right direction with hopes of up scalingvarious sports disciplines in schools,” the Minister added.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for AUSC, Stanley Mutoya hailed outgoing Chairperson for his exceptional leadership that stirred the council in the right direction.
He outlined some of the outstanding points from the meeting that took place from December 14to 15, 2023, having resolved constitutional matters as well as announcing dates for the next games.
“The Ministers gave an applause for Mkandawire which shows they were very satisfied with hisleadership as he was able to drive a number of initiatives, like the HEART28 (Heart,Excellence, Agility, Resource, & Transformation) strategy, ensuring the games remain vibrant as well as adopting the Silver Jubilee concept for AUSC with celebrations occurring in different countries in 2024.
“One of the key outcomes from the meeting is that the 2024 & 11th edition of the Region 5 Youth Games will be hosted by Namibia. The Council has decided to defer the games by five months hence they will be held in May 2025 because the sports calendar in 2024 is packed with AFCON, African Games, Olympics and Paralympics,” Mutoya disclosed.
According to the final communiqué from the Council’s meeting it was determined among other things that the significance of the Region 5 Youth Games as a flagship product should be strengthen while congratulating Malawi for delivering the Games even under difficult circumstances.
Local company commits to protect Michiru forest
By Tikondane Vega
Blantyre, December 17, Mana: HS Wine House Beverages and Hospitality, who are makers of the Cape Stars alcoholic spirits has said the company together with other stakeholders would intensify community awareness targeting people surrounding Michiru Forest in Blantyre as one way of ensuring that trees are protected in the hilly area.
This has been disclosed by Board Director of the Company, Rachel Mijiga on Saturday when the company together with other stakeholders conducted Saving Michiru Initiative at the forest with an aim to raise awareness on the devastation taking place in the reserve.
She said it was pathetic that people continues to cut down trees in the hill despite several interventions being done by both government and other partners to restore the lost glory of Michiru Forest.
“What is important now is for us to conduct massive awareness targeting communities surrounding this place. We will involve communities so that they know responsibility to protect the forest lies in their hands.
“We decided to come here so that can see ourselves the state of the damage. The situation is very bad and deserve serious awareness among communities,” Mijiga said.
Director of Panthunzi Eco Solution, Christ Walker said the increasingly deforestation in Michiru Forest was a symbol that there are governance problems when it comes forest protection.
He said people who are destroying the forest are desperate part of community with nothing to do hence empowerment is also needed on their part.
“It is sad that we have witnessed huge destructive at Michiru. All parties should come together and see how best the problem can be addressed, otherwise I believe those who are behind cutting down trees take this as their only option to survive,” Walker said.
Founder of Dzuka Chilomoni, Maliko Chikaonga said he would continue to work with surrounding communities including schools to sensitize them on the important of Michiru Forest.
He promised to work with all enforcement agencies until the forest in restored saying more security personnel is needed to guard the place.
Chikaonga said that, “One best way is to employ same surrounding communities as guards to protect the forest. Doing so could reduce cases of deforestation since they know each other.
Musician Piksy participated in the Saving Michiru Forest initiative
Drone technology to improve health service delivery in Mzimba
By Austine Patrice Kachilika
Mzimba, December 15, Mana: Village Reach’s senior manager responsible for supply chain, Innocent Mainjeni says Drone for Health Program in Mzimba will improve access to primary healthcare in the district.
Speaking on Thursday during a district executive committee (DEC) meeting, Mainjeni said adoption of the drone technology in the health sector will bring improved health worker efficiency, speedy delivery of medicine and documentation in hard-to-reach areas.
Mainjeni said from 1 February 2020 to 1 February 2021, the Drones for Health program has managed to transport 200 different types of products weighing 2,037 kg, including 84,706 vaccines and 6,092 lab samples across 60 health facilities in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Zomba, Mangochi, Machinga and Chiradzulu.
“This has helped much in solving delays in sample and medicine transportation over vast distances and maneuvering in difficult terrains and weather.
“In addition, drone delivery technology is very fast and has an upper hand in reducing sample contamination, therefore, this program will improve efficiency in health service delivery in Mzimba and the whole country at large”, said Mainjeni.
Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for M’mbelwa District Council Dr. Prince Chirwa said drone technology will be key in fighting Cholera, HIV & AIDS and Anthrax in the district since samples will be collected and transported on time for analysis and diagnosis.
The program is being implemented in five sub-Saharan countries namely; Malawi, Mozambique, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d’Ivoire.
Mchinji One Border Post operations excites business people
By Tikondane Vega
Blantyre, December 15, Mana: People who are using One Stop Border Post in Mchinji district says they are satisfied on how the facility is discharging its duties, observing the establishment of the place has brought efficiency and speed when it comes to goods clearance.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, Steven Donnex who is one of the business people said the commissioning of the facility has improved the way he is conducting his business in Lilongwe.
“I am coming from Zambia to order beverages but you can imagine my goods have been cleared already. Unlike in the past we were spending days right here but now it is history, within two hours, its done.
“We hope that Malawi will have these posts on all borders of entry so that people do not take days to have their goods cleared. There is more efficiency in such facilities,” said 31-year-old Donnex adding he usually go every week to Zambia unlike in the past where he could go twice due to clearance issues.
AP logistics driver, Raphael Phiri concurred with Donnex and hoped the trend will continue for the betterment of those who are doing cross border business, adding as a driver time is of most important.
Phiri said he has seen the importance of One Border Posts saying previously he could spend days at the border before being cleared and that the new facility has brought sanity and order on how things are being done.
“In my truck I have carried cement from Lusaka and soon I arrived here the process of clearing started and within hours everything will be done. The facility has eliminated the need for travelers like us and goods to stop twice just to undertake border crossing formalities,” said Phiri.
Another driver for Tiflometian Company, Ephraim Makandanje said it is encouraging to see that the tone border post has reduced time he usually spends at the border.
Makandanje said such establishments have expedited the movement of goods and people saying it is no longer business as usual.
Head of Corporate Affairs at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Steven Kapoloma has since assured all border users that MRA will continue to maintain efficiency at Mchinji one border post by among others increasing collaboration, keeping members updated as well as providing modern facilities and training to its officials.
The facility, done in collaboration between Zambia and Malawi, became operational last year and signified the importance the two governments attaches to development projects that improve people’s livelihoods.
AUSC Ordinary Council of Ministers Meeting Underway in Lilongwe
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, December 14, MANA: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo has reiterated Malawi’s commitment as an active member of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, to help improve sports in the country.
Tembo made the remarks on Thursday in Lilongwe when she presided over the opening ceremony of the Ministers meetings which runs until Friday 15 December.
“As Government we are determined to harness the demographic dividend through investment in sports and providing recreation for our citizens. We would like to find sustainable solutions to our problems therefore sports plays a crucial role in the transformation of our economy,” she said.
She further expressed gratitude to AUSC for enabling Malawi to host the 2022 Region 5 youth games in Lilongwe, with lasting sports experience and friendships gained.
Chief Executive Officer for AUSC, Stanley Mutoya said the meeting will unpack how they intend to ensure inclusivity in the next games while also highlighting that Malawi’s Minister of Sports remains part of the Council since they were the previous hosts.
“This is a constitutional meeting that defines the strategic direction of the Region, it covers policy shifts and receives constitutional recommendations. With our theme “Scaling up Inclusion” we intend to include Special Olympics and refugees in the games so that no one is left behind “he said.
The outgoing Chairman of the games who is also Malawi Minister of Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire highlighted that the meeting will establish which country will host the games next since the intended 2024 hosts in alphabetical order, Mozambique asked to be excused.
“Mozambique cited matters such as the recent disasters and ongoing unrest in the country as reasons for their exemption and therefore requested Namibia to host and so far Namibia seems ready to host the games in 2025 but that the final decision will come after this meeting,” Mkandawire said.
He also urged the Ministers present to continue supporting the games by ensuring, among other things, that athletes actively participate in the different disciplines.
Mkandawire further hailed the Malawi Women’s football team for winning the 2023 COSAFA cup and outlined that 6 of the girls participated in the 2022 region 5 youth games which is a testament of the potential of the AUSC.
The Minister’s meeting takes place after every two years and the members countries attending the ongoing session are from Angola, Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatin, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Project commended for promoting good nutrition practices in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, December 15, Mana: Community members in the area of Sub Traditional Authority (Sub T/A) Mwase in Likoma have hailed Invest in Early Years Project (IEYP) for promoting good nutrition practices in the area.
Cluster leader for Ntaya, Chimwemwe Chithumba said the project has promoted growing of a wide variety of crops and rearing of animals to ensure community members are consuming six food groups.
Chinthumba was speaking on Thursday when IEYP officials distributed 3000 wrappers to project promoters, cluster leaders and care groups.
He thanked IEYP for the wrappers, bearing various behavioral change messages, saying they will not only use them for identification when discharging their duties in the community but also as information, education and communication (I.E.C) materials.
“People will be learning something through the messages displayed on the wrappers. We appreciate for everything IEYP has been doing for us in the district. Through the project, we have been imparted with knowledge and skills on how best we can improve our nutrition status,” said Chithumba.
Project Community Facilitator for IEYP, Vision Mkumbwa said the project has also been distributing bicycles, laptop bags, weighing scales and livestock such as ducks, chickens and goats to improve nutrition status of the beneficiary households.
Mkumbwa said the World Bank funded project is expected to phase out next year.
