By Blessings Sabiti

Phalombe, May 10, Mana: Phalombe Police recently arrested four Malawians and one Mozambican for being found in possession of petroleum products and attempting to externalise petroleum products to Mozambique without permit.

The incodent happeened almost five weeks after other four men were also netted for the same offence.

Phalombe Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Jimmy Kapanja, confirmed the arrest of the five.

Kapanga identified the for Malawians as Innocent Kapito, 25; Batison Pire, 33; Maxwell Goodson and James Kachingwe, 24 while the Mozambican is Antonio Kapindu, 30, from Kholomana Village, Traditional Authority Kholomana.

Sergeant Kapanja said the five were arrested in the early hours on May 3, 2025, at Mauzi, Malawi-Mozambique border when Likangala border police were patrolling the area.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects revealed that they were going to Mozambique with 280 litres of petrol and 100 litres of diesel,” he said.

The five are in police custody and will soon be taken to court to answer charges of possession of petroleum products without permit.

Police in Phalombe say they will continue conducting day and night patrols to apprehend those found possessing petroleum products illegally.

Kapito, comes from Msema Village while Pire is from Mloma Village both from Traditional Authority (TA) Kaduya in Phalome district.

Goodson comes from Ndungunya Village, TA Mkhumba while Kachingwe is from Meya Village TA Chikowi in Zomba District.

On April 25, Police in Phalombe arrested three Malawians and one Mozambican for illegally possessing 260 litres of petrol and 100 litres of diesel in 20 litre containers.

Phalombe Police identified the three Malawians as; Charles Yohane, 21, from Chinani Village; Frank Mapeto, 25 from Nthambula Village both from TA Chiwalo in Phalombe and Jailos Yohane, 35 from Mumbo Village, TA Jenala in Phalombe.

Gabriel Petro, 31, from Zambesia Province in Mozambique was also arrested alongside the three Malawians during police sweep at Chitekesa and Miseufolo in the district.

Accordingg to Kapanja, on the day of the sweep, 520 litres of petrol was abandoned but recovered after the owner fled, fearing arrest.

The four are expected to appear before court in Phalombe for judgement on their illegal possession of the products.

In a related development, Second Grade Magistrate Court in Phalombe recently convicted and ordered Boniface Kasoti, 32, to a K600,000 fine for being found in possession of petroleum products without permit on April 18.

Kasoti comes from Nthenda Village, TA Chiwalo in Phalombe.

By Alice Ndunya

Machinga, May 10, Mana: District Agriculture Stakeholders Panel (DASP) has encouraged farmers in Machinga to adopt irrigation farming as a way to increase food production in the wake of uncertain weather patterns that affect rain-fed agriculture.

DASP Chairperson in Machinga, James Chogoya emphasized the need to adopt irrigation farming, saying farmers' clubs in the district should devise proper planning by setting aside quality seeds in readiness for the May to August irrigation farming season in their respective schemes as they await the farm equipment loan programme.

Chogoya told Malawi News Agency (Mana) recently that, following the 2024/2025 agricultural season, which was characterized by erratic rainfall, there was a need for farmers to adopt irrigation agriculture, taking advantage of many water sources in the district.

“In some areas, crops did not do well leading to losses. By embracing irrigation, we can bridge the food security gap for affected farming households.

“We have abundant water sources, and it's time we utilize them effectively, let us be innovative to produce manure to increase crop production. We should not rely solely on rain-fed agriculture which has become unpredictable," he added and further stressed the need for increased agricultural innovations to increase crop production.

DASP facilitates collaboration and engagement between farmers and government, plus other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector to address agricultural challenges, and improve extension services to ensure that farmers’ needs and perspectives are integrated into agricultural planning and decision-making.    

A farmer, Joshua Maunde from Traditional Authority Sale testified that irrigation farming is so beneficial, saying; “It enabled me to harvest enough last season such that I managed to provide and sustain my household throughout the year,

“Let my fellow farmers take advantage of farm inputs loans in readiness for irrigation season in our schemes," he said.

District Irrigation Engineer for Machinga Council, Daniel Sambakunsi, said farmers in the district are willing to go for irrigation farming, adding that some had already mobilized themselves into groups to meet all standard requirements for National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) inputs loan.

“Most farmers have managed to mobilize resources which are collateral per NEEF farm inputs loan requirements. Luck enough, these requirements are flexible," he added.

The Irrigation Engineer emphasized the importance of soil and water conservation as key to successful irrigation farming.

“Farmers need to utilize land in a good way to harvest more for consumption and to generate income. They should make the most use of available resources," he added.

NEEF expects to provide farm inputs on loan to farmers' clubs in Machinga to allow them realize high crop production in their respective irrigation schemes.

By Sukasuka Milton

Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: The Lilongwe District Health Office (DHO) has called for strengthened partnerships with various stakeholders to enhance health service delivery.

Speaking during a coordination meeting on Friday, Lilongwe DHO Director, Dr. Wilson Ching'ani, explained how the office's key plans and projects complement each other.

He said: "Our District Implementation Plan (DIP) is like a big plan that makes sure all the health work at the different health places in Lilongwe happens in a good way. Then, the Direct Facility Financing (DFF) is a way to give money directly to the community hospitals and health centers. This money helps them take care of the important health problems in their own areas without waiting for the government to step in."

Dr. Ching’ani then emphasised the importance of partnerships in enhancing health service services in Malawi.

Commenting on a different note, Red Cross Society of Malawi District Coordinator, Malumbo Nyirenda, emphasized that they are working hard to curb the MPOX disease in area 36.

“We are doing three main things, teaching people about the risks, taking care of people who are sick, and working with many different groups, and this Sunday we are starting to go out into the communities with the DHO team to teach people about the signs of MPOX and how to stay safe," she said.         

Nyirenda reaffirmed the Red Cross Society of Malawi’s commitment to help the government so that people access quality health services.

The meeting highlighted ongoing collaborations with various partners who are already working together.

By Wellington Sibale

Neno, May 9, Mana: Partners in Health (PIH), locally known as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malawi’s health sector by handing over a newly established High Dependency Unit (HDU) worth over K452 million to Neno District Hospital.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, PIH Executive Director, Basimenye Nhlema, said the HDU aims to reduce the number of critically ill patients referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre thereby improving access to critical care services in the district.

She said the HDU unit, which cost approximately K195 million for renovations and around K257 million for medical equipment, is expected to significantly enhance patient outcomes in the district.

“Previously, critically ill patients had to endure long and treacherous journeys to Blantyre, often resulting in loss of life enroute due to poor road conditions,” said Nhlema.

She highlighted the long-standing gap in Malawi’s healthcare system, where critical care services are generally available only at tertiary facilities.

“Secondary facilities like Neno have lacked adequate support. With this HDU, we aim to bridge that gap and save lives locally,” she said.

Nhlema also acknowledged financial support from the Wyss Medical Foundation and emphasized PIH’s continued investment in healthcare personnel.

She disclosed that so far, 15 nurses and four clinicians have received specialized training at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital to ensure the HDU operates effectively.

Neno District Hospital’s Director of Health Services, Dr. Enock Ndalama, hailed the development as both historic and transformative for the district’s healthcare delivery.

He thanked PIH and its partners, noting that the facility will also serve nearby districts like Mwanza.

“We are very grateful to PIH for this gesture. This marks a historic moment for healthcare in Neno. We also thank the Wyss Medical Foundation for their generous funding,” he said.

Neno District Council Chairperson, Joseph Chiphaliwali, echoed the appreciation, stressing that the facility would address the long-standing challenge of transporting critically ill patients over long distances.

“The poor state of our roads has often led to fatalities during patient transfers. With this facility, we expect a significant reduction in such cases,” he said.

The HDU is part of a broader health improvement initiative by PIH, which recently included the handover of two fully equipped ambulances and the construction of an emergency room at Zalewa Health Centre and PIH has pledged to continue working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure sustainable healthcare improvements in the country.

By Wellington Sibale

Neno, May 9, Mana: Partners In Health (PIH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health this week awarded scholarships to six nurses in Neno District to upgrade their qualifications in various healthcare fields with a condition that all beneficiary return to Neno upon completion of their studies to improve on human resource.

Speaking during the scholarship award ceremony, PIH Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Banda said through Takeda Grant, the scholarships are intended to equip healthcare workers with advanced knowledge and skills required in delivering high-quality care, aligned with Malawi Vision 2063 enabler 5, which focuses on human capital development.

“The programme was developed in response to staffing gaps and the need for enhanced competencies among healthcare providers in Neno,” he added.

He said PIH received 50 applications, shortlisted 14 and selected six candidates based on criteria including proven nursing experience, qualifications and a commitment to serve in Neno for at least two years.

Banda added that the scholarships will support three nurses pursuing master’s degrees and three others pursuing bachelor’s degrees with fields of study including; Midwifery, Community Health Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Nursing and Midwifery.

He said the programme will run until 2027, with a condition that all beneficiaries return to Neno upon completion of their studies, adding that PIH will provide tuition, accommodation, and food allowances throughout the training period.

“Even beyond 2027, we are committed to mobilise additional resources to continue supporting healthcare workers.

“We expect awardees to complete their studies on time and return to serve their communities with enhanced skills,” added Banda.

Neno District Medical Officer Dr. Albert Chafunya applauded the initiative, describing it as a major boost to the district's healthcare delivery.

“This programme targets both general nurses and specialists, which will significantly improve the quality of healthcare in Neno and the country,” he added.

One of the recipients, Pilirani Iddih, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying; “This scholarship is life-changing as it allows us to pursue further education that was previously out of reach. We are committed to returning and serving the people of Neno,” he stated.

By Ruth Kumwenda

Blantyre, May 9, Mana:  In a bid to enhance communication and promote a culture of openness in schools, Mitsidi Police Unit on Thursday donated a complaints and suggestions box to Chigwaja Primary School at Traditional Authority Kuntaja Blantyre, to give learners opportunity to freely express their concerns and suggestion.

Community Policing Coordinator for Mitsidi Police Unit, Sergeant Ausborne Moses said the complaints and suggestions box with support from UNICEF will provide opportunity to learners especially girls to voice out their concerns regarding gender-based violence.

“We want to help learners to speak out about any form of violence they encounter at home, in school, or elsewhere. We have noticed that many learners suffer in silence when abused by relatives or guardians such as stepfathers or uncles.

“This silence affects learners performance as well as their wellbeing,” Moses added and emphasized the need for learners to report any form of abuse whether at home, from teachers or fellow students.

He said that concerns should be reported in writing and placed in the suggestions box. The Community Policing Coordinator assured the learners that only police officers would open the box and address the concerns.

Moses further warned learners against theft, vandalism, cybercrimes, and any involvement in mob justice, observing that some criminals entice minors to commit crimes.

Chigwaja School Deputy Headteacher, Pauline Bisoni commended the police for introducing the initiative, describing it as timely and essential.

She also thanked the police for informing learners on how and where to report gender based violence.

“We thank Mitsidi Police Unit for introducing the complaints and suggestions box, learners will benefit a lot from the initiative. Many learners experience violence at their homes but don't know where to report it,

“This box will help them report freely without fear and this will help to create a conducive learning environment,” Bisoni added and urged the police to roll out the initiative to other schools.

Angella Banda, a Standard 7 learner at Chigwaja School welcomed the initiative saying it will help her and other learners to report sensitive issues without fear.

Learners further expressed optimism that the complaints and suggestions box will help stakeholders to find possible solutions to home and school based violence and other forms of abuse elsewhere.