MANAonline
EPA strengthens regulations, penalties on thin plastics.
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, June 2, Mana: Following the ban on the use of thin plastics in the country, Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Director Generalm Wilfred Kadewa, has said the authority has strengthened the regulations and penalties to deter companies from manufacturing thin plastics.
According to Kadewa thin plastics ban was issued to address issues of pollution in water bodies, soils and landscape, and its impact to wildlife and livestock.
He made the remarks during a press briefing on the status of enforcement of the regulations on the ban of thin plastics in Malawi.
Since the ban on manufacturing and use of thin plastics on February 10, 2025, MEPA has been conducting inspections to companies to ensure that they comply with the rules.
"When we conduct our inspections in Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Blantyre cities, we want to check compliance on manufacturing and we have found that majority of manufacturing companies are complying because they understand what the ban means," he added.
He also said there is still al ot of plastics on the market which he said some are imported from neighboring countries.
He further explained that the authority has engaged officials from Mchinji border to check on what is happening to ensure that there is no importation of plastics into our country.
Concurring with Kadewa, MEPA Board Chair, Dr. Robert Kafakoma, appealed to manufactures, retailers and every citizen to support and respect the laws designed to preserve the environment.
He added that the authority encourages the public to use environmentally friendly alternative packaging materials, reusable, recyclable and biodegradable materials such as baskets.
Malawi developed the environment management (plastic regulations) in 2015, in response to the environmental and health problems associated with plastics.
Meanwhile, Malawi will join the globe in commemorating the World Environmental Day on June 5, 2025, and the event will take place in Nkhotakota under the theme "Ending plastic pollution".
Giboh Pearson to launch Phalombe Muzik Band at Migowi
By Mirriam Bwanali
Blantyre, June 2, Mana: Malawian musician, Gift Wedson Pearson, also known as Giboh Pearson, is set to launch Phalombe Musik Band on June 6 at Impala Lodge at Migowi in Phalombe, with Jetu and Joe Gwaladi, among others to spice the launch.
Giboh Pearson of Idzathera Mapenalty fame told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday that the launch of the band is meant to get deep into local music and to inspire young and upcoming artists in Phalombe and across.
“We want to entertain Malawians as well as other countries and we are ready as a band to perform all around Malawi. This will be the first band to be born in phalombe; and this is the reason I say l want to promote local and upcoming young artists in Phalombe and elsewhere,” Giboh said.
Apart from Giboh Pearson himself, Jetu, Jay Cee, Paul Subili, Joe Gwaladi and Nankhuni Kwambiri, will be main artists while B-Wizzy, Mach Zero, Primo, Wap G and Jay Nayah, as supporting artists to spice the Phalombe Muzik Band launch.
The young musician also thanked all his fans for giving him support on his music career.
James Juma Chitsonga, also known as Jay Cee, said he was prepared to give “a massive performance” and he promised music fans to expect, “nothing but great entertainment”
A fan of Giboh Pearson, Mtendele Gama, from Phalombe, said he is looking forward to the band launch, adding that this will be a great motivation to young and upcoming music artists.
Malawi to commemorate World Environment Day and Int’l Day for Biological Diversity
By Nellie Nyirenda
Blantyre, June 2, Mana; Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change will host a joint commemoration of World Environment Day and the International Day for Biological Diversity on June 5 at Chongole Primary School grounds in Nkhotakota under the local theme: Harmony with Nature: End Plastic Pollution for Sustainable Development.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, the joint theme reflects Malawi’s urgent call to restore the balance between human development and the environment by tackling the growing threats of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.
“The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, is implementing several initiatives to restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and curb plastic pollution,” the statement reads.
The statement said the ministry is encouraging the public to reduce the use of single-use plastics, adopt reusable alternatives, and recycle plastics and other materials responsibly.
Social commentator, Wonderful Mkhutche, said the local theme is relevant as the day will help the country reflect how use of thin plastic is affecting the biodiversity.
He said the country should put in place systems that should protect the environment from non-environmental friendly practices, including use of the thin plastics.
WORI brings hope to girls in Thyolo
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, June 2, Mana: In a district where 662 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) underwent unsafe abortions between January and September 2024 alone, the story of one young woman from Traditional Authority (T/A) Bvumbwe puts a human face on a crisis many prefer to ignore.
Mary (not real name), 28, was devastated when her husband denied responsibility for her pregnancy, saying he was not ready since their first child was only three years old.
"He abandoned me to look after myself and the pregnancy,” she recounted.
Feeling trapped, Mary took abortion-inducing drugs and the results were instant and nerve-chilling: she collapsed and if it wasn’t for the swift action by her relatives, she could have been no more.
"But even then, upon discharge, the community fined me K100,000 for breaking local rules," she said.
Mary is just one among many. According to a recent assessment by the Women’s Rights Institute (WORI), the 662 unsafe abortion cases reported in Thyolo signal a growing challenge driven by limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, stigma, and poor communication between parents and youth.
“These barriers are pushing girls toward unsafe decisions,” said WORI District Project Officer, Kuunika Kamende. “We are addressing this through a €30,000 project aimed at improving SRH access.”
Another 16-year-old girl from the area, Thoko (not her real name), became pregnant while still in school.
"At first, I feared that my dream of becoming a nurse was shattered. But after delivering my baby, my parents encouraged me to return to school.
“And thanks to the WORI SRHR project, I now understand how to protect myself. I have hope again,” said Thoko, beaming.
Similar sentiments were shared by Yulita Daudi from Chide Village. She described how poverty pushed her into prostitution at just 16 years old.
“I lacked school materials and parental guidance. I turned to sex work to survive,” she said.
Yulita’s turning point came when she was rescued by Lonely Mbalangwe, Chairperson of Kuunika Women Group under WORI and, now, she is back in school and rebuilding her life.
The project’s positive ripple effects have been felt across communities. Traditional Authority Bvumbwe praised WORI for its vital role in reducing early marriages and unsafe abortions, noting that the fear of penalties and rising awareness have influenced behavior change.
“Our girls are more informed now. They understand the consequences of their choices,” the chief said.
Susan Cement, Chairperson of a local mother group, echoed the praise, stating that before WORI came in, it was hard to access SRH services, unlike now when girls can seek help without shame.
According to Cement, the women even formed four groups to help keep girls in school,
“WORI’s efforts have not only improved access to services. but empowered the youth with knowledge,” she said, and continued: “Girls are now well-versed in contraceptive use, and they are actively avoiding risky behavior.”
Peer Educator Bridget Muhome from Group Village Headman Thunga said more initiatives are needed.
“We have made progress, but we must not stop here,” Muhome said.
According to WORI Programmes Officer, Chisomo Phaiya, the SRHR project successfully reached 1,500 AGYW in Thyolo.
“We are proud of the transformation we have seen. The project has phased out, but its impact will continue,” she said.
Thyolo’s Youth-Friendly Health Services Coordinator, Steve Dimba, underscored the importance of a united approach, noting that concerted efforts are needed to tackle issues of unsafe abortions.
“The health sector alone cannot solve this. We need joint efforts to expand youth-friendly services and eliminate the root causes of unsafe abortions,” he said.
As the statistics show, and personal stories reveal, Thyolo is at a crossroads. But through the work of organizations like WORI and the courage of girls who choose to rise above their circumstances, there is hope for a future where every young woman is safe, informed, and empowered.
National youth Summit preparations at an advanced stage
By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, June 2, Mana: National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) says 2025 National Youth Summit preparations are at an advanced stage.
The event is scheduled to take place at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) from the 2nd to the 4th of July.
Speaking during a press briefing held at BICC on Monday, Executive Director of NYCOM, Rex Chapota says the 2025 Summit is on and the preparations are going well adding the event has received an overwhelming response from the youth nationwide and that some partners have committed to support the summit.
“15 partners have committed to support the budget of the summit, and also the confirmation from President Lazarus Chakwera to grace the summit is a great encouragement to the youth agenda of this nation.
“The summit will be an engine for inclusive development, economic empowerment and social cohesion of young people,” Chapota said.
Youth key staff member championing the issues of the National Youth Summit, Doreen Chilije, said in the upcoming summit she expects to have a voicing platform and get a response from relevant authorities.
This year's National Youth Summit will be held under the theme of Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation Towards Malawi 2063.
The theme re-enforces the central role of young people in driving innovation, economic transformation and job creation to achieve Malawi`s long-term vision of becoming a self-reliant inclusive.
Likoma district registers a suspected case of Mpox
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, June 2, Mana: Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Likoma, Dr. Gracewell Mathewe says the district has registered one suspected Mpox case.
According to a notice issued by Mathewe on Sunday, the suspected case is from a 25-year-old male from Mozambique.
"The suspect is presenting with symptoms pointing towards or suggestive of Mpox disease. The patient is currently admitted in an isolated room at St Peter's Hospital and is getting necessary medical care," reads the notice.
It further says that necessary protocols have been put in place to confirm whether the case is Mpox disease or not.
District Environmental Health Officer for Likoma, Alfred Nyasulu said a Virus Transporting Media (VTM) Mpox Test Kit is already at the hospital saying the hospital is only waiting for transport to send the sample to the main laboratory in Lilongwe.
"The VTM Mpox Test Kit used for exporting samples is already here, this means that the sample will be taken to Lilongwe for testing as soon as transport is available," said Nyasulu.
As one of the preventative measures, he said that hospital staff have already been informed about the suspected case adding that once confirmed positive, people in the district will be informed and sensitized on the availability of the disease.
Anglican church commended for contributing towards national development
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, June 2, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma has commended Anglican church for contributing towards the development of the country.
Ching’oma said this on Sunday during the 30th Anniversary celebration of St Peters Cathedral Church in Likoma which is under Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi since 1995.
“The administration of President Lazarus Chakwera, is pleased with your church because it is playing a vital role in contributing towards the development of the country such as the construction of schools and hospitals.
“St Peters Hospital is serving a lot of people including those from Mozambique and many people have attained their education through the schools which you have here. In addition, this church attracts a lot of tourists, being a historical church,” said Ching’oma.
He said apart from developmental activities, the church is at the forefront of preaching the word of God through its Hosana Radio Station.
Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev Fanuel Magangani of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi said the celebration was a milestone for the church, asking members to look back and thank God for the achievements.
“As we look back at what God has done, it should also help us to look forward with a new strategic plan that can lead us to the development of the church in terms of the investments, evangelism, schools, and hospitals,” said Magangani.
President Chakwera, through Ching’oma, contributed K1 million while Ching’oma himself contributed K500,000 to the church.
Mchinji Women Advancing Immunization Agenda
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, June 2, Mana: Mother Care Groups (MCGs) in Mchinji are advancing the immunization agenda in hard-to-reach areas, enabling more children to receive life-saving vaccines and prevent diseases.
Chairperson for Nzama MCG, Sophlet Bakayawo, in an interview with Malawi News Agency, on Sunday said the groups have been instrumental in mobilizing women and sensitizing communities about the importance of immunization.
“We meet regularly to discuss how we can improve child health in our villages. One of our key focus areas is immunization. We go door to door and encourage people to take their children to the under-five clinics,” said Bakayawo.
Secretary for Matutu-Msasi MCG, Rhoda Chikudzulire, highlighted how misinformation has affected vaccination uptake among caregivers.
“Lack of information on vaccines has made many women embrace beliefs that giving vaccines to children is a bad thing. We have gone flat out, holding meetings with duty bearers, chiefs, and community members to provide accurate information about vaccines.
“It is worth noting that those who held such beliefs have changed their mindsets,” said Chikudzulire, who added that even men go to under-five clinics with their children if mothers are tied up.
With the MCGs in place, Mchinji has observed a significant increase in attendance at immunization clinics in areas where these groups are active, consequently, there is also an increase in vaccine coverage.
Expanded Programme on Immunization coordinator for Mchinji, Davis Sambikeni, stated that as of 2024, Mchinji achieved 83 per cent coverage of vaccines.
“We are making progress when we compare to some two to three years ago, where we could not meet 80 per cent coverage. By then, we were 78 per cent and below,” said Sambikeni.
Some of the vaccines being administered include BCG, Pentavalent, Rotavirus, Measles-Rubella, and the newly introduced HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14.
The formation of MCGs was made possible by the Centre for Research and Development Initiative (CERADI), with backing from the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), which is implementing the Health Systems and Immunization Strengthening Project with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).
Blantyre DC says CS-EPWP implementation on track
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, June 1, Mana: Blantyre District Commissioner, Alex Mdooko, says the district is on track in implementing the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), which is aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and improving the livelihoods of communities living in various catchment areas.
Mdooko said this recently in Blantyre during a review meeting of CS-EPWP, which brought together extension workers, designated desk officers and District Environmental Sub-Committee members to assess progress in the implementation of the programme in 15 catchments.
The District Commissioner observed that tangible assets created during CS-EPWP’s execution were commendable and meaningful and commended all key stakeholders for their dedication in the implementation of the programme.
Mdooko however emphasized the need for stakeholders’ collaboration, saying this was a sure way of achieving meaningful impact under the CS-EPWP.
“We have project coordinators, desk officers, and lead persons in place that should consistently share notes and implementation challenges. I expect stakeholders to revisit agreed action points from the quarterly review meetings and assess the progress made,” he said.
The District Commissioner also highlighted that participants recruitment process for all social support programmes, such as the Social Cash Transfer and Public Works, is guided by the Unified Beneficiary Register (UBR), with poverty levels as a key determinant
“Therefore, we must ensure that our implementation processes minimize inclusion and exclusion errors. Proper targeting is critical to reaching the most deserving households,” added Mdooko.
District Project Facilitator for CS-EPWP in Blantyre, Aubrey Jazza, said the programme has so far created visible, durable, and high-quality assets in various catchment areas, which are helping to improve household resilience to shocks, enhance household income, and strengthen food security, among other benefits.
CSEPWP is funded by the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Mwalilino’s strike silences Bullets as Bishop backs rising star
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, June 01, Mana: President and Founder of Amazing Grace Christian Ministry has rewarded Mighty Wanderers Striker Blessings Mwalilino with money amounting to K100,000, as one way of encouraging young talents, saying sporting activities play a big role in shaping a better future for youths.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, Bishop Chimwemwe Chafumuka expressed his gratitude following an impressive goal scored by Mighty Wanderers striker Mwalilino against Bullets on Saturday, during Blantyre derby.
“It’s important to be involved in sports since it keeps people, especially the youth, away from bad behaviour, therefore, we need to support sports for it builds discipline and gives hope among them, As a sports lover and a servant of God, I believe in supporting youths who invest in their skills positively," Chafumuka explained.
Mwalilino’s solitary strike brought a hush over the Palestiner’s banquet, as he earned the prestigious Lali Lubani outfit; finally ending the long wait to overshadow their traditional Accra rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Wanderers sit second in the standings of Malawi’s top-flight league with 16 points and a game in hand, just two points behind league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who have 18 points from seven matches.
