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Thyolo registers a surge in condom use
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, June 20, Mana: Thyolo District has registered a rise in condom and lubricants usage thanks to the Last Mile Programme implemented by Banja La Mtsogolo (BLM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health aimed at increasing accessibility of condoms and lubricants to people in the district.
Speaking during a District Condom Coordinating Committee meeting, BLM Thyolo District Condom Programming Leader, Clara Dias said the programme which was implemented in 15 Traditional Authorities (TAs) in the district has seen an increase in usage of condoms.
She disclosed that approximately 2.8 million male condoms, 5,952 female condoms and 9,800 lubricants were distributed from January to May 2024.
“We operated in 350 hotspots where we placed the condoms in bars, shabeens and distributed to various youth clubs and community based organizations in the district,” Dias said.
“We used sporting activities like football bonanzas to sensitize communities which resulted into high uptake of the condoms,” she said, adding: “We are happy to see that even Traditional Authority leaders were willing to map and register hotspots where people could get access to the condoms.”
Dias pointed out that many women are still hesitant to use female condoms, attributing the trend to knowledge gap.
“We feel that there is need to orient people on the use of female condoms as well as sensitisation and mindset change if we are to see more adoption of female condoms in the district,” she said.
Thyolo District Condom Coordinator, Samuel Kalema said the rise in condom use was an indication that people are aware of the importance of the condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies in the district.
On the low absorption of the female condoms, he said there was need to step up sensitisation and mindset change efforts.
“There is lack of promotion of the female condoms among men, studies have shown that where female condoms are promoted among men there is a high adoption rate.
“It is, therefore, important to deliberately promote female condoms among men if we are to see a high rate of adoption,” Kalema said.
During the meeting, various sectors presented their condom programming activities for the first quarter of 2024
Council calls for interventions to curb malnutrition
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, June 20, Mana: Chikwawa District Council has said they are committed to ensuring the implementation of a number of interventions to prevent malnutrition.
Vice Chairperson for the District Council, Joe Gwanda said this Wednesday during launch of Nutrition Education Week at Mitekete Ground in Traditional Authority (TA) Kasisi in the district.
The launch held under the theme: "Ulimi wakasakaniza munyengo ya ng'amba, gwero la chakudya ndi kadyedwe koyenera," is aimed at sensitizing people on various ways to combat malnutrition.
He said there need to use several interventions in a bid to improve the nutritional status of the district.
“Through various offices, communities are being advised, among other things, to have backyard gardens, eat form all the six food groups and ensure lactating mothers fully breastfeed their babies,” Gwanda said.
Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Chikwawa District Council, Thokozile Munthali, observed that, “Due to El Niño weather patterns, which have contributed to hunger, many people, especially children, expectant and lactating mothers have become malnourished.”
She added that the District Council in conjunction with Chikwawa District Hospital was engaging communities to educate them on ways to reduce malnutrition.
"As we know, Chikwawa is frequently hit by cyclones and droughts, which escalate hunger," Munthali said, adding that, "Through various interventions such as Nutrition Education Week, radio programmes and nutrition screening, the problem shall be reduced."
The Event started with a big walk from the council to Mitekete Ground and was characterized by several performances.
Mission Rabies to vaccinate 25, 000 dogs and cats
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, June 20, Mana: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) under the banner of Mission Rabies plans to vaccinate over 25, 000 dogs and cats in Nsanje District in an attempt to reduce rabies.
Project Coordinator for Mission Rabies, Chrispin Njala disclosed on Thursday in Nsanje during a District Executive Committee meeting that rabies was killing people every year in the country and that there was need to step up efforts by reaching out to all districts in the country with rabies vaccine.
“We will vaccinate all the dogs and cats for free. What we want is to be given consent by the owner of these pets,” he said.
Njala said the organization has planned to vaccinate dogs and cats in Nsanje from 2024 up to 2030.
He added that the campaign which will be done in phases will have the first phase start from July 22 up to August 19,2024.
Chief Agricultural and Natural Resources Officer for Nsanje, James Lichapa thanked the organization for the timely support to complement government efforts in reducing rabies in the district.
He said the veterinary office in the district could not initiate the exercise due to shortage of funds.
“The vaccine is very expensive and we thank Mission Rabies for the planned exercise and we will give them all the support they need to implement this activity,” Lichapa added.
He said the district has over 25, 000 dogs and cats and appealed to communities to render full support to the exercise.
Mission Rabies has been providing rabies vaccine in various districts in the southern region including, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Balaka, Blantyre, Phalombe and Mulanje.
Stakeholders for access to sustainable energy
By Tabbu Kauye
Lilongwe, June 20, Mana: Government has access to reliable and affordable energy remains a significant obstacle for many Malawians.
Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola said this Thursday in Lilongwe at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) during Energy Conference which has drawn stakeholders from the energy sector and among other issues, they will address and discuss issues of universal access to sustainable energy and pressing global challenges related to sustainable and clean energy.
He said the conference provides an opportunity for stakeholders to highlight their effort share innovative solutions and unlock financing opportunities essential for enhancing the energy access programmes.
"By bringing together Government entities, Development Partners, Financial Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private Sector, we aim to create a holistic and integrated approach for resolving our energy challenges," Matola noted.
The Minister said provision of reliable and affordable energy to Malawians as evidenced by the recent Malawi Energy Access Survey.
According to Matola, the Survey showed that only 25.8 percent of Malawians have access to electricity, where many are concentrated in urban areas.
Matola said, “We are committed to diversifying our energy mix. Currently, the majority of our energy is derived from hydropower, leaving us vulnerable to climatic variations and rainfall patterns. Our strategic approach involves exploring alternative renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass to enhance our energy security and mitigate environmental impacts."
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GeAP Country Lead, Collen Zalengera said GeAP was committed to collaborating with government, private sector and other partner’s efforts to a movement of achieving sustainable energy for all.
The Conference brought together energy experts, policymakers, researchers, NGOs and other partners.
The two-day conference started on June 20 to 21, 2024.
Council and lawmaker hailed
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 20, Mana: Councilor for Chilongoni Ward under Dedza Central East Constituency, Boniface Nyombe Wednesday expressed gratitude to Dedza District Council officials for timely supervising projects taking place in the area.
He said the development not only strengthens the relationship between council staff and communities they serve by ensuring smooth completion of the projects.
The Councilor made the remarks when the Council was handing over a project site for the construction of a classroom block to a tune of K92, 433, 045.33 under the World Bank funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) at Mkumbuka Primary School in the area while singling out offices such as those of the Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Director of Public Works (DPW), Procurement as well as Finance.
Nyombe applauded Member of Parliament for the area, Joshua Malango saying he was cautious when it comes to using the district basket funds that are allocated to his area.
“Under Malango leadership, the area has witnessed tremendous developments such as clinics, guardian shelters as well as bridges just to mention a few. It is just unfortunate that there are no learning visits among our MPs but this was the right area for them to come and see what their fellow MP is doing,” he said.
A Member of Kaphuka Area Development Committee (ADC), Stephano McDonald applauded Malango for what he termed good developments being implemented in Dedza Central East Constituency.
“We owe all this to our MP, who is development conscious and also transparent in whatever he does. I can comfortably say that our ADC is vibrant as a result of his activeness and engagement,” he said.
The DPD for Dedza District Council, Macpherson Mwakhwawa said the launch of the classroom block construction aims at providing a conducive learning environment among learners thereby contributing towards achieving the Malawi 2063.
He assured the communities of their continued efforts in improved service delivery.
Malango, said the construction works of a new classroom block at the site was welcomed development citing the challenges learners in upper classes of Standard seven and eight have been facing in covering long distances to access education at Limthipe 2 crossing the M1.
He said the other classes are temporary and not enough as some learners learn outside and are heavily affected during scorching sun and rains.
Malango called on communities to actively participate in the construction works while urging the contractor, Rahel and Jowita Joint Venture to ensure the first term learning period starting in September, the classrooms are complete and are in use.
“One of the pillars in the Malawi 2063 highlights education and this project is a dream coming true. When I came into the constituency I kept on emphasizing that I am not the boss but the servant. This is the only secret we got from our father, President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera who teaches us to be the servant of the people,” he stated.
Chande BVC impresses peers
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, June 20, Mana: Senior Chief Makanjira of Salima has hailed the Chande Beach Village Committee (BVC) of Nkhotakota for outstanding management of hygiene-related issues on their fishing dock in the district.
Speaking during a learning visit by Salima District Council’s Mbenji Island and Fisheries Management Committee at Chande fishing doc in Nkhotakota, he said hygiene was of utmost importance and commended the committee for the amazing management of the beach.
“We admire the good work being done here and encourage more of such visits to learn and share knowledge for the betterment of admirable fish farming practices that we can learn from each other,” Makanjira said.
District Fisheries Officer (DFO) for Nkhotakota, Symon Ngwira said this was the first of many exchange visits funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the ReFRESH project to ensure various BVCs share knowledge and strategies for implementing effective fish conservation programmes.
He stressed the importance of issues of hygiene on landing sites, adherence to bylaws, and effective coordination with the chiefs for effective conflict resolution management on matters of breaking the by-laws as part of the things that these committees should share knowledge on.
The DFO for Salima, Patrick Zakeyo said they were impressed and feel the visit has served them well and are looking forward to these visits by their colleagues and continuation of this exchange of knowledge.
Refresh District Technician for Nkhotakota, Catherine Kamanga described the exchange visit a success having encouraged local fisheries management authorities from Salima and Nkhotakota to learn from each other about best practices in Fisheries Management and Resource Mobilization to support their initiatives.
Multimillion kwacha project launched
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 20, Mana: Director of Public Works (DPW) for Dedza called on the contractor, AWOH Construction, to ensure they construct modern structures using cement blocks and as per the design while emphasizing on considering the local people for some piece works throughout the construction period.
The DPW for Dedza, Harry Mara said this Wednesday during the handed over a project site at Mphunzi Primary School under Traditional Authority (TA) Kaphuka where a classroom block worth K95.4 million is expected to be built.
He said the project has been earmarked to be completed by September,2024.
The DPW said, “Let me advise communities to closely work with the contractor and my plea to the contractor is to instill discipline in his workforce. Let’s refrain from child labour,” Mara warned.
He added that construction of the classroom block which falls under the District Development Plan (DDP) reflects on the Malawi 2063.
Village Development Committee (VDC) Chairperson, Joseph Edison, under Group Village Head (GVH) Chakachadza where the school was located, expressed gratitude at the launch of the project hoping to see improved education standards at the institution.
He said Mphunzi Primary School, with an enrolment of 1,570 pupils, has only three classroom blocks standing.
Dedza South West Member of Parliament, Clement Mlombwa hailed Dedza District Council for reaching out to his area while calling on his subordinates to fully participate throughout construction process.
“We expect total security for the construction materials as well as total care once the project is complete and in use,” he emphasized.
The Classroom block will be constructed under the World Bank’s Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project and is expected to include; four VIP pit latrines as well as procurement of 60 desks among others.
President appoints new MEC Chairperson, two commissioners
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, June 20, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has appointed Justice, Annabel Mtalimanja as new Chairperson for Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and Rev. Phillip Kambulire and Dr. Limbikani Kamlongera as new Commissioners.
According to a public notice signed by MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the appointments are effective from June 7, 2024, were made in accordance with Section 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and Section 4 of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act.
These appointments fill the vacancies left by the outgoing Chairperson, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale and Commissioners Dr. Anthony John Mukumbwa and Olivia Mchaju Liwewe whose tenures of office ended on June 6, 2024.
Following the appointments, the current composition of MEC is as follows:
- Hon. Justice Annabel Mtalimanja- Chairperson
- Richard Chapweteka - Commissioner
- Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano - Commissioner
- Rev. Phillip P.J. Kambulire - Commissioner
- Dr. Limbikani Kamlongera - Commissioner
- Francis Lazalo Kasaila - Commissioner
- Caroline Mfune – Commissioner
Malawians urged to acquire national identity cards
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 20, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) District Elections Officer for Karonga, Elias Nyirenda has urged eligible citizens to turn up for national identity mop up registration and distribution of cards' exercise which is currently underway in the district.
In an interview Wednesday, he said that during MEC's engagement meetings with Multiparty Liason Committees, political party representatives in all districts complained that most potential voters do not have national identification cards.
"The National Registration Bureau (NRB) is conducting a mop up exercise and the new electoral laws stipulate that only those with proof of registration from NRB will be registred to vote in the 2025 general election, so potential voters should utilize this opportunity for them to have cards,” Nyirenda said.
He called on traditional, religious and political leaders among others to help in raising awareness on the importance of the exercise which was also being conducted in MEC's registration centres.
Principal Registration Officer for NRB for Karonga, Chikondi Mtunga pledged that they intend to conduct the exercise in all areas in the district.
He added that the exercise was a follow up to the successfull completion of the national identity cards outreach registration exercise which was concluded in May 2024.
“We will do this in nine phases at 131 old MEC registration centres in Karonga while aiming at registering all eligible citizens who did not participate during the just concluded exercise including those who have just turned 16 years.
We want to make sure that we cover all areas including those which are hard to reach with this important exercise and we are using generators in centres where there is no electricity," Mtunga pointed out.
Over 20,000 men have been circumcised
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, May 20, Mana: Over 20,000 men more especially the youth between the age of 15-25 years in Lilongwe have been circumcised between the month of April and June, 2024.
The development was revealed on Wednesday during the supervision of Dolo Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) campaign that was conducted by Lilongwe District Council Officials and Jhpiego, an organization affiliated to John Hopkins.
Community Mobilization and Communication Officer for Dolo VMMC project, Dave Nkombezi said the figures are a clear indication that several men more especially the youth have now realized the importance of VMMC.
“We are happy and encouraged with the overwhelming figures that we are registering in out clinics. In this quarter, our target is to reach out to 22,700 men, but as of now, we have already circumcised 19,200 men which is a very big achievement,” he said
Lumbadzi Clinic VMMC Provider, Dennick Chanza said on average the clinic circumcise 200 men of which many of them they seek the services on their own without waiting for the VMMC campaigns.
“Just in the month of May, we circumcised 433 men which is quite encouraging,” he said
One of the circumcised youth, Abel Mbewe said many youths have embraced the VMMC because they have known the importance of being circumcised.
“Apart from protecting men from getting HIV during sexual intercourse, the initiative is assisting in protecting our partners [girl friends or wives] from getting cervical cancer which is being spread by Papilloma virus that hides in the foreskin of male organ,” he pointed out.
Dolo Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) project is funded by US Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through Centres for Disease Control (CDC) implemented by Jhpiego and Lilongwe District Health Office.
