
MANAonline
Ayo Landie Shines bright with new Afropop Anthem 'SHINE'
By Priscilla Phiri
January 21, Lilongwe, Mana: Local artist, Landie Lufani, popularly known as Ayo Landie is making waves in the music industry with his latest Afropop single and music video, 'Shine', released on January 20th.
The powerful anthem, which urge listeners to rise above criticism and negativity, showcases Ayo Landie's unique sound, blending traditional African rhythms with modern pop elements.
According to Ayo Landie, the inspiration behind the song was to empower people to believe in themselves and their abilities.
"It just came to my mind and I wanted to create something that would help people overcome negativity and reach their fullest potential," he explained.
He has further promised his fans to expect a series of audio tracks and music videos throughout the year.
A fan of Ayo Landie, Sean Njikho, hailed the new track, by describing it as a masterpiece with a clear message.
He encouraged Ayo Landie to maintain his unique sound and explore new platforms to distribute his music.
Njikho also urged the artist to leverage DJs to play his music in clubs, to reach a wider audience and gain more fans.
In addition to his solo work, Ayo Landie also featured in Crispy Malawi's song titled "Mbiya," further showcasing his talent and expanding his reach in the music industry.
PRISAM Appeals for Reopening of Chaminade Marianist School
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 21, Mana: Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has urged the Ministry of Education to re-open Chaminade Marianist Secondary School, which was closed due to allegations of corporal punishment and governance issues.
On Monday, the Ministry of Education, through its Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, confirmed that the school was shut down because it practiced corporal punishment, which is prohibited by law.
However, PRISAM President Dr. Ernest Kaonga has appealed to the government to reopen the school, emphasising that innocent students are bearing the brunt of the closure.
“As PRISAM, we believe the best approach to resolve this matter is for the ministry to invite the school authorities for a roundtable discussion to map the way forward.
I believe that dialogue and engagement are the only viable solutions, as the closure disproportionately affects students, particularly those preparing for MSCE and JCE examinations," said Kaonga.
In response, Mphatso Nkuonera stated that the ministry is unaware of any plans by PRISAM for a meeting and has not received official communication regarding the matter.
“As a ministry, we have not received any formal communication. However, I want to stress that we are open to discussions with PRISAM.
We are also working on plans to support students who are currently idle, especially those preparing for national examinations," he added.
Health Minister opens K49 Million Maternity wing in Balaka
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, January 21, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda on Moday officially opened a K49 million Kwitanda Maternity Wing in Balaka with a call for health workers to ensure improved healthy service delivery in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chiponda said the Maternity Wing constructed in Traditional Authority Nsamala will play a crucial role in fighting against poor health service delivery in the district.
Chiponda acknowledged the long distances as a major maternity challenge the community has been facing.
"Kwitanda Health Center is being given to this community in order to improve the delivery of quality healthcare services.
"Members of this community used to walk long distance to access healthcare services but now that is history." She said.
The Minister commended developmental partners for their support and commitment in ensuring quality healthcare services in the country, further noting their efforts to eradicate cholera outbreaks in the country.
Prior to the opening of the Health Center, Chiponda launched the oral cholera vaccine camping at Dzimwe Health Center in the district.
Speaking after the launch, World Health Expanded Program on Immunization leader, Dr, Aisi Akoso pledged total support to ensure access to quality healthcare services for all.
“The opening of the maternity block here ensures access for all in terms of the cholera vaccine deployment, and WHO supported the country to access cholera vaccines. we are also providing technical and financial support for the deployment of these vaccines to the last mile," She said.
Principal Secretary responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera said a healthy population as a key milestone for the country to achieve economic sustainable goals.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Balaka South Constituency, Ireen Mambala said women had been experiencing challenges to attain maternity services in the area due to long distance noting the opening of the maternity wing will minimize the challenges.
NLGFC kick-starts 2025/2026 budget review sessions for councils
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, January 20, Mana: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has kick-started the 2025/2026 budget review for district, municipal and city councils.
The exercise, which is taking place in Blantyre, is aimed at scrutinizing and validating the budgets of councils and cities, thereby ensuring that they align with national priorities and adhere to principles of effective resource allocation at the local government level.
Mangochi District Council was among the first councils that presented their projected budgets on Monday.
Speaking during the session, Mangochi acting District Commissioner, Davie Chigwenembe said that the council budget for the coming fiscal year is pegged at K 8.1 billion.
The budget includes central government transfers of K 7.8 billion, as well as a locally generated revenue of K306 million.
He said that through the budget, the council will priorities infrastructure developments in agriculture, education and health sectors, through the construction of irrigation schemes, rehabilitation of health facilities, as well as construction of girls’ hostels and schools.
‘‘As a district council, we want to advance on winter irrigation farming, to ensure that communities are food secure. Through this year’s budget, we have earmarked some traditional authorities such as Chimala where we will construct irrigation schemes.
‘‘To improve child education, we are planning to construct two girls’ hostels, as well as some school blocks in the district, with resources from Governance to Enable Service Delivery. On health, we will rehabilitate health facilities through the hospital rehabilitation project,” Chigwenembe added.
On finances, the acting District Commissioner said Mangochi was performing well in locally generated revenue in the current fiscal year such that by December 2024, the council collected K226 million, anticipating surpassing a K245 million target.
He added that in the coming financial year, the council intends to collect K306 million from locally generated revenue.
In his remarks, a budget officer at the NLGFC, Jonathan Banda commended Mangochi District Council for performing well on revenue generation.
‘‘In most cases, district councils have difficulties in managing their resources due to large outstanding balances. It appears that Mangochi is doing well, and this is a commendable development,” said Banda.
Rumphi District Hospital targets 36000 people with OCV amid cholera threats
By Thula Chisamba
Rumphi, January 20, Mana: Rumphi District Hospital in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has rolled out an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) exercise which is targeting 36000 people in the district.
Chief Preventive Health Officer for the district, Sam Chirwa said the move is a proactive response to an alarming upsurge of cholera cases in the district and the neighbouring Mzimba North.
“Currently, we have already registered 29 cholera cases, and the disease is reportedly fast spreading in neighbouring Mzimba North, particularly in areas like Vongo which is very close to us here,” said Chirwa.
He said the current vaccination drive aims to bolster immunity among vulnerable populations, particularly in the wake of the recent cases that have raised alarms about the potential for widespread transmission.
In an interview, one of the bicycle taxi operators at Rumphi Boma, Joel Msimuko said his business makes him susceptible to the infection hence would take the vaccine.
“I took it two years ago, and as per requirement doctors say I have to take it again this year. Even if they would recommend taking it every year, I would be taking it because my taxi business exposes me to the infection more than others,” said Msimuko.
Meanwhile, local health authorities in the district are also ramping up efforts to educate the public about preventive measures against cholera, including proper sanitation practices and the importance of boiling water before consumption.
In Malawi, Rumphi is one of the districts that is vulnerable to the disease. In 2022 over 783 cases and 13 deaths were registered in the district.
Currently, the district hospital has already stationed health workers in various locations throughout the district to ensure easy access to the vaccine during the campaign which will run until January 25th this year.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium ‘Vibrio cholerae’.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths are reported each year across the globe.
VEEP arrives at Changalu primary school
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, January 20, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has arrived at Changalu Primary School in Inkosi Nsakambewa in Dowa, where he is to appreciate school feeding activities being implemented by Mary's Meals at the school.
He was welcomed by Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima and other dignitaries.
The school has around 1000 learners.
The Vice President will inspect the kitchen where porridge for the children is prepared, he will also join the team of volunteers in serving the children porridge before interacting with them. Afterwards, Dr Usi will address a gathering at the school ground.
Mchinji DHO registers a high prevalence rate of Gonorrhea infections
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, January 20, Mana: Mchinji District Hospital Sexual Transmitting Infections (STIs) Coordinator, Elia Phiri says in 2024 the facility registered a high rate of Gonorrhea infection cases.
Phiri told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday that the district's high prevalence rate raised an alarm.
“The facility that mostly covers the population situated at the Boma and surrounding areas, recorded 5,335 infection cases of STIs but out of them 2,164 cases were of Gonococcal, commonly known as Gonorrhea,” Phiri said.
He said Gonorrhea is a health-threatening disease saying it has the potential of causing complications that could attract Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), birth complications, cancer, infertility and a risk of HIV infections.
Phiri mentioned having multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex and drug and alcohol abuse as some of the risk factors that mostly fuel the rise of infections.
In a separate interview with the Field Officer for Mchinji Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS), Hope Million, said they are working jointly with the district hospital to carry out community outreach and mobile STI clinics in the district.
Million explained that ELDS has a special agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on a project which is designed to reduce the spreading of HIV and other STI infections.
“Jointly ELDS and IOM have been providing the services through community outreach, mobile clinics, aside from raising awareness on sexual reproductive health rights and HIV,” Million said.
PS encourages team Work and Collaboration
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 20, Mana: Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, has emphasised the need of team work for the betterment of the Department.
Speaking at the Department of information in Lilongwe on Monday where he interacted with the senior management and staff at the department,Chiyamwaka said it is important to remain competent in executing duties and continue providing support to the department.
“ I am part of this family and I am meant to work closely with you all members to achieve greatness. We appreciate the work you do as this helps the department to improve its services ,” He said.
He then urged the staff at the department to take note and follow the Ministry's mandate as it is the bedrock of the ministry.
“ Let us strive to build each other up, to support each other and to work together towards a common goal,” He stated.
In his remarks, Director of Information at the department Arthur Chipenda commended the PS for coming and encourage the workers as it provides an opportunity to interaction.
Communities urged to take part in Cancer Campaigns
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, January 20, Mana: The Executive Director for Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ), Chikhulupiliro Ng'ombe, has urged Malawians to observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in an attempt to alleviate the increase in cervical cancer.
January is designated as a cervical cancer awareness month to spread messages about the prevention of cervical cancer and the essentiality of vaccination in women. The 2025 cervical cancer awareness month theme is: 'United by Unique.'
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Sunday, Ng'ombe said cervical cancer Awareness month is important because it promotes early detection, educates the public about cancer risk factors, and supports people living with cancer.
"As an organization we intend to ensure that many women can get the message and eventually get to go for screening. Through this awareness we aim to ensure that women who can prevent cervical cancer should prevent and to give hope to those who may be going through the disease," said Ng'ombe.
According to Ng'ombe, Malawi has high rates of cervical and HIV, whereby cervical cancer is particularly common among women living with HIV as such cancer-related awareness campaigns are needed to remove cancer and prevent further spread.
Malawi Health Equity Network (MEHN) Executive Director, George Jobe concurred with Ng'ombe, noting that Malawians should join hands in supporting the campaign considering that health the sector needs more partners to enhance its efforts in dealing with cancer.
"It is important that everyone from government to the schools, from the hospital to the workplaces and the churches to the community should join hands in fighting against cervical cancer and there is a need to assist as many people as possible all over Malawi," said Jobe.
According to the Institute for Global Health and Infections, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Malawi despite being preventable through early detection and treatment. Malawi's cervical cancer screening programme has faced challenges, however, there are ongoing efforts to improve access to screening and treatment.
Zomba Texas Boys donates mattresses to Bimbi Health Center
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, January 18, Mana: A group of men by the name of Texas Boys on Saturday donated 12 mattresses worthy K1.2 million to Bimbi Health Center in the area of Traditional Authority Kuntumanji in Zomba following an appeal for waterproof mattresses in the postnatal ward where patients have been sleeping on worn out bed materials.
The group which comprised men that stayed in Zomba town from the 1970s to the early 2000s mobilized financial resources from its WhatsApp group members to buy PVC mattresses.
Receiving the donation, Group Village Head Kumbwani hailed the group for responding to one of Bimbi Health Center’s dire needs, saying the donation was timely following the poor condition of mattresses in the postnatal ward, consultation room and waiting ward.
“We have worn-out mattresses. This donation is just a nice response to the facility’s challenge,” the group village head added.
Bimbi Health Centre serves a population of more than 26,000 from four group village heads namely; Kumbwani, Bimbi, Namadingo and Liphalo.
Group Village Kumbwani therefore said the donation will create a conducive environment for health delivery per the expectations of the community around the health facility.
Facility in Charge at Bimbi Health Centre, Dalitso Napawa said the postnatal ward requires PVC, waterproof mattresses saying the Texas Boys’ donation is the right and timely response to the health centre’s dire need.
Of the 12 donated mattresses, the postnatal ward has been given seven mattresses, while five mattresses have been allocated to consultation rooms and another ward that accommodates patients who await referral to Zomba Central Hospital for further medical attention.
A member of Texas Boys Charles Mukiwa said they felt duty-bound to help the Health Centre after learning that the facility had many challenges like mattresses.
“We learnt that there was a dire need of mattresses in the wards and we are glad to have helped,” he added.
In 2024 the Texas Boys rehabilitated and painted a guardian shelter at Zomba Central Hospital.
Texas Boys has 167 members on its WhatsApp forum.