MANAonline
Blantyre DHO set for net distribution
By Joseph Ligowe
Blantyre, December 25, Mana: Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) will commence mosquito net distribution in Blantyre rural and to 142 households in Blantyre urban, in an effort to reduce malaria incidents.
On November 4, this year Blantyre DHO informed communities in the district that it will start distributing nets through a stakeholders meeting.
During the meeting on Tuesday, the Director of Health and Social Services, Gift Kawalazira said the net distribution exercise was delayed due to other logistical challenges but that now they are ready and they will begin with Chileka Cluster this coming Thursday.
“Although we met with some hiccups during the net distribution campaign in Blantyre, we have managed to overcome them, and today we can say all is set on Xmas Box, we are starting with Chileka Cluster, Lirangwe and we will then move to Mpemba,” said Kawalazira.
Blantyre DHO Deputy Health Promotion Officer, Wongani Mbale applauded the district health management team for making a firm decision after mitigating the setbacks they encountered because the campaign will end on January 2, 2025, observing that it is necessary to distribute mosquito nets as soon as possible.
“During the rainy season we register an increase in cases of malaria so distributing these mosquito nets now will help the beneficiaries avoid malaria,” he said.
In 2023, there were 6.4 million confirmed malaria cases with an incidence rate of 320 malaria cases per 1000 population such that the campaign will help to reduce high numbers of malaria cases.
ZEC Men’s Ministry celebrates Christmas with the underprivileged
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, December 25, Mana: Zambezi Evangelical Church (ZEC) National Men’s Ministry has embarked on a tour aimed at reaching out to different groups of underprivileged people with different kinds of gifts as one way of celebrating Christmas with them.
During the visit to Mwanza Prison, the group preached the gospel before donating assorted food and non-food items worth about K1 million to the inmates and staff as part of celebrating the festive season.
In an interview, ZEC National Coordinator for Men's Ministry, Pastor Jangiya Mwembere said the donated items which included soya pieces, salt, sugar, body lotion and assorted types of soap among others were mobilized by Christians of the church as well as members of the ministry.
Mwembere said that Jesus Christ was teaching people to love one another; therefore, one way of expressing it is by ensuring that challenges faced by marginalized groups are minimised.
“Sometimes people that are in difficult circumstances including the inmates are neglected by society but as followers of Jesus Christ we would want them to feel that God still loves them regardless of their situation and that is why we are celebrating with them the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Mwembere.
In a separate interview, ZEC’s Mitsidi Synod General Secretary, Pastor Robert Yanduya expressed gratitude, saying the group was introduced in the church about two years ago with an aim of doing charity work by reaching out to the hopeless.
Yanduya said the ministry has already provided skills on financial management, literacy, counseling and guidance on family matters and how to deal with depression so that suicide cases among men were reduced in the church.
He, therefore, commended the group for fulfilling its purpose by doing what Jesus Christ was teaching the disciples about love.
“Apart from visiting prisons, the group has also targeted hospitals, orphanages, child headed families and those with chronic illnesses among other groups,” said Yanduya.
In his remarks, Mwanza Prison Chaplain, Sergeant Rashid Mwachande commended ZEC men’s ministry for coming forward with the support, noting that it was timely.
“The institution cannot provide the items to all the beneficiaries due to financial constraints,” explained Mwachande.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Steven Benard commended ZEC for the gesture, saying the support will address some challenges they face in prison such as lack of basic needs including soap.
“The donation is also going to promote our personal hygiene so that we stay healthy while here like those who are outside,” said Benard.
All the 350 male inmates at Mwanza Prison benefited from the donation.
Power to Youth's small grants bring hope to Machinga youths
By Doricah Mkwapatira
Machinga, December 24, Mana: Power to Youth, a consortium of several youth focus and human rights organizations disburse small grants to youth led clubs in Machinga to deal with child marriages and other challenges that affect youth wellbeing.
Youth Wave Malawi, District Coordinator, Shalid Ishmael told Malawi News agency (Mana) recently that the consortium has so far provided small grants to youths at traditional authorities Sale, Kapoloma and Mizinga in the district.
"The Power to Youth initiative recognizes young people as critical agents of positive change. Small grants equip the youths and give them a platform to be heard and possibly create more youth organizations in the future.
“Youths can stand on their own and defend themselves in tough circumstances they couldn't afford in the past. They tackle issues of injustice, mobilize community leaders and raise awareness for their rights,” said Coordinator of Youth Wave Malawi.
Power to Youth is a five-year (2021 -2025) movement led by Youth Wave, Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Alliance, Center for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CEYECE) and Malawi Human Rights Resource Center (MHRRC),
Machinga District Youth Officer, Hope Mwafulirwa called the youths in the targeted areas to consider the initiative by Power to Youth as an opportunity to stand up, claim their rights, and bring positive change in their respective societies.
“Change begins with the youths, Let the youths in the targeted communities utilize the opportunity, they should not take small grants for granted,” he said.
Mwafulirwa observed that the grants already proved useful in the fight against child marriage and other forms of violence against children.
“Unlike the past year where Power to Youth was granting K750 000 per club and 1,500 000 per traditional authority, this year the grant has been increased to K2. million per traditional authority and K1. million per club,” he disclosed.
Modesta Witnesi testified that she was encouraged to go back to school after youth clubs at Traditional Authority Mizinga raised awareness on Ministry of Education’s re-admission policy on top of stressing that the right education was a critical part of child education.
After a series of community awareness at Mizinga, local leaders took the task of nullifying child marriages and further warned parents against facilitating child marriages,
She said the youth clubs, with the backing of local leaders, mobilized those who dropped out of school for other reasons to return to class.
“I got pregnant when l was in form 1 and I got married instantly. I was withdrawn from marriage and proceeded with education up to form 4,” Modesta who was at Namabaiko Community Day Secondary School added.
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Power to Youth alliance is meant to address issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), child marriages, and other forms of harmful traditional practices.
Chitipa Resource Mobilization Committee donates to Chitipa Police
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, December 25, Mana: Chitipa Resource Mobilization Committee on Saturday donated 400 liters of diesel, 10 torches valued at K100, 000.00 and K112, 000.00 cash to Chitipa Police Station.
Speaking on Tuesday when he presented the donation, the committee's chairperson, Fidelis Kambalame, said that the donation is aimed at assisting police officers in intensifying patrols during the Christmas and New Year Festive Season in the district.
Kambalame said that a lot of things happen in communities during festivities and in most cases such events lead to security lapses hence the need for increased police visibility, hence the donation.
“We decided to mobilize resources for the men in uniform so that they can patrol the district, especially major crime hot spots to ensure safety and security of people and property.
This is the first time the committee decided to fundraise for the Chitipa Police Station and we hope to make an annual initiative,” Kambalame said.
The officer in Charge of Chitipa Police Station, Joshua Mazengela, applauded the committee for the donation
He added that the donation will ease some of the challenges the police officers face in patrolling the district.
“Chitipa District borders two countries, Tanzania and Zambia and it is very important for us to conduct patrols during festive seasons because the district becomes busy with cross-border trade business.
We assure the committee that we are going to use the donation for the intended purpose. we will conduct patrols during day and night in all the locations,” said Mazengela.
Female civil servants donate to Karonga District Hospital
By George Mponda
Karonga, December 24, Mana: A grouping of female civil servants from various sectors at Karonga District Council Tuesday donated assorted items that included soap, sugar and snacks to the Children’s Ward at Karonga District Hospital.
The Chairperson for the grouping, which is, also known as, Women of Substance, which is a Mercy Sichali, said that members made individual contributions to raise money for buying the items.
"The items have been distributed to young patients and their guardians including nurses on duty so that they join others in celebrating Christmas although they are hospitalized," said Sichali.
Speaking after receiving the donation, one of the guardians Christina Kanyika of Mwanganda Village in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu said that she was grateful for the women's gesture.
"Receiving gifts from fellow women, means a lot to me because I know that they empathized with our situation and may God bless them for this noble course," said Kanyika.
Director of Health Services at Karonga District Council, David Sibale hailed the grouping for cheering children who are hospitalized at the health facility
"These children will spend Christmas celebration in the hospital, away from their families and friends, this donation will help bring them joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy during the holiday season," said Sibale.
Mzuzu Police engages children in information and knowledge sharing party
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, December 24, Mana: As individuals and organizations tend to be busy preparing parties for them to get together with their loved ones during Christmas and New Year Festive Seasons, Mzuzu Police, Tuesday held a knowledge and information sharing on child protection for young people drawn from various schools within Mzuzu City.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a day-long session at Zolozolo Secondary School, Officer in Charge for Mzuzu Police Station, Donnie Chionda said that children form the foundation of any society, hence the need for stakeholders to promote child protection and abuse programs.
Besides young people, the event was also attended by teachers, community-based organizations, community leaders and parents from surrounding areas the targeted schools.
“As parents, guardians and community leaders, we share a moral and legal obligation to protect children from harm. This includes protecting them from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other vices that can hinder their growth and development. Children are also major players in this drive,” said
He said that child protection is not just a duty for law enforcement agencies but it calls for a shared responsibility, hence the need for communities, families, and education institutions to work together in creating a safer and healthier environment where children can thrive.
“The role of Malawi Police Services in child protection is to promote the safety and security of children, prevent child abuse, investigate cases of exploitation and bring offenders to justice. Our Victim Support Unit is always ready to assist children and families in distress through the provision of counselling and support services,” he said.
He added that efforts of law enforcers can only succeed through partnerships saying that community members play a crucial role in identifying risks and reporting child abuse cases.
“I, therefore, urge stakeholders to be teaching children about their rights and the importance of speaking up when they feel unsafe, promote positive parenting practices to ensure that homes are safe spaces for children,” added Chionda.
Chairperson for Mzimba North District Child Protection Committee who is also responsible for Mzuzu City, Dr. Nthezemu Kamanga described the engagement as essential in addressing child protection and abuse, elements which he said put children's lives at risk.
“Festive seasons are a prime time to sensitize children so that they avoid engaging themselves in behaviors that would lead to the destruction of their future and lives.
While we are celebrating Christmas and New Year, these learners and students should not engage in immoral behaviours under the pretext of celebrating, otherwise, some may end up being pregnant and in contact with sexually transmitted infections and eventually drop out of school,” said Kamanga.
Deputy Head Teacher responsible for academics at Zolozolo Secondary School, Winnie Nyondo, commended Mzuzu Police Station for holding the child protection and abuse knowledge and information sharing session for stakeholders including learners and students.
Nyondo said the initiative will go a long way in enhancing child protection and abuse hence promoting learners’ and students’ retention in schools for quality education.
Dedza CS-EPWP participants paid on time this festive season
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, December 23, Mana: Participants under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) who braved heat waves and gathered at Golomoti Agriculture offices in Dedza, have hailed government and Dedza council authorities for the timely payment of their wages, saying the money is a relief in this year's Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Conducting random interviews on Monday, several women expressed excitement during the programme’s pay parade in the area.
Malisera Petro from John village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachindamoto in the district said she will use the money to buy food and other things which together with her children will use to celebrate the festive season in style.
"We experienced dry spells during last year's growing season. I don't have food for my family and this money will greatly support my family during this festive season and beyond," Petro said.
83 year-old Velena Hauya from the same area expressed her gratitude with the programme saying the K48, 000 was a game changer for her household in this festive season.
Hauya said: "I am an old person who has never worked in my community and got a reward just like what CS-EPWP has done. These are initiatives that enable us to positively make contributions to our communities. Let it be noted that part of the money will be given to my grandchildren during this festive season to at least buy a few soft drinks.”
However, Holex Chilanga from Bizale Village, T/A Kachindamoto said he had no money to buy fertilizer and would specifically use the money for that.
"I had planted maize and currently it needs fertilizer. This payment is therefore timely. We have made swales and tree nurseries and paying us for the initiatives that equally support ourselves is quite interesting," stated Chilanga.
In her remarks, Computer Analyst, for Dedza district council, Elites Majawa said the challenges that are being experienced are almost the same in all the catchments in the district.
She said some participants lost their IDs and were advised on what to do.
“However, they haven’t followed the procedures. There are still options which we are doing if they provide additional required information," she said.
CS-EPWP District Project Facilitator for Dedza, Jocaster Mnemba Khoriyo said over 22, 000 have so far benefited from the programme in all the 24 catchments across the district.
The programmer is a social support for resilience being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with support from the World Bank and multi-donor trust fund.
Usi monitors Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme in Chiradzulu
By Evance Chisiano
Chiradzulu, December 24, Mana: Vice President, Michael Usi has called on Chiradzulku District Council and other local authorities in the country to do thorough registration of vulnerable people to reflect true pictures of those that deserve to benefit from Lean Season Food Insecurity Response programmes and other social protection programmes
Usi made the call on Tuesday at Chingoma Primary School ground, Traditional Authority Mpunga where he monitored relief maize distribution to vulnerable households as the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) distributed bags of maize.
“Let us do proper work to register all people who deserve to receive humanitarian support. I know some other people deserve to be registered for humanitarian assistance,” the Vice President added.
He therefore called on people in Chiradzulu to openly tell their problems to authorities so that their problems can be addressed on time.
“Be open enough to tell those in authority your problems. We are here to solve people’s problems,” Usi said and commended Traditional Authority Mpunga for openly telling her subjects problems in the face of the current food situation.
He said was impressed that Traditional Authority Mpunga explained openly the extent of hunger situation in her area where the food situation is critical.
Traditional Authority Mpunga has since called on government to increase the number of people who should benefit from the Lean Response Food Insecurity programme and other interventions that should improve people's livelihood citing Social Cash Transfers and Climate Enhanced Climate Smart Public Works Programme.
She said the food situation in her area is worse as most households have nothing to depend on other than handouts while repeatedly calling for the authorities to increase more households for the relief food.
“There are many households that deserve relief food. It is just unfortunate that some deserving households are not registered to receive relief food,” Traditional Authority Mpunga added as 3,873 people are expected to receive food in her area.
DoDMA Commissioner, Charles Kalemba said the department was aware of the food situation in the country and was mandated to provide food assistance to affected households through Lean Season Food Insecurity Response progrmme, which is currently taking place in drought-affected districts.
Before visiting Chiradzulu, the Vice President also monitored the Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme in Mangochi, Balaka and Zomba on Monday and Tuesday.
He said DoDMA is working according to Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) reports that show the food situation in the country.
“We will continue providing relief maize to affected households,” Kalemba assured people in Chiradzulu.
Chiradzulu District Commissioner, Francis Matewere discloses that 26,413 people in the district need humanitarian food assistance.
The Vice President is expected to visit Chikwawa on Thursday to monitor relief food distribution.
FARMSE and OIM launch Tree planting at Nsinja.
By Pickson Chipeso
Lilongwe, December 23 Mana; Farming Access for Rural Markets Smallholders and Enterprises (FARMSE), in conjunction with Opportunity International Malawi, launched a tree-planting initiative at Nsinja.
Speaking at the event in Traditional Authority Masula, in Lilongwe, on Monday, Opportunity International Malawi's Project Coordinator, Vitumbiko Lungu Moyo, emphasized the importance of environment-friendly practices.
"We plant trees based on environmental climate training conducted with Community-Based Financial Institutions (CBF) in Nsinja.
"We encourage tree planting at both community and national levels, as well as promote environmentally friendly businesses among CBF, also known as village banks," she said.
Moyo noted that Nsinja's proximity to Dzalanyama Forest,as a charcoal-producing area, presents an opportunity for sustainable practices.
She said they are encouraging village banks to adopt businesses that benefit the climate and environment.
According to FARMSE District Project Coordinator, Brown Phulusa, this is a positive event, especially considering the rampant deforestation and it offers an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation.
Phulusa emphasized that participants, including CBF members, will take part in planting one or two trees and learn how to care for them from forestry experts. By doing so, they will understand the value of tree planting and become ambassadors for environmental conservation.
He stressed that climate change is a pressing issue, citing frequent droughts, floods, and dry spells as evidence.
"Tree planting helps mitigate the effects of climate change and slows it down. Trees act as a buffer zone, absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gases. They also facilitate rainwater infiltration, reducing surface runoff during heavy rainfall," he said.
Phulusa concluded that events like this are crucial in promoting environmental awareness and encouraging communities to take action against climate change.
The councillor for Nsinja ward has expressed gratitude to FARMSE and Opportunity International Malawi for organizing a tree-planting event, highlighting the importance of restoring damaged natural resources in Nsinja and across Malawi. He emphasized that tree planting is the key to reviving these resources.
This event follows the launch of the National Tree Planting initiative in Mzuzu by Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, which aims to promote reforestation and environmental conservation from December 15, 2024, to April 17, 2025. The councillor's remarks underscore the critical role that tree planting plays in mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving Malawi's natural heritage.
Ashraful Aid enhances road safety for Kabaza operators
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, December 24, Mana: Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organization has intensified road safety measures for Kabaza operators in Blantyre to help minimize accidents and ensure safer rides during this festive season.
The organization has donated 1,000 reflective vests and 3,000 reflector tapes to Kabaza operators from Makhetha, Kameza, Chinsewu, Ndirande, Limbe Central, Chirimba, Kapeni, Bvumbwe, Soche, Mpemba, Mbayani, Bangwe, and Njamba ranks.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre on Monday, Ashraful Aid’s Country Director, Abbas Panjwani, emphasized the importance of using safety gear to reduce accidents.
Panjwani said that Kabaza is an essential means of transport, just like any other, and operators must protect themselves to ensure the safety of their passengers.
“In recent years, Kabaza has become increasingly popular among Malawians, especially during festive seasons. Therefore, ensuring the safety of operators is crucial to saving precious lives,” he said.
Panjwani encouraged the summoned Kabaza operators to not just keep the vests but should make them part of their uniform.
He disclosed that Ashraful Aid has partnered with Quarry King, Easy Pack Limited, Build Africa, Speed Courier, and Hisco to implement this initiative.
Blantyre Police Urban Traffic Officer, Superintendent Cassim Symone, highlighted that most accidents involving Kabaza operators are avoidable and are often caused by their failure to follow road safety rules.
“Many accidents occur because Kabaza operators speed unnecessarily and lack the proper safety gear, making them avoid traffic police. Operators must prioritize road safety for their own good and the safety of others,” said Symone.
He urged Kabaza operators to register their motorcycles with the police to enhance recognition and facilitate assistance in case of accidents or other issues.
“Registration should be a priority for anyone starting a motorcycle business. It not only provides an identification record but also aids in insurance claims in case of accidents,” Symone explained.
Symone commended Ashraful Aid’s initiative, expressing hope that the provision of safety gear would help reduce road accidents in Blantyre.
“We expect operators to wear the safety gear provided, including helmets for both themselves and their passengers,” he added.
One of the Kabaza operators, Jones Steven, expressed gratitude for the donations, noting that they would help reduce incidents of robbery and accidents.
“This initiative will improve our safety and that of our customers. I encourage my fellow operators to report accidents to their rank chairpersons and the police for effective assistance during and after the festive season,” Steven said.
He condemned the behaviour of drinking and smoking while on duty, emphasizing that such actions compromise safety on the roads.
He called on the government to reconsider the high fees for registration and insurance, pointing out that many operators do not own the motorcycles they use and cannot afford these costs with their current earnings.
