MANAonline
Youth applaud government for an inclusive National Youth Policy
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, June 4, Mana: Young people from Mzuzu City and Mzimba North, on Tuesday applauded government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for developing an all-inclusive National Youth Policy which aims at empowering them in various fields of their interests.
Speaking on behalf of the youth in Mzuzu during the policy dissemination meeting, Mathew Botha who is the Director of Do Your Part Initiative said the current policy which was launched in 2023 and will run up to 2028 has filled gaps which were in the previous policy.
“Most of the initiatives in the previous policy focused on health and nutrition but in this policy, government has streamlined economics as part of entrepreneurship and enterprises, thereby making it a vehicle towards realizing Malawi 2063,” said Botha.
He added that among other issues, the policy highlights initiatives that government has put in place for the youth and as youth advocates, they will popularise the document so that almost all young people are aware of the development.
He described it as a tool for enhancing youth involvement as active drivers of development in contributing to the country’s efforts towards the attainment of Malawi 2063.
Principal Youth Officer in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Baldwin Mkumbadzala said that the policy is important as it has outlined various issues that affect programming of initiatives that can address some of the challenges which young people experience.
“It provides direction on how the initiatives should be carried out so that the youth are empowered to face challenges that are there in life.
“We also want the public including civil societies to have information about the policy so that they align their programmes to what is stipulated in this book for the benefit of the youth,” said Mkumbadzala.
The policy was launched in 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera, with dissemination beginning the same year; this activity was a continuation of that exercise.
With support from Plan International Malawi the ministry is currently taking the policy dissemination initiative to some local authorities including Mzuzu City.
Flames ready for COSAFA tournament showdown
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, June 4, Mana: The Malawi national football team, the Flames, departed today for the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Hollywoodbets tournament, set to take place in Mangaung and Bloemfontein, South Africa, from June 4 to 15.
The Flames have been drawn in Group B alongside Lesotho, Namibia, and Angola. Malawi will kick off their 2025 Hollywoodbets Cup campaign against Lesotho on June 5, face Namibia on June 8, and conclude the group stage with a match against Angola on June 10.
Speaking after preparations on Tuesday, Flames Assistant Coach, Peter Mponda expressed his team’s preparedness ahead of the tournament describing it as a turnaround for the Flames ever since they first participated in 1997 explaining how this COSAFA Hollywoodbet cup would be different.
“Preparations have been going well, and the response during training sessions has been very positive. However, we faced a setback with Zebron Kalima's injury, which is unfortunate. In the past, we’ve attended tournaments without delivering strong results, but this time the atmosphere feels different. We've assembled a solid squad, even dropping some regular players to test new talent that we believe can deliver a five-star performance. Our goal is not just to compete, but to win,” Mponda explained.
In his remarks, football analysist Kimu Kamau hailed the Flames and wished them well ahead of the COSAFA cup in South Africa.
“I would love to see the Flames take this tournament seriously. Of course, this isn’t their first time participating, but they should aim to achieve something from it. The group they’re in is tough, especially since football has changed significantly, teams we used to beat easily have now improved. However, reaching the final or even winning the championship would bring them honour and restore pride among local football fans,” Kamau said.
Malawi has been runners-up in two COSAFA Cup tournaments, with their first final appearance in 2002, where they defeated Angola and Zambia on their way to the final.
Council targets MK400,000 from Chiuzira Market
By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 04, Mana: Lilongwe District Council has announced that the long-awaited Chiuzira Market Shed will officially open its doors in July this year in a bid to boost local economic infrastructure, enhance public health standards, and streamline informal trading systems.
The development, which aligns with the Malawi 2063 agenda of achieving urban resilience and inclusive wealth creation, aims to decongest the existing market space, promote hygienic trading conditions, and unlock new streams of non-tax revenue (NTR) for the council.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, Director of Finance (DoF) for Lilongwe District Council, Charles Mhone, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that serves both fiscal and social development objectives.
“Currently, we are not collecting any revenue from the vendors at Chiuzira Market, but once the marketing shed becomes operational, we expect to generate approximately MK400,000 per day. This will significantly improve our revenue base and enhance service delivery at the grassroots,” said Mhone.
Mhone further noted that while revenue generation is a welcome outcome, the primary intention of the council is to improve the socio-economic resilience of the Chiuzira community through dignified and sustainable trading spaces.
“This market is more than just a revenue channel, it’s a community empowerment tool. We're creating an enabling environment for micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to operate in safer, more structured conditions,” he added.
The Director of Finance also assured traders and stakeholders that the facility will be opened on schedule.
“As a Council, we understand we are only remaining with a few final touches such as installing signage and completing sanitation facilities. We are committed to operationalizing this market in July to decongest traffic and restore sanity in the area,” Mhone emphasized.
Local leaders have welcomed the development with optimism. Senior Group Village Head Chiuzira expressed gratitude for the project, noting the dire need for improved market infrastructure.
“Overcrowding at the market has been a serious health concern, especially during the rainy season when people sell food items directly on muddy ground. This compromises food safety and increases the risk of communicable diseases like cholera and diarrhea,” said Chief Chiuzira.
The traditional leader also appealed to residents to remain patient and cooperative as the finishing works continue.
“We understand that more needs to be done, but we ask our people to be corporative. Government is committed, and once everything is complete, Chiuzira Market will be one of the best organized and safest trading places in the area,” he added.
Once completed, the new Chiuzira Market Shed is expected to accommodate over 700 vendors and will feature paved floors, designated waste collection points, and improved water and sanitation facilities, a significant step forward in formalizing Lilongwe’s informal economy.
Unemployed teachers impressed with government recruitment program
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, June 4, Mana: The Chairperson of Unemployed Teachers in Malawi, Wonderful Gama, has expressed satisfaction with the government's decision to recruit 26,000 primary school teachers, saying it fulfills their long-standing wish to be employed.
Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, Gama said the recruitment is a valuable opportunity for unemployed teachers, especially those who have been working as auxiliaries, to secure permanent positions.
He said the move will help reduce the number of unemployed teachers in the country and improve the teacher-to-pupil ratio.
“When recruiting the teachers let us ensure that there is transparency and accountability so that those who attended the Initial Teacher Primary Education (IPTE) should get the jobs,” said Gama.
He Further said that with the number of teachers to be recruited it will give advantage for most teachers who are in rural areas to get employed as they have stayed long without being employed.
In his remarks, one of the unemployed teacher, James Sumani, said this is a welcoming development as they have been waiting for this moment.
He said it is impressive to see government intervening in ensuring that teachers who have been unemployed for so long can now get employed.
“While the unemployment rate is reduced among teachers, with this initiative the education system is also going to be improved, since education is the basis of the country’s development,” said Sumani.
This large-scale recruitment follows the promotion of 26,284 teachers from Grade TL to Grade TK across the country.
Feature: Mchinji’s unsung heroes driving immunization in hard-to-reach areas
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, June, Mana: A quiet revolution is happening in the remotest parts of Mchinji, where the nearest health facilities are often several kilometres away.
The change is not being driven by medical specialists, but rather groups of determined women, who are mothers themselves, and they have taken it upon themselves to transform the immunization landscape in their communities.
Trinity Maloni, 24, a mother of one from Nyongani Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Mavwere, in the district, has seen the benefits of immunization manifest in her family.
Her eight-month-old son is healthy and happy and he has avoided most preventable diseases.
“I am lucky that I got all the information about vaccines way before I got pregnant and, up to now, after giving birth, I have made sure the relevant vaccines have been given to my son,” said Maloni.
Thanks to a women's group called Mother Care Group (MCG), Maloni was able to get encouragement and information on vaccinations that are necessary for women, children and even adolescent girls.
In Mchinji, the MCGs are turning the tide in areas traditionally underserved by health services.
The purpose of these groups has been to educate, mobilize, and ensure that every child under the age of five and every eligible woman gets vaccinated.
Mzama area in TA Mduwa is one of the hardest to reach areas, with the nearest hospital at Mikundi located 30 kilometres away, while other health facilities are, actually, in Lilongwe.
Chairperson of Mzama MCG, Sophilet Bakayawo, reflected on the journey they have undergone from 2022, helping transform women who were very reluctant to take their children for vaccination.
“Before the formation of the MCGs, we used to have problems with children getting sick from illnesses that could easily be prevented. We had little knowledge of what vaccines could do to children. Faced with the burden of being too far from a health facility made it worse, and we could lose the lives of innocent children,” said Bakayawo.
The formation of MCG in Mzama changed everything, and this has helped many children to prevent diseases that were once a burden in the area.
Equipped with the necessary information about vaccines, Mzama MCG has gone flat out to help advance the immunization narrative in their area.
“We live far from health facilities. But that does not mean our children should die from preventable diseases. We go door to door and talk to families, especially fellow women, about why vaccines matter. We also reach out to duty bearers to support this agenda,” Bakayawo explained.
Their tireless work has created significant demand for vaccines at the Under-5 clinics, which are the nearest health contact points in these distant communities.
In Matutu, TA Dambe, in the same district, another MCG called Matutu-Msasi is making headlines for its effectiveness.
Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) for Matutu, Rhoda Chikudzulire, said the group’s efforts have improved vaccination rates in the area, as most of the women who shunned vaccines for their reasons have had their mindsets changed.
“Before the MCG came in, turnout for vaccines was low. People believed myths that vaccines would make their children sick or infertile. But these women have helped change the narrative,” said Chikudzulire.
The MCG, in its awareness and advocacy efforts, realized that the people lacked proper knowledge and took the battle to the heart of the community.
They engaged the chiefs and the community at large, but initially faced resistance.
The group never relented on their mission to rescue children from diseases that can easily be prevented.
Secretary of the Matutu MCG, Violet Kawere, said their quest is to make sure that every woman is aware of the vaccines that children and mothers must get.
“We faced resistance at first. But we kept engaging people at every opportunity that we got, such as church gatherings, at markets, and in all women’s groups. Today, even men proudly take their children to get vaccinated,” said Kawere.
The MCGs have not only created demand for vaccines in the areas where they have been established, but they have also ensured advocacy for the construction of under-five clinics to facilitate the easy administration of vaccines, taking into account the distance to health centres and hospitals.
The under-five clinics in Mzama and Matutu have solar-powered refrigerators, making it possible to stock the vaccines.
Some of the vaccines being administered include BCG, Pentavalent, Rotavirus, Measles-Rubella, Malaria, the newly introduced HPV vaccine for girls aged nine to 14, and Vitamin A.
Cold chain officer at Mchinji District Health Office, Johan Chirwa, attested to the MCGs’ role of bringing awareness to the communities on the importance of immunization.
“The impact is tangible and coverage has improved in hard-to-reach zones because these women are ensuring no child is left behind,” said Chirwa.
The formation of MCGs was facilitated by the Centre for Research and Development Initiative (CERADI), with support from the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), which is executing the Health Systems and Immunization Strengthening Project with assistance from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).
MCGs comprise 31 members, including a traditional leader, and Mchinji has 34 of these MCGs.
The inception of the MCGs has brought in significant changes, coupled with other factors, of course.
Figures show that there is an improvement in the coverage compared to two years ago.
Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) coordinator for Mchinji, Davis Sambikeni, said currently, Mchinji is at 83 per cent routine vaccine coverage as of 2024.
“We are making progress when we compare to some two to three years ago, where we could not meet 80 per cent coverage in most of the antigens. By then, we were 78 per cent and below,” said Sambikeni.
Although this is the case, Mchinji is currently still struggling with vaccines like that of Malaria, and Measles Rubella, mostly the second dose.
The MCGs in Mchinji have played their part in driving the immunization agenda amongst the community members in the remotest areas, as they mobilize the people; the ball now rests in the court of stakeholders to drum up support and make sure vaccines are available.
Feature: GESD infrastructure enhances access to quality care for Kasungu communities
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, June 4, Mana: On a veranda of an old cracked structure that leaks and creaks under the weight of time in Traditional Authority Mnyanja in Kasungu District, patients have queued on a wooden bench seeking healthcare services.
Most of them are women cuddling babies tightly to their chest to protect them from the harsh weather as the day is cloudy and cold with intermittent drizzles.
Being on a busy trading centre and by the road side, the place is not only noisy with revving motorcycles passing by, but it is also infested with vendors plying their businesses a few metres away, compromising the privacy of the patients.
Regardless of its dilapidated form that tells a story of neglect and struggle, Ofesi Health Centre remains a place of hope for the 20,000 people in its catchment and beyond.
Tobias Mtonga, chairperson for the Health Centre Management Committee, says communities in the area have for a long time struggled to access proper health services owing to the state of the clinic.
“This structure was built long time ago and it is not fit to be a health centre. It is small and dirty, and when it rains, it leaks.
“Additionally, it does not give the needed privacy to clients, especially those seeking ART [anti-retroviral therapy services],” he says.
Mtonga says the state of the clinic has been a huge compromise on the delivery of quality health services in the area.
Nevertheless, communities in T/A Mphomwa in the district’s west constituency look at the situation at Ofesi as a story of ‘half a loaf is better than none’. They themselves have no health facility nearby.
“Since hospitals are far away from here, the culture has been that if you are sick, you stay home. You only go to the hospital when the condition is changing from bad to worse.
“This kind of approach puts our lives, especially those of children, at risk. Imagine a child getting sick at night and you do not have money to travel that long distance, what happens?” wonders Clara Phiri, a resident of Mphomwa.
The communities at Mphomwa are served by health facilities that are located at far away distances, often at great cost.
“It’s expensive. The quickest transport, especially at night would be a motorcycle and the charges are far high for most of us,” Phiri adds.
For some time, access to quality and affordable healthcare services for many communities in the district had been a challenge owing to long distances, a growing population and aging infrastructure.
However, amidst this gloom, a glimmer of hope emerges to change the narrative following government’s huge investment in constructing new facilities.
In the past three financial years beginning 2021/22, Kasungu District Council has received at least K3.4 billion in Performance Based Grant (PBG) under the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project.
So far, the council has invested about K1.2 billion, representing at least 35 percent of the PBG, to construct new health facilities and associated infrastructure to plug the gap in healthcare service delivery.
The funds were earned after passing the Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA) which is a tool designed to determine councils’ qualification for assessing the grant upon satisfying performance related parameters, including public finance management and service delivery.
Principally, GESD, a five-year US$100 million project aims to strengthen local authorities’ institutional performance, responsiveness to citizens and management of resources for quality service delivery, and through the LAPA, the project awards good performance.
The impact of this investment is palpable because at Ofesi for instance, the council has completed erecting a K100 million new facility, replete with solar reticulated water system, and it stands in stark contrast to the old structure,
“It has been a long wait, but we are excited that we have a new health facility now, which is not only roomy, but also conveniently located, ensuring the privacy of clients.
“Our appeal is that authorities should hasten the procurement of furniture and related medical equipment so that the structure is open for use as soon as possible,” Mtonga says.
He adds: “Even the health workers will now be motivated to work under a structure that is modern and secure.”
The facility is surrounded by 16 Group Village Heads and also serves communities from Mzimba South, Mphomwa and Kaomba.
Similarly, there is also excitement at Mphomwa where the council has invested K220 million in health infrastructure, including a new dispensary, staff house and solar reticulated water supply system.
“We are excited with this facility, reflecting on the challenges we have encountered to access health services.
“We have been asking our leaders to help us with a clinic to cut the long distances that we travel to get treatment,” says Agnes Banda, a resident in the area.
The two facilities are part of the wider GESD-funded health infrastructure investment that has also seen the construction of maternity structures, staff houses, rehabilitation of guardian shelters, solar power and water supply and the procurement of medical equipment for old and newly constructed facilities.
Completion of the K839 million paying ward at Kasungu District Hospital is another milestone in the district’s endevour to providing quality care.
Director of Health Services for the district, Emmanuel Golombe says apart from being an income generating activity for the council’s health sector, the project is also a response to people’s demand for paying services to suit their interests.
“We want to generate revenue as a sector because this time, we have no means of raising funds apart from the subventions from the central government.
“We sometimes have funding gaps which compromise service delivery. So, this initiative will help us raise resources to buy important items like fuel, critical drugs and others,” he says.
Golombe notes that the district has many clients who have been requesting to have pay services.
“Kasungu District Hospital serves many clients in a day. Those rushing for work, or are on medical schemes or can just afford to pay for private services find it difficult to wait on queues.
“This project properly responds to their needs. Actually, it is for everyone that can afford, including those coming outside the district,” he says.
Kasungu District Hospital also receives clients from communities such as Jenda in Mzimba and Malomo in Ntchisi, making it the fourth busiest district facility in the country.
Magie Sinda, a resident of Mayadi Township hails the project as a game-changer for the district’s health delivery.
“It’s a huge relief that we finally have a better facility for those seeking pay services. It’s actually long overdue,” she says.
Senior Planning Officer for National Local Government Finance Committee, Charity Kaunda advises that district councils must ensure that they are delivering on the projects as per the agreements under the PBG.
“Our desire is to see that councils are able to utilise the resources to address the community service gaps by implementing projects that can stand the test of time, and implemented to the desired quality by adhering to specifications, and completed within the given timelines,” Kaunda says.
She says GESD is about enhancing inefficiencies in the delivery of services in the councils.
“So, it’s not just about the projects. It’s about supporting the councils to embrace a performance culture in every area of their intervention.
“They must also comply with the principle of delivering a complete service package, that once projects are completed, they should be functional.”
District Commissioner, James Kanyangalazi, says GESD has helped change the face of Kasungu, especially in the provision of health services.
“In the just ended financial year, we have constructed several health facilities and their staff houses, among other projects.
“We cannot talk of poverty alleviation when there is no infrastructure development so communities should expect more of the same this financial year,” Kanyangalazi says.
He adds that the council will strive to serve the people diligently, not only to qualify for PBGs, but also to fulfill its obligations of delivering quality services.
The council’s commitment to deliver quality healthcare is also evident in its plans to spend K3.9 billion this financial year to fight morbidity and mortality.
ProVoice opens up about “lameck” album: a tribute, a journey, a message
By: Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 3, MANA: Urban music artist Lameck 'ProVoice' Mwenebanda has turned a page in his musical journey with the release of his most intimate and reflective project yet, an album titled “Lameck”.
The album is a soulful narrative that blends grief, purpose, and resilience, shedding light on the artist’s inner world and his evolving role in Malawi’s urban music space.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview, Tuesday, the Lilongwe-based artist, ProVoice, revealed that the album was inspired by real-life experiences, many of which had never been expressed publicly, until now.
The album tackles a range of emotional and societal issues, from grief and healing to personal growth, identity, and mental health. And while the themes are weighty, ProVoice is careful to maintain his signature style, a fusion of storytelling, rhythm, and melodic hooks that both entertain and educate.
He said: “I started thinking about this album around the time I lost late hip-hop icon (Martse) who passed away in 2022; his death hit me hard, and I knew I had to pour those emotions into something meaningful.
“There’s education, entertainment and healings in this album. I’m addressing things I’ve been experiencing on a daily basis, things many people relate to but don’t talk about,” he said.
The decision to name the album “Lameck”, which is his birth name, underscores the personal nature of the project. It marks a symbolic return to self, a reminder of where he came from and who he really is behind the stage name “ProVoice”. This is me in my rawest form. No masks. No characters. Just Lameck,” he added.
The 10-track album features collaborations with some of Malawi’s most respected artists, including Mfumu Hyphen in the track “Bwanji”, Malinga Mafia in “Tatchena”, and Eli Njuchi in the thought-provoking track “Vina”. These collaborations, ProVoice says, brought diversity and strength to the album, allowing each song to stand out in its own right while contributing to the overall message.
One of the standout tracks is a somber tribute to Martse, which ProVoice describes as one of his most emotionally raw recordings to date.
“I connect deeply with that particular song because it’s where my soul speaks loudest. It’s me talking to the people I’ve lost, but also to the living, reminding them to value each moment,” he said.
Despite the emotional weight of the album, producing it was no easy feat. ProVoice admits to going through periods of burnout, self-doubt, and logistical hurdles, especially during the recording and mastering phases. But with support from friends, family, and his growing fan base, he pushed through and stayed committed to his vision.
The artist also used the platform to advocate for more structural support in Malawi’s music industry, especially for up-and-coming talent. He stressed the importance of mentorship, proper artist management, and accessible platforms to promote emerging voices.
“We have raw talent in Malawi, but most artists lack the platforms and tools to break through. That needs to change. We need to start investing in our own,” he urged.
To his fans, and especially the younger generation of artists looking up to him, ProVoice offered encouragement saying that they should always focus on achieving their intended goals.
“Believe in your journey. Don't be afraid to speak your truth through music. Music is more than sound, it’s a voice for the voiceless. If I can do it, you can too.”
Music promoter, Bright Ekcess Chiligo of Mikozi described Lameck as a powerful body of work that blends deep personal storytelling with high production standards. He highlighted the album's ability to balance entertainment with education, noting its potential to influence both the urban music scene and the lifestyle of its listeners.
“ProVoice’s Lameck is very constructive, great audio production, solid delivery, and powerful concepts. This is more than just an album; it’s music that builds. It’s rare to find a project where listeners hardly skip songs, and this one could finally put ProVoice where he truly belongs.”
The “Lameck” album is now streaming on Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, and other platforms, and it’s already gaining attention both at home and among Malawians abroad for its authenticity, depth, and artistic maturity.
Nkhata Bay Council hails project for increasing school enrollment
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 4, Mana: Director of Education and Sports for Nkhata Bay District Council, Votie Mboweni, has hailed the home-grown school feeding program known as Tsogolo la Thanzi (TSOLATA) Phase 2 for contributing to an increase in primary school enrollment in the district.
TSOLATA Phase 2 is a European Union-funded program implemented by Nkhata Bay District Council through the World Food Programme (WFP) to improve nutrition, education, and economic empowerment of local farmers.
Speaking on Tuesday during a monitoring visit to Chintheche Primary School, Mboweni expressed optimism about the program’s progress, highlighting increased enrollment, improved attendance, and better performance across the 35 schools implementing it.
“We are impressed with the fruits the program is bearing in the district. Currently, the district-wide enrollment has risen from 89,000 in 2024 to 95,000 this year, with Chintheche Primary School seeing an increase from 1,530 to 1,680 leaners and we partly attribute this to the program,” he said.
Mboweni therefore expressed optimism that the program will be sustained because community members are involved in all stages and all key structures have been given capacity building trainings.
The Secretary for Tiyanjane Farmers Organization, Julie Phiri noted that the program has provided a reliable market for their produce and enhanced their skills in financial management, procurement, and crop care which they can even apply outside the program to improve their households and market base.
In his remarks, food committee member at Chiole Primary School James Chirwa pledged to continue providing high-quality food to support students' education and health.
TSOLATA Phase 2 is currently implemented in 35 out of 203 primary schools in Nkhata Bay, with plans to phase out in 2026.
COWLA distributes goats, pigs to 175 caregivers in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 4, Mana: Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLA) has distributed goats and pigs to 175 caregivers for children living with HIV in Nkhata Bay through the ‘Bringing Kids Living with HIV to Care’ project.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday during the distribution of livestock to Mtisunge caregivers group, Advocacy Lead, Isaac Mafuel Banda said the project will enhance caregivers' capacity to care for the children beyond the project period.
The project targets children aged 0-14 who are HIV positive and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers seeking testing.
"As the project nears its end, sustainability has been a concern. That's why we introduced income-generating activities to help caregivers continue caring for the children after the project," he said.
According to Banda, the livestock will provide food, nutrition, and potential income for transport to healthcare services.
Programs Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Kameta stated that the livestock distribution was based on individual group needs.
“Two groups have received six goats each, while five groups received five piglets each, benefiting 175 caregivers,” said Kameta.
In her remarks, one of the beneficiaries from Mtisunge caregiver group, Anne Ngwira commended COWLA for the support and appealed for unity and hard work among caregivers to ensure the initiative's success.
“With the pigs we have received, we are confident that we will soon start earning income, as there is a readily available market for piglets,” she added.
One of the Community Development Officers from Nkhata Bay District Council, Atusaye Jere urged beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to improve their access to healthcare services.
The project is implemented by COWLA in partnership with MACODESO, Y+ Malawi, Reach Trust with funding from AIDSFONDS and will run until December, this year.
Increase in youth cases reported at Zomba Mental Hospital
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, June 4, Mana; Health and Rights Education Programme (HREP) Executive Director, Maziko Matemba said there’s a need for government and partners to put in place strict measures to prevent drug and substance abuse among young people in the country as cases increase at the central referral facility where 436 young people got admitted in 2024 due to drug related mental health.
Matemba made the remarks following a concern from Zomba Mental Hospital that there was a worrisome trend that has seen increased numbers of young people getting admitted to the Zomba hospital due to issues that could be avoided by strict regulations.
He therefore urged government and partners in the youth and health sectors to look at root causes of such trends and find lasting solutions to prevent losing the next generation.
“It is encouraging that Parliament recently passed the Mental Health Bill. Once the President assents to it, there is an opportunity to urgently operationalize the law to address mental health issues,” he added.
Spokesperson for Zomba Mental Hospital, Harry Kawiya encouraged parents and guardians to interact with their children on issues to do with effects of drug and substance abuse so that they should have adequate information about effects of consumming such addictive substance.
Apart from mental health problems, Kawiya said drugs and substance abuse leads to other problems such as kidney and hepatitis, adding that that addicts most of the times share needles and other sharp objects that put them at risk of contracting HIV.
He also noted that drug and multiple substance use can lead to behavioral disorders such as depression and psychosis, which may result in job loss and even suicide.
“The majority of those that are admitted at Zomba Mental Hospital are young people from teens to early 30s, and this is the period when a person presents first episode. According our statistics, in 2023, we admitted 340 due to multiple drug abuse and in 2024 we admitted 436,” he explained.
He added that government through ministry of health encourages integration of healthcare services in schools such that the Ministry of Education has incorporated issues of drug prevention in the school curriculum.
Blantyre District Youth Officer, Peter Mizedya acknowledge increase in number of young men with mental health issues due to a number of factors, among them drug and substance abuse.
He said Blantyre Youth Office facilitates establishment of youth clubs to engage in a number of youth activities such as peer education on issues that negatively affect youth’s health and social well being, adding that youth clubs are therefore expected to discourage drug and substance abuse and all life styles that could compromise youth development.
“With risk vulnerability tool, issues to do with mental health are also discussed in youth clubs,” he added and further explained that district youth offices refer issues of mental health among youths to relevant authorities for counselling and treatment.
