By Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, 5 May, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), commonly known as Mtukula Pakhomo beneficiaries in Lilongwe District have applauded government for introducing the safety net initiative that has assisted them to improve their livelihood.

Lydia Phiri an old woman from Malembo village in the area of Sub-Traditional Authority Malembo, said the wages she receives from the programme has assisted her to pay school fees for her children and find basic needs for the family.

She was speaking on Monday during a supervision exercise of E-payment which was organized by the council aimed at appreciating the achievements and the challenges the beneficiaries are encountering with the new system of receiving their payment.

“I don’t receive much, but I manage to pay school fees for my children, I used to struggle with my family members, but now I am able to support them with basic needs,” she said.

Phiri then urged other beneficiaries to be using the money they get from SCTP for intended purpose so that they become self-reliant financially.

Another beneficiary, James Chikafa from Kasiya village who became a beneficiary of the SCTP in 2018, said she uses most of her money, to keep livestock such as pigs, goats and chicken which later she sales and find money for her family’s needs.

She said very soon she will be venturing into a small business so that it keeps her going as she waits to sell her livestock.

Lilongwe District Social Welfare Officer, Responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme, Sarah Chimodzi, said it is encouraging that many beneficiaries are able to invest in livestock, such as chicken, goats and pigs.

Chimodzi further said the programme has also assisted in reducing negative risks such as withdrawal of children from school and absenteeism, among others.

The programme in Lilongwe District (SCTP) is being managed by Malawi Government with support from World Bank and targets ultra-poor and labour-constrained households by providing them support in form of cash.

The programme covers 23 Traditional Leaders and has a total number of 29, 512

beneficiaries.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, May 5, Mana: District Commissioner (DC) for Nkhata Bay District, Rodgers Newa, has asked people living along Nkhata riverbank in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri and surrounding areas to evacuate to uplands for safety of their lives and properties due to continuous heavy rainfall.

Newa made the statement on Sunday at Kakumbi Village during a monitoring visit to affected households to assess the extent of the damage caused by the rains.

"We are here to assess the extent of the damage that the heavy rains have caused here at Kakumbi Village and other areas. As you can see, in most parts, nature is just claiming its course as these houses were constructed along the riverbank.

"My advice is that these people must move out with immediate effect to avoid further damage, as we will keep on receiving these rains up to next month," Newa said.

According to Newa, the heavy rainfall, which started on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has affected over 31 households at Nkhata Bay Boma, with some having their roofs blown off.

"We are still receiving reports from across the district as most areas like Traditional Authorities Fukamapiri, Timbiri and others are affected, causing damage to bridges, roads, crops. We will give a final report in due course," Newa added.

He further said the council has identified a temporary shelter for the affected households at Nkhata Bay Boma and will continue providing relief food where necessary while intensifying awareness campaigns.

Councillor for Boma Ward, Syrian Adamana said the affected households are in dire need of food and some are being housed by neighbours and relatives.

One of the affected people, Mary Tobias from Kakumbi Village said she has lost all the food and expressed hope that government will help them as they are trying to recover to their normal life.

By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, May 5, Mana: Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has expressed satisfaction with the progress at which artists in the country are utilizing its Universal Service Fund.

Speaking in Mzuzu during a third round premier of ‘Welcome to Maula Prison’ movie, the fund’s Project Manager Khumbo Kasambala said the production of the movie, is a testament of such utilization.

He called for more actors to utilise it by pitching to the fund with their respective projects.

“What we want is to boost Malawian content on our media channels; currently only around 20 percentages of it is local.

“We are impressed to see that the ‘Welcome to Maula Prison’ movie is not only showcasing great talent but there is also a huge improvement in terms of production which is very encouraging,” said Kasambala who further noted that the production gives hope of further growth of the film industry in Malawi.

Public Relations Officer for ‘Welcome to Maula Prison’ movie project, Desire Namachotsa appreciated the statutory body for setting up the fund which she said is an answered prayer to the artists.

“Good and quality things are expensive and movie making is no exception. Our movie industry can only grow if there are more sources of funding like the Universal Service Fund.

“Aside to that, we appreciate the support that we have received from Malawians across the country. It has made us feel proud of our work,” she said.

The premier, which delayed by over an hour in scheduled time due to slow turn out, ended on a high note with patrons who filled the hall to the brim, showering praises on the production team.

“I must confess that I am impressed beyond my expectation because the production is far better than most Malawian productions we have seen,” said Tawina Sangano, one of the patrons.

Another patron, Daud Banda said: “The acting, the picture, the sound, the content and everything else are top notch. I say bravo to the team for a great production.”

Universal Service Fund is a unit under Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority set aside to help achieve digital inclusion for all Malawians. It is a contributory fund from all telecommunication agencies in the country.

By Alice Ndunya

Machinga, May 4, Mana: Machinga District Council has assured participating communities in Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) that it will improve on payment of wages to ensure timely and consistent wage payment of participants in the social protection programme.

The council made the assurance after CS-EPWP under Nkhande catchment, at Paramount Chief Kawinga's area in the district, after they complained of delayed and inadequate wages, which they said fail to meet their day-to-day needs.

Machinga District Council’s Information Communication Technology Officer, Lucy Beyadi acknowledged the challenges and assured the participating communities that the council was addressing late payment and other challenges in the programme.

“We are aware of these problems and right now some of them have been resolved, for instance, we had challenges with our server which we use when paying the participants but as of now, it has been resolved,” she added...

The payment of workers that participated in the fourth phase of CS-EPWP, which was completed some months ago, is expected to cover 22 catchments in the district.

One of CS-EPWP, participants, James Rashid, said that they waited for three months before receiving their wages and complained that the wages were not sufficient to make ends meet considering current cost of living.

“We have waited this long to receive payments such that it became worrisome. The affected our plans as we failed to buy basic necessities for our families,” he added.

Another CS-EPWP participant, Hilda Kawinga from Michongwe Village, Paramount Chief Kawinga’s area expressed joy over the payment, saying though the wage payment delayed,, it will still help  her buy school materials for her grandchildren while the other part of the wages will be used for household needs.

“I will use the money to buy exercises books for my grandchildren while the rest we will buy food at home,” Kawinga added.

She therefore commended Machinga District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma for taking his time to inspecting wage payment in Nkhande catchment.

“I am glad that we have been given a chance to express our concerns. This is a testimony that the council is committed to look into our concerns,” she said

In his sentiments, Mateauma encouraged the participants to continue working hard in all the activities aligned with the restoration of the environment in their respective catchments.

“We will continue to look into the welfare of the participants. This is evident from the recent increment as government adjusted the wages from K900.00 to K1, 600.00 per day.” He added.

The District Commissioner observed that CS-EPWP brought significant livelihood transformation and improvements in environmental conservation compared to years before the commencement of the programme in the district.

“The environment was in total shambles and there was an outcry from the community complaining of poor food harvest as a result of the effects of climate change in their agricultural activities.

“I therefore call upon communities to be committed to conservational agriculture and to adhere to all measures that help to sustain land management in the wake of climate change,” he added.

CS-EPWP is funded by the World Bank to improve livelihoods among communities through various wage-earning catchment activities such as reafforestation and other sustainable land resource initiatives.

By Ruth Kumwenda

Blantyre, May 4, Mana: Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cancer patients on top of raising awareness on various types of cancer affecting Malawians from low-income backgrounds.

The organization which is currently supporting five patients with transport money, held an online auction on April 30, 2025, selling cancer awareness keyrings with varying colors representing different kinds of cancer where it managed to raise K80, 000 against their target of K100, 000.

CSQ Executive, Director Chikhulupiliro Ng'ombe, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) that the organization came up to launch the cancer awareness keyrings designed in different colours to enhance support and awareness about different kinds of cancer.

“The cancer awareness keyrings are designed with different colour ribbons representing specific cancer type. Gold for childhood cancer, Light blue for prostate cancer, Dark blue for colon cancer, White for lung cancer while Emerald green is for liver cancer,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to those who participated in the auction and those who made donations, saying CSQ remains optimistic to meet objectives as keyring sales continue throughout.

Ng’ombe said fighting cancer is not an individual battle but a collective effort, adding, “Cancer is a very difficult condition to go through, and doing it alone is impossible. At CSQ, we believe in Togetherness in fighting cancer,”.

He further appealed to the public to continue supporting the cause either by purchasing the keyrings or making direct donations

Health expert, George Jobe, who is also Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), commended the initiative, saying the support will ease the burden faced by cancer patients who need treatments but lack transportation to and from the hospital.

“This initiative by Cancer Survivor Quest is recommendable because many cancer patients in Malawi are struggling financially, some patients fail to access treatment simply because they cannot afford transport or basic needs,” he added.

He called on well-wishers to support CSQ to reach out to more people who are battling cancer.

By Aliko Munde and Ireen Mseteka

Mzuzu, May 4, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, said that the government recognizes that freedom of the press is not a luxury but a necessity.

Chiyamwaka was speaking on Saturday night during MISA Malawi World Press Freedom Day Gala Dinner which was held under the theme; “Media for a well-informed electorate” in Mzuzu

Chiyamwaka said that the government understands that there cannot be sustainable development and meaningful and credible democratic elections without a media environment that is free and independent.

“The backbone of our democracy relies on citizens’ effective participation in all democratic processes, hence Malawians must be well-informed.

Without accurate, balanced and accessible information, citizens cannot make informed choices and therefore cannot effectively participate in elections,” said Chiyamwaka.

He therefore said that journalists are not just mere messengers but pillars of good governance, which includes accountability, transparency and enhancement of national cohesion.

Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Malawi, Amy Diaz, said that the media in the country have a role in ensuring that Malawians have accurate information on the forthcoming General Elections.

"You need to remain professional so that political parties and the electorate depend on you for fair and balanced information.

In this era of social media, Malawians depend on you to provide accurate information," Diaz said.

Chairperson for MISA Malawi, Golden Watonga said that despite challenges, journalists must uphold the true creed of the profession. Saying that media should always remain impartial and safeguard the interests of the public.

“Let us reject any attempts to use us as instruments for any politician or political party.  The media must rise above the fray and prove that it can be different, effective, reliable and fit for purpose,” Watonga said.

Marking the climax of the day, individual journalists and media houses received awards for their performance in different categories and overall winner was Beatrice Mwape of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation.

Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) emerged the best online media of the year while Times TV was the best TV.

Radio Station of the year award went to Times Radio, as Nation Publications Limited was the best print media house of the year.

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, May 4, Mana: Pregnant women in Blantyre will, from Monday this week, transition from receiving Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplements to Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) during antenatal visits to various health facilities.

Safe Motherhood Coordinator for Blantyre District Health Office, Ellida Bvutula, disclosed this in Blantyre during a recent orientation workshop on MMS with frontline staff comprising nurses, pharmacists, and facility heads.

Bvutula who is also a Nursing Officer at Blantyre DHO, said the development follows a study and recommendation from the World Health Organization that the new supplement provides a broader nutritional support to both mothers and unborn babies, unlike IFA.

“MMS, which is an antenatal supplement, provides close to 15 micronutrients, including iron and folic acid, all combined in a single tablet. The single tablet is consumed every day throughout the pregnancy period.

“This is good for pregnant women to improve maternal nutrition and pregnancy outcomes," the Safe Motherhood coordinator,” added.

She said there was is strong evidence that the new supplement is harmless to expectant women, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and a history of miscarriage.

“We expect that soon after the training sessions on Saturday, Monday, May 5, next week, we should start administering the new supplement," Bvutula said.

Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDS Officer for Blantyre District Council, Ruth Hara, added that micronutrient levels in MMS are within recommended levels, saying the presence of zinc and vitamins (B1) improves appetite for expectant mothers.

The DHO has so far trained about 700 frontline health workers to understand the new supplement and also disseminate accurate information during antenatal sessions in their respective health facilities.

Nursing Officer for Zingwangwa Health Centre, Pauline Tonde, hailed the DHO for organizing MMS orientation.

She said the new supplement is beneficial to expectant women, pledging to engage health centre-based social behavioural change team at Zingwangwa to disseminate MMS messages through drama, poems, and songs to pregnant mothers during antenatal clinics.

Twenty years of evidence-based research in middle-income countries demonstrated that MMS reduces low birth weight by 19 percent, infant mortality by 29 percent, and preterm birth by 16 percent compared to IFA.                              

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda 

Blantyre, May 4, MANA: Blantyre District Health Office says it has made significant progress in reducing cases of new HIV infections among people in the district due to massive HIV prevention sensitization campaigns under 'Konda Moyo, Konda Blantyre.

The campaign, which is implemented through the Blantyre Preventive Strategy (BPS) by the Blantyre DHO and City Council with funds from the Gates Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Innovation in Global Health at Georgetown University through the Malawi National Aids Commission, seeks to raise awareness among people about HIV preventive measures.

Speaking on Friday during the Konda Blantyre, Konda Moyo campaign at Soche Maternity in the area of Traditional Authority Somba, Blantyre DHO Health and Promotions Officer Chrissy Banda said the BPS was initiated based on the Malawi Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (MPHIA) survey conducted in 2016-17, which indicated that Blantyre was one of the districts with a high burden of HIV.

She said the situation prompted the health office, in collaboration with the city council, to launch a district-based prevention campaign through the BPS to reduce new HIV infections in the district.

"As a district, we have been following our data on how we are faring. We are continuing to implement the campaign in the facilities whenever we observe a slight increase in the number of new HIV infections and STI cases.

"We have been conducting this campaign to sensitize people on HIV preventive measures and also bring the services closer to the people," she said.

According to Banda, through the campaigns, the district has made positive strides in reducing new HIV infections and STIs.

 She cited that new HIV infections are currently at 2 percent, down from 6 percent in previous years based on the Palms data platform.

"This is a good development for us. However, we will not relent in monitoring our data. Once we notice a red flag, we will respond accordingly," Banda said.

Speaking on behalf of TA Somba of Blantyre, Group Village Chiimire hailed the Blantyre DHO and the city council for taking the campaign to the area to sensitize their subjects on HIV prevention measures.

She pledged to spread the messages far and wide using different social gatherings.

So far, similar campaigns have been conducted in various health facilities such as Kachere, Chilomoni, and Soche Maternity.

By Gift Wahuta

Blantyre, May 04, Mana: After electrifying audiences in Lilongwe with a record-breaking premiere, the Malawian film Welcome to Maula Prison, produced by 4Kaya Studios, continued its momentum on Saturday evening at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

Although the screening was delayed due to technical glitches and started at 8:50 PM instead of the scheduled 7:00 PM, the excitement among movie lovers remained high; the venue was packed with over a thousand patrons, with some forced to stand throughout the screening due to limited seating.

Speaking after the event, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Honourable. Joyce Chitsulo expressed her admiration for the film.

"The film is exciting, exceptionally well-produced, and feels remarkably authentic. It's so impressive, one might not believe it's a Malawian production. My sincere thanks go to the production team and Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for their sponsorship. This demonstrates the success of the government's efforts to support local artists," she said.

She further emphasized that such initiatives underscore the government's unwavering commitment to promoting the creative sector and uplifting Malawian talent.

Speaking to the media, Public Relations Officer for the movie, Desiree Namachotsa, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming turnout.

“We are very grateful to the people of Blantyre. The turnout exceeded our expectations to the point where we had to extend the venue setup to accommodate everyone. It shows that Malawians are ready to support local content,” she said.

She disclosed that the film cost approximately K40 million to produce and took about eight months to complete, hence stressed the importance of establishing sustainable distribution methods for the Malawian film industry.

“As Malawians, we need to support the industry by recognizing that we need returns for our investments. That was why we halted the premiere when we discovered that one patron was live streaming our movie,” she explained.

The film, which was sponsored by MACRA’s Universal Service Fund with k17 million along with other partners, has already generated positive feedback as audiences were seen singing along with songs from the movie, demonstrating strong public engagement.

Paul Chiwalo, one of the attendees, also praised the movie and its potential impact.

“It was exciting. After the success of their previous film, School Days, people had high expectations for this one, and it truly delivers. I believe our film industry is moving in the right direction,” he said.

The event also attracted prominent figures in the Malawian film industry, including renowned filmmaker Shemu Joyah and other notable personalities.

The tour continues, with the next premiere scheduled for Mzuzu today.