MANAonline
'Konda Blantyre, Konda Moyo' campaign on to reduce new HIV Infections
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.
Welcome to Maula Prison Shines again in Blantyre
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.
Flames Sinks Bafana Bafana of South Africa into baptism of fire in CHAN
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, 3 May, Mana: The Malawi National football team, the Flames, doused South Africa in a baptism of fire by defeating the Bafana Bafana in the CHAN Nations Championship held on Saturday at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
Speaking after the encounter, President for Football of Malawi, Fleetwood Haiya, expressed gratitude following the stunning Flames performance and highlighted his excitement over the victory, thanks to Kamuzu Barracks striker Zeliat Nkhoma.
"I have had the pleasure of visiting the camp to fire them ahead of a crucial encounter to gear up; however, they have shown standard levels of excellence," said Haiya.
In extension, the lone goal came in the eleventh, 3 minutes before the last whistle, from Zeliat Nkhoma connecting a towering header from a corner delivered by Wisdom Mpinganjira to secure a 1-0 home advantage win over Bafana Bafana at Bingu National Stadium stadium BNS.
Furthermore, the Flames gaffer Kalisto Pasuwa hailed the team's commitment and hard work.
"Winning today has given us confidence when stepping into the second leg. What we needed was a draw, but another win would have been far better. We have seen a few more problems that are supposed to be reshaped when we go back to the drawing board. All supporters who came to cheer us deserve credit," said Pasuwa.
Over and above that, the visiting team tried to pull the strings, but their effort laboured in vain. Malawi and South Africa will meet again in the return leg on May 11, 2025, at Loftus Stadium in South Africa. The winner between them will qualify for another level of the tournament.
The Flames needed a draw in South Africa to secure their spot in the final tournament, expected to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, scheduled from 2-30 August 2025.
DODMA continues lean season food response programme
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, May 3, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) on Friday distributed 800 bags of maize to households in Mchinji that were food insecure in the just-ended lean season under the 2024/2025 lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme.
DoDMA Director of Preparedness and Response, Reverend Moses Chimphepo said since the programme started in September 2024, the department has managed to provide food support to all the people who were registered under the programme.
“The department has managed to reach out to affected households more than twice in the 21 districts that needed support and we are glad that all 5.7 million registered under the programme have benefitted,” said Chimphepo.
He said it is not just the government’s responsibility to provide food but citizens also need to take part in providing for their households by avoiding selling all the farm produce.
“People need to understand what food budgeting is all about. After harvesting, they need to save enough food to sustain them before selling the remaining produce knowing that at least they have food for themselves,” explained Chimphepo.
Senior group village head Chimwala has since commended DoDMA for distributing the bags of maize saying it has helped a lot of families to overcome the food insecurity in their homes.
“We appreciate the government for this programme because a lot of families were affected in this area and if it weren’t for the food insecurity programme, we would have lost several people due to hunger,” Said Senior Group Chimwala.
One of the beneficiaries, Dorothy John from Chimwala village also commended the department for providing food and highlighted that the 50 Kilogrammes bag of maize has brought relief to her family.
The programme started in September 2024 with support from the World Bank and is expected to run through May 2025.
Chakwera urges Roman Catholic Church faithful to support Bishop Nyirenda
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, May 3, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has asked the Roman Catholic Church faithful in the diocese of Mzuzu to give spiritual and moral support to Rev. Fr Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda who has been consecrated as the new bishop for the diocese.
President Chakwera made the remarks during the installation of Rev Fr Nyirenda as bishop for the diocese, succeeding Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan who has retired recently after serving as bishop for the Mzuzu Diocese since 2016.
He said Rev Fr Nyirenda is the rightful person to lead the diocese because he has been chosen by God who looks at a person’s capability and suitability before choosing him or her.
“When God chooses someone to lead, he does so after careful consideration of that person because he knows everyone’s past and future. He chooses differently from human beings who consider less important characteristics such as tribal belonging,” Chakwera said.
He encouraged the new Bishop to remain a man of prayer, living his faith and fostering hope in the communities that would be looking up to him for their spiritual needs.
Chakwera also called for unity, saying the country stands to benefit more when its people are united than when they are divided and fighting one another.
In his message after consecration, Rev. Fr Nyirenda said he was grateful for the support of the clergy and the church, which he received while serving as auxiliary bishop for the diocese and asked for continued support.
He further invited the faithful to support and collaborate with other church leaders in the proclamation of the Gospel.
“Know how to work in collaboration with the local clergy. Listen to and dialogue with priests, close collaborators, catechists and all God’s people,”
Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Most Rev. Gian Luca Perici welcomed Rev. Fr Nyirenda as the new bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and pledged to support him in his pastoral work.
He asked him to be diligent in his work so that he could meet the spiritual and social needs of the Roman Catholic Church faithful in the diocese.
“Men and women are waiting to receive from you the word of God to increase the life of God within them,” Most Rev. Perici said.
Born on June 20, 1976, in Mzimba, Rev Fr Nyirenda studied Philosophy at Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji and Theology at St Peters Major Seminary in Zomba.
He also holds a Diploma in Ecclesiastical Canon Law, awarded by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya and a Diploma in Religious Formation and Spirituality obtained from Lumen Christi Institute in Arusha, Tanzania.
Rev. Fr Nyirenda was ordained as deacon on May 19, 2007, and later in 2008, he was ordained as a priest at St Paul’s Parish in Mzimba.
He has served in various positions at national and diocesan levels including as Director of Kasina Formation Center, Director and Formator at Christ the King Formation Center in Rumphi; parish priest at St Augustine Parish and Vocational Director in Mzuzu Diocese.
Until his appointment as bishop, Rev. Fr Nyirenda has been serving as auxiliary bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.
Malawi News Agency journalist dies
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, April 3, Mana: District Information Officer for Machinga, Martin Chiwanda has died.
Chiwanda passed away Friday evening at Machinga District Hospital where he was admitted.
District Commissioner (DC) for Machinga Rodrick Mateauma, speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA), described Chiwanda's death as heartbreaking.
He highlighted Chiwanda's exceptional communication skills and his commitment to the council's development.
"We have worked with him for a long time, and we will remember Chiwanda as a diligent person who always delivered his assignments with expertise.
"He was instrumental in ensuring the council's progress and worked well with everyone in the district, including traditional leaders,” said the DC.
Deputy Regional Information Officer for the South, Evance Chisiano, echoed Mateauma's sentiments, stating that the information department would miss Chiwanda's hard work and dedication.
"He was a young man dedicated to his job, and his contributions will be greatly missed," said Chisiano.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the departed journalist.
Manford Chirombo, Nsanje district-based journalist said,” I have learnt with a heavy heart the news about the passing on of Martin Chiwanda a professional colleague and District Information Officer (DIO) for Machinga. I new Martin in 2013 when he was posted to Nsanje District Council as an Assistant DIO. I have learnt a lot from him as I was then new in the profession.
Alfred Guta also said,” Death is so cruel, we talked a few days ago you were saying, "I will be OK aixe ndilibe nkhawa" mkumamva zoti wapita eish Martin Chiwanda ndakulira ine.
Chiwanda joined the Ministry of Information on April 18, 2012.
Born on March 3, 1984, he is survived by his wife and two children.
His body will be laid to rest at Chilipa Trading Centre in Kalonga village, Traditional Authority (TA) Ntonda, Mangochi district, on Monday.
Welcome to Maula gets hearty nod during Lilongwe premiere
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, May 3, Mana: The much anticipated Welcome to Maula Prison movie by 4KAYA Studios was premiered in Lilongwe night at a packed Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
The production, starring Phwedo real name Tumpe Mtaya and Kendall Kamwendo was well received by the masses in Lilongwe that saw tickets selling out well in advance of the premiere.
Public Relations Officer for the movie, Desiree Namachotsa, said the premiere was amazing as the audience loved it from the turnout to the reactions of the movie as scenes were unfolding, adding that they were speechless with the large turnout which shows how much Malawians have received the movie.
“We did not expect this turnout, but this has made us realise how much Malawians love the product and Malawian films that 4KAYA is creating, hence this has given us a boost to seven go out and do better with productions that the people will love.”
She further added that Malawians should expect even bigger projects because one thing about 4KAYA is that they always try to compete with themselves saying Welcome to Maula was a step up from School days, ‘then we need to do something bigger, therefore the next project will be bigger.’
Namachotsa disclosed that Welcome to Maula Prison, a production sponsored by the Universal Service Fund (USF), a project under the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) symbolised a giant leap in Malawi's film Industry.
On his part, the Head of USF, Ronald Tembo, said as an organisation they are very happy to be associated in the production of the movie emphasising that this was not the first time as they have also funded other documentaries, talkshows and manymore hence Malawians should expect more from them in support of developing local digital content.
In her remarks the President of Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), Dorothy Kingstone, commended the Malawi government through Malawi Prison Services for the support of allowing the production of the movie to take place at the actual Maula Prison as it gives an insight and informs the people to know what happens inside the Malawi prisons, emphasising that for the film industry to grow it requires collaboration from all stakeholders including government agencies adding that it is time ‘the film industry was taken as a business and not only as entertainment or a pastime as it can create jobs and support the government’s efforts in creating employment.
The movie`s production, that has been helped and sponsored by Universal Service Fund, Diplomats Car Hire, Umodzi Pack, Mathumela Music, Goodwill Funeral Services and Zodiak among other institutions.
On Saturday, the film will be showcased in Blantyre at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel and on Sunday, at Chisanga Complex Mzuzu in Mzuzu.
Malawi appeals for support to eradicate female genital schistosomiasis
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 3, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health Noah Chimpeni has called for increased support in Malawi’s fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), citing the need for healthy citizens to achieve the country’s Vision 2063 goals.
Speaking at the launch of the Malawi-German FGS Initiative at Maganga Primary School in Salima on Friday, Chimpeni said access to safe water is essential in preventing schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that affects millions, particularly women and girls.
“To achieve our development goals, we need a healthy and productive population. Diseases like female genital schistosomiasis affect women disproportionately and hinder their productivity,” said Chimpeni.
He said integrated approaches in the health sector are important to tackle diseases therefore the collaboration between GIZ and Ministry of Health to tackle FGS is a good initiative to increase awareness and promote early health-seeking behaviour.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the German Development Agency (GIZ), will be piloted in Salima and Dedza districts.
It aims to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and ensure treatment of FGS, a disease often caused by contact with contaminated freshwater.
Germany’s Ambassador to Malawi, Ute König, said her government is committed to supporting Malawi in its fight against NTDs.
She commended the World Health Organization (WHO) for supplying medication and technical support.
“FGS is a silent disease that damages the female reproductive system and increases the risk of cervical cancer. We are committed to help Malawi address this challenge through prevention, treatment, and community outreach,” said König.
König also noted that Germany considers health a key area of cooperation and emphasized the importance of reducing the stigma faced by women living with the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 250 million people globally are affected by schistosomiasis.
In Malawi, FGS remains prevalent due to limited awareness and poor access to clean water.
WHO Representative in Malawi, Dr. Neema Kimambo, said FGS poses serious health risks including pain, bleeding, infertility, and anemia.
“This disease affects more women than men and is often misdiagnosed or ignored. Our focus is to support the government with technical expertise and ensure better detection and care,” said Kimambo.
She confirmed WHO’s continued commitment to help Malawi eliminate NTDs through training, research, and provision of medication.
The two-year initiative will focus on capacity building in health facilities, community education, and integration of FGS diagnosis into reproductive health services.
Malawi is among the pilot countries in this effort and officials are optimistic that the joint initiative will help reduce cases and improve women’s health outcomes.
Rumphi District Council invests K252 million in hospital theatre rehabilitation
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, May 2, Mana: Rumphi District Council on Wednesday launched the rehabilitation of Rumphi District Hospital's operating theatre worth K252 million to improve service provision at the facility.
Director of Health and Social Services for Rumphi, Dr. Arnold Jumbe, said the works will increase operating space.
"Currently we have only one major operating theatre. This means we can only operate on one patient at a time. We are going to modify some rooms so that we create at least three operating theatres. Once completed, we will be able to handle more cases at one go. This will save us time," said Jumbe.
Rumphi District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu called on the contractor to complete the job within the agreed period of 90 days so that more patients in need of surgery can benefit from the facility.
Chairperson for Rumphi District Council, Happy Chirambo, also urged the contractor to produce quality work worth the money.
Rumphi District Hospital was opened in the 1970s and is the main referral hospital for the district with a population of at least 240,000 people.
The project has been funded by the Malawi Government's Health Facilities Rehabilitation Fund.
Machinga farmers complain about One Acre Fund seeds
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, May 2, Mana: Farmers in Machinga have expressed dissatisfaction with One Acre Fund, alleging the organization provided poor-quality maize seeds on loans, leading to low yields and potential food insecurity in the district.
The grievances were raised during a District Agriculture Stakeholders Panel Committee (DASP) meeting at Ntaja Trading Centre in Machinga where farmers were advised to prepare for the May to August irrigation season.
“We received maize seeds variety like DK 777 and Kanyani, but the yields were very low. The seeds were clearly labeled as high-yielding varieties, but the results were disappointing.
“We urge One Acre Fund to reconsider the loan amount to avoid losses among farmers. Many of us are compelled to resort to irrigation farming to supplement our harvests, which is not sustainable.” said Joshua Maunde, a farmer from Nyambi Extension Planning Area (EPA).
The situation has put One Acre Fund inputs beneficiaries in an awkward situation with most of the farmers uncertain of their food security at household level.
“We had hopes that we would be food secure once we plant the seeds, but now we will face hunger. We urge One Acre Fund to work with us to find a solution to this problem," added Maunde, who is also Chairperson for Agricultural Stakeholders Panel for Traditional Authority Sale.
Agricultural Development Coordinator for Nyambi EPA, Maganizo Erick Likagwa, confirmed that many farmers experienced losses due to the seeds.
“The seeds didn't grow as expected, and we have consulted One Acre Fund about the issue. We have been working with One Acre Fund for a while, and we have trusted their distribution of different varieties like DK777 and Mzati.
“However, the quality of the seeds this season has been disappointing,” added Likagwa.
Agricultural Extension Methodology Officer for Machinga District Council, Betty Kujingo Tholo, emphasized the importance of DASP meetings in addressing farmers' concerns.
“These meetings provide a platform for farmers to share their experiences and challenges. We will take up this issue with One Acre Fund and explore ways to improve the situation,” she added.
Responding to the allegations, One Acre Fund's Public Relations Officer, Francis Chipanda, said the organization opted for maize seed variety, DK 8023, Mzati, based on farmers’ demand.
“We believe performance issues might be due to unfavorable weather patterns and ecological factors. The same seed batch has performed well in other districts like Mulanje and Chiradzulu.
“We provide crop insurance to farmers affected by extreme weather conditions, and our team will assess whether the affected areas in Machinga District qualify for this support. We are committed to continuous improvement and appreciate the feedback and concerns raised,” he said.
Chipanda said that One Acre Fund values farmer feedback, adding that the organization works to strengthen seed quality control processes and enhance farmer training and support.
