MANAonline
Unity, hard work, takes stage at Union Day cerebrations
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dar es Salaam, April 26, Mana: Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima on Thursday led Malawians in joining the Republic of Tanzania in celebrating the nations Union Day held at Uhuru stadium, in a ceremony which highly centered on calls for unity for development.
In an interview after the ceremony, Chilima said it was important for Malawi to attend the event because it improves bilateral relations with Tanzania, provides a chance to further explore areas of cooperation, and to witness the power of unity.
“A union means people coming together, doing things together, setting aside perceived or real differences as opposed to setting ourselves apart and dividing ourselves.
“Tanzania has 60 solid years of doing things together after Tanganyika and Zanzibar unified. So, there are lessons to be learnt like putting aside differences which could derail development for our people,” he said.
Chilima said the visit was also an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Just last year, Her Excellency president of Tanzania Suluhu Hassan was our guest of honor during our Independence Day cerebrations, and recently our president Dr Lazarus Chakwera also came for a state visit to Tanzania. So, it was important to join the celebrations as it boosts our bilateral relations,” he said.
Other Malawian government officials who attended the event included minister of local government, unity, and culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, deputy secretary to the president Janet Banda and Malawi`s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Andrew Kumwenda.
In her keynote address, Tanzania’s' president, Samia Suluhu Hassan said the day should bring reflection on unity and hard work to citizens of Tanzania, and Africa at large.
"I ask you all that this day should present renewed commitment in preserving our unity which we have enjoyed, so that the efforts of our founding fathers, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanganyika, and Sheik Abeid Aman Karume of Zanzibar, should not go to waste," she said.
Hassan then called for continued hard work for people of Tanzania and beyond the borders, observing its only through hard work that dreams be achieved.
She also extended appreciations to all African presidents, vice presidents, leaders and dignitaries who attended the ceremony saying their attendance amplified the will for Africa to unite and develop.
Some of the African leaders who attended the event included Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia, William Ruto of Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo`s, Felix Tshisekedi and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, among others.
After the celebrations, President Hassan hosted a luncheon for presidents, dignitaries, and visitors at the State House.
Government launches Malawi health Sector strategic plan 3
By Sellah Chunda and Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, April 26, Mana: Minister of health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has described the launch of Malawi Health Sector Strategic Plan 3 and the Health Financing Strategy as a propeller to enhance and promote the quality of Health Service Delivery in the country.
She made the remarks on Friday at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe during a press briefing on the launch of Malawi Health Sector Strategic Plan 3.
She said among other things, the Strategic plans will help increase life expectancy, reduce high mortality rate and maternal mortality rates reduce HIV prevalence and enhance health infrastructure development and services.
The minister emphasized that the plan will help improve health services at community level and provide health workers with necessary and readily available equipment. Additionally, the Plan will turn Health Centres into Community Hospitals to provide integrated health services and care and the Digitization of the health systems.
She also revealed that districts like Lilongwe and Blantyre will also benefit from the plan, allowing them to have District Hospitals which they have lacked for a long time.
"The declaration states that every national budget must contribute 15 percent of the national budget to promote the well-being and livelihoods, which as a country we have managed to be at 12 per cent which is a good gesture in health promotion," she said.
She said the government is committed to providing all services in Malawi with the partnership of the private sector for specialized diseases for robust health service delivery.
The minister also said that her ministry is committed to to providing health services to all Malawian nationals and foreigners on Malawian soil.
Executive Director for Malawi Equity Health Network (MEHN), George Jobe, Commended the government for the current allocation to the Ministry of Health which he said is close to the Abuja declaration and the aspirations of Universal Health Coverage.
Accurate geographical data vital for development
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, April 25, MANA: Ministry of Lands has called upon stakeholders to be producing, using, storing and sharing high quality geospatial data that is standardized and accurately depicts information of features and activities taking place in the country, saying that such information is pertinent.
Geospatial data include information about weather readings, maps, real estate listings, contacts lists, traffic and accident data, and other points of interest data.
Speaking on Thursday during the sensitization and establishment of Malawi Geographic Information Council (MAGIC) in Salima, Surveyor General in the Ministry of Lands, Masida Mbano said MAGIC will enable the establishment of a one stop Centre for data access and sharing.
“In Malawi there are many stakeholders that are dealing with spatial data, data which is surveyed about location, disasters and all data in institutions. This data has no standard, it is collected in various formats and is not compatible with each other," Mbano said.
He said the council will make sure that there is proper standard, usage and presentation of the data that can be compatible and be mapped properly to be recognized worldwide.
Mbano added that with the absence of MAGIC, duplication of data was common which was costing the country a lot of money because different stakeholders would produce same pictures but on different surveys.
“If data is already collected by an organization and another organization needs the same data it will be shared to show that such organizations are doing the same thing. There is a lot of data in various offices that is not shared but it can be useful to other organizations, MAGIC will set rules on how such kind of data can be shared for the benefit of the country,” he said.
In her words, Chresceuntia Msasa a Lecturer in Geographic Information Systems at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) underscored the importance of having the council, observing that it will boost the quality of data that various stakeholders produce.
She said: “The council will enable access to geospatial data, where to look for information, the quality of data on position accuracy and features or how the data was generated. People were using inaccurate information that was affecting the final product such as maps.”
Msasa further said it is important for various stakeholders to work hand in hand with the council for better results of the spatial data.
“The council will be working with spatial data producers and custodians for them to understand the intellectual property of the data, and the limitations of the usage of its usage," she said.
Meanwhile, Msasa has urged the council to set proper spatial data standards that each stakeholder will take into consideration to avoid compromising the end result that follows the usage of inaccurate data.
MAGIC was revamped in 2016 and has been given power to set standards that will be followed by stakeholders responsible for spatial data production to have high standard data that is accurate and trusted.
Mchinji clinches top spot in Malaria fight
By Vincent Khonje
Ntchisi, April 25, Mana: Mchinji district has soared to the top position in the fight against Malaria.
During this year's World Malaria Day commemoration in Ntchisi on Thursday, Mchinji district was announced as the top district in Malaria prevention and case management surpassing Ntcheu and Karonga.
Dr. Lumbani Munthali, the Programme Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme, hailed the districts for the outstanding performance.
"The criteria for choosing the best district included management of cases, unavailability of discrepancies in Malaria medicine given and the cases registered, provision of commodities like SP to expectant mothers, and sending of reports to Ministry of Health about management of Malaria, among others. Under these measures, the three districts performed exceptionally well," said Munthali.
Dr. Yohane Mwale, the Director of Health and Social Services for Mchinji, expressed gratitude upon winning.
"Being crowned the best performing district in malaria prevention and case management means a lot to us. To us it is a testimony of our hard work, dedication and team spirit that has always existed in the fight against Malaria," said Mwale.
The awards come at an important moment as Malawi strives to achieve its ambitious goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, as outlined in the Malaria Strategy spanning from 2023 to 2030.
This strategic plan, crafted in collaboration with partners, outlines a comprehensive framework of interventions aimed at curbing the spread of malaria and reducing its devastating impact on communities.
Dedza police sounds SOS over suicide cases
By Steve Chirombo
Mana, April 25, Mana: Officer In-charge for Dedza Police Station, Mwiza Mose Nyoni, has called on various stakeholders in the district to render their helping hand towards their ‘No to Suicide’ campaign her office is set to launch in the district.
Speaking at the end of the District Executive Committee (DEC) on Thursday, Nyoni said her office has so far recorded ten suicide cases from January to April this year unlike in 2023 when they recorded four cases in the same period.
“Suicide cases have become rampant in our district and more especially here at the boma. We therefore need to join hands in order to avoid further occurrences on the same.
As police, we are set to launch a campaign called ‘No to Suicide’ which is aimed at disseminating preventive messages on suicide cases. We will go across the district and for this to be achieved we need your support,” she said.
According to the Officer in Charge, her office requires fuel that will enable officers to travel to designated areas for the message dissemination exercise.
She further said that of the figures, men were taking lead in committing suicide adding some common factors include; marriage disputes and debts among others while emphasizing that her office has started confiscating drugs commonly known as ‘Chim’bulu’ which most people take in order to end their lives.
“Please let’s learn to open up when we have issues affecting our lives. Let’s speak out whenever we are hurt. There are no issues we can’t sort out hence no need in rushing to take our own lives,” she emphasized.
Commenting on the same, Edward Chisanga, District Social Welfare Officer for Dedza, said there are no specific people to commit suicide and that anyone can fall in that trap.
He called for everyone to seek timely assistance and also practice issues that reduce depression for a healthy psychological well-being.
Dedza Civil Society Organizations Chairperson, Heston Nalikole, has since called for a formal communication in a form of a letter that will then be sent to individual organizations in the district for further discussions with their head offices.
He however called for stringent measures to curb presence of Chim’bulu and other harmful drugs on the market.
“To us every soul is precious and the development is a concern. However, there should be enforcement measures on the sale of these drugs. Those selling should be registered and there should be designated places to sale these drugs.
We can do the campaign, provide support but if these drugs are not regulated it is like we are fighting a losing battle,” stated Nalikole.
MHEN asks for collaboration in malaria fight
By Blessings Preston Memena
Mzuzu, April 26, Mana: Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), George Jobe has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the government in sensitization and awareness raising campaign on the dangers of the malaria.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday as Malawi joined the rest of the World in commemorating World Malaria Day, Jobe noted that malaria is one of the leading causes of death in the country, but it is most underrated by most Malawians.
According to Jobe malaria drugs are mostly available in Malawi's public health facilities and the government has been distributing mosquito nets, which some people abuse by covering their vegetable gardens and for fishing.
“The malaria drugs are mostly available in Malawi's public health facilities, but most people report late for treatment when they or their children have malaria symptoms thereby resulting in a high mortality rate”, Jobe said.
However, Jobe stressed the need for health partners to join hands with the government in sensitization and awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of Malaria disease which is one of the killer diseases.
“The increased awareness-raising will help appreciate that malaria is one of the big killers and that there is a need to get treatment early when one has a high fever,” he added.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Adrian Chikumbe could not respond when we called him to comment on the matter.
However, The Nation newspaper on Friday quoted Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda saying that in 2023, Malawi recorded 6.4 million malaria cases with a total of 1670 deaths an increase from 4.2 million in 2022.
She added that deaths decreased from 1 829 in 2022 to 1 670 in 2023 representing 25 percent of the county’s deaths.
Malawi’s National Malaria Strategic Plan 2023-2030 aims to eliminate malaria as a public health concern by the year 2030.
The world commemorates Malaria Day on 25 April every year, and this year the day was commemorated under the theme ‘Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.’
MHRC for fair business competition
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe April 26, Mana: Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Director of Civil and Political Rights, Peter Chisi has assured small scale business operators that it would ensure that there was fair business competition between Malawians and other foreigners.
He said this would ensure equal rights in terms of business operations.
Chisi made the remarks Thursday at MHRC offices in Lilongwe during the meeting with Small-Scale Business Operators Association and Concerned Citizens on allegations that some refugees have returned from Dzaleka and are operating their businesses in some areas of the country which was hindering Malawians business as they are selling their goods at lower prices as compared to Malawians.
" Following the meeting we had, we have agreed that the concerned citizens should wait for the meeting between various stakeholders including the Minister of Homeland Security so that he can give government position regarding the concerns they have raised against refugees who have returned to urban areas," he said.
District Commissioner (DC) for Lilongwe, Lawford Palani expressed his gratitude to the MHRC for organizing the meeting saying this has helped the Council to know its roles and responsibilities in dealing with issues concerning foreigners in the country.
"I can confirm that I got notification from concerned citizen and small business operative within Lilongwe and they give me notifications that they are coming to demonstrate and they give me fourteen days to make sure that all the refugees are shifted to Dzaleka," he said.
Chairperson for the Concerned Citizen, Chidziwitso Simbi said as citizens they are very concerned because as a country, it was not developing in terms of business because their business are being carried away by refugees.
Vice President in Tanzania
By Sylvester Kumwenda in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, April 26, Mana: Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima Thursday evening arrived in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where he is expected to attend the commemorations of 60 years of the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar which marked the formation of the now Republic of Tanzania.
Celebrated as Union Day of Tanzania, the commemorations are held annually on April 26 and it will be held at Uhuru Stadium on Friday.
Chilima attends the occasion upon invitation to Malawi from Tanzania’s' leader Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Vice President arrived through Julius Nyerere International Airport was welcomed by Tanzania’s' Minister for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana, High Commissioner for Tanzania in Malawi, Agnes Kayola and other senior Malawi and Tanzania government officials.
Minister of Local Government and Unity, Richard Chimwendo Banda is part of the Malawi delegation to the celebrations.
In an interview, Banda said Malawi shares the same values of unity with Tanzania, evidenced by the peaceful coexistence of people of diverse backgrounds.
“But as Malawi is to celebrate 60 years of independence this year, that unity must reflect on the socio-economic development of her people.
“We have learnt a lot in the past years that there are things we must never do again, things like being divided along tribal or regional lines. We must see ourselves as one, then we can grow as a nation,” he said.
Other dignitaries expected to attend the event are President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, Burundi President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, Prime Minister for Mozambique Adriano Afonso Maleiane amongst others.
In all, 14 African countries are expected to grace the event which earlier on, High Commissioner to Malawi, Andrew Kumwenda described as of huge significance to Tanzania.
Mwang'onga laid to rest
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, April 25, Mana: Manuel Mwang'onga Mkandawire, who served as Minister of Education after his appointment in 1978, has been laid to rest Thursday at his home, Mwang'onga Village in the area of Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Chisovya in Rumphi.
In his eurology, Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, who represented President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, said the President was saddened by the passing on of a very loyal Malawi Congress Party (MCP) member who contributed generously to the development of the country.
Speaker of Parliament, who is also MCP Deputy Secretary General, Catherine Gotani Hara, said Mkandawire, who was served as a Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central Constituency and Rumphi East Constituency respectively, lived a productive life worth learning from.
"He was very hardworking and made sure that he prioritised education and served his country with patriotism. He was a source of political wisdom,” said Gotani Hara.
Group Village Head Mwang'onga said Mkandawire was a patriotic Malawian and educated many in the country through his career as an educator.
Mwang’onga, who qualified as a teacher in 1947 and taught at many teacher training collages including Livingstonia in Rumphi and Loudon in Mzimba, died on Monday at Wezi Medical Centre in Mzuzu at the age of 97.
He is survived by two children.
President Chakwera condoled the bereaved family with K5 million besides providing a casket.
Chakwera emphasizes on selling Malawi to the world
By Tiyanjane Mambucha
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized on the need for Malawians, within and outside the country, to collectively help sell Malawi to others saying the country has a lot to offer to the world.
Chakwera made the call on Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe when he opened the 2024 Takulandirani Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE).
The President said, it is a collective responsibility to sell Malawi to others as people’s daily living and activities speaks more about a country.
''What do you do or say about your country as you live every day? Through what you do or say you represent your country. The responsibility to sell Malawi is of each one of us. Whatever we do we are selling this country,'' said Chakwera.
Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, said MITE has been yielding results since its inception in 2017.
She said the country is doing extremely well in tourism.
''The numbers in terms of traffic of those coming to Malawi is increasing. The waiving of visas for 79 countries has also helped. Our role now is to increase in product development so that people visiting Malawi should have things to see or experience,” said Kamtukule.
Through MITE unique tourism products and services are showcased to hosted international travel buyers, media and the general public, an initiative aiming at advocating for local support and foreign investment in the tourism industry.
The fifth edition of the expo, which will run from 25th to 27th April, 2024 is dedicated to exploring the importance of tourism as one of the Malawi’s key drivers to economic growth, under the theme '#ipatsemoto, everything tourism'.
Chairperson for Malawi Tourism Council, Justine Zinkambani, commended the Chakwera led administration for adding tourism as a priority within the economic sector of the national development.
''Identifying tourism as a priority within the ATM strategy, and the Malawi 2063, underscores the potential of tourism to drive the country's social economic development,” he said.
Malawi is working on an ATM strategy focusing on investing in Agriculture, Tourism and Mining which contributes significantly to the economic growth.
Tourism sector is Malawi’s third largest source of foreign exchange after tobacco and tea. This sector alone contributes about 6.7 percent to the Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
