The Atlas Malawi

Author: Contributor

  • NTLEP urged to take leprosy messages to schools

    NTLEP urged to take leprosy messages to schools

    Students and teachers in some schools in the country have asked the ministry of health to reach them with leprosy messages, saying most of young people in such institutiond are unaware of issues concerining the skin infection.

    The call has come at a time the country is experiencing the reimmergence of leprosy, the skin disease Malawa was declared free by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1994.

    The ministry of Health has however assured Malawians that they are doing everything possible to end further spread of the infection through providing people with messages that might help them identity symptoms of the infection.

    The ministry has also said that most district hospitals in the country have adquate supplies of drugs to treat those diagnized with the ailment.

    But Andrew Mkopoliwa Director for Kawale Private Secondary School in Lilongwe has expressed worry with the re-immergence of leprosy in the country.

    He has however complained that most students in various schools know little or nothing about the infection, therefore called upon the responsible department in the ministry of Health, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Program (NTLEP) to start visiting schools where leprosy messages should be preached to the learners.

    ” We have been seeing officials from the ministy of health visiting schools with HIV and AIDS messages and lately they have been sensitizing learners about Covid 19. I feel its time for officials from the ministry should also start visiting schools to preach messages concerning leprosy,” said Mkopoliwa.

    While the Principal for Proper Private school in the same city, Leonard Metazama applauded the ministry of health for efforts being made in the fight againstlLeprosy, but expressed doubt if any students at the school is aware of the skin infection, symptoms and its recurrence in the country.

    He therefore concurred with Mkopoliwa that there is a need for the ministry of health through its information department or NTLEP to start visiting schools to sensitize learners about the infection.

    “Let me be honest here, that there are a few or no students at this school who can answer or explain anything about leprosy, this is an indication that despite the prevailance of the infection our learners do not know anything about the scourge. We therefore need to get messages about the infection to the grassroots through targeting these young ones,” explained Metazama.

    A Mr Phiri, teacher at Nyungwe Primary School in Chiradzulu district said, she was not aware that leprosy has resurfaced in the country, which she suggested as equally been applicable to most students at the institution. She therefore urged responsible officials to visit them with the awareness messages about the infection.

    However efforts to speak with NTLEP Director Dr James Mpunga proved futile as he could not be reached through his phone.

    However through media tours NTLEP has repeatedly said they are doing everything possible to ensure that people in all the areas of the country are reached with leprosy messages which is a key step towards eradicating the infection.

    Reported by Brown Mdalla

  • Business mogul Mpinganjira builds cancer hospital in honour of late wife

    Business mogul Mpinganjira builds cancer hospital in honour of late wife

    The International Blantyre Cancer Centre Board Chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira has said the decision to construct the centre was triggered by the death of his wife, Barbara on 4 January 2019.

    Mpinganjira said this on Tuesday when President Lazarus Chakwera officially opened the International Blantyre Cancer Centre in Nyambadwe, Blantyre.

    He narrated that the plan to construct the centre dates back to 24 January 2017 when his late wife, Barbara was diagnosed with cancer and she spent 3 months at a South African hospital while he stayed in a hotel until their return to Malawi on 16 April 2017,

    ” It was that experience in South Africa, that prompted me, after the death of my wife on 4 January 2019, to make the decision to build a Cancer hospital in Malawi so that as many Malawians as possible should never have to go through the same experience we went through. I give glory to God that we now have a Cancer Centre in Malawi” he said.

    According to Mpinganjira, the facility will offer both Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy treatment and has the most advanced Radiotherapy facilities in Africa which will help in treatment of cancer patients within the country.

    He emphasized that the Centre is a game changer for the country as it will relieve the country on the massive foreign exchange challenge the country is experiencing.

    “The second reason is the huge cost burden borne by the patient or family. The financing burden paying for air tickets, accommodation, food, local transport, and sundries amongst other costs for the patient and the guardian that just add up to the patient’s stress exacerbating the condition of the patient,” he bemoaned.

    Mpinganjira applauded President Lazarus Chakwera for his willingness to personally come to open the Cancer Centre, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration that the President values the contributions of the private sector community in Malawi.

    “This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective fight against one of the most formidable adversaries known to humanity – Cancer. The Cancer Centre stands as a beacon of light in the darkness of cancer, a place where innovative technology meets the healing power of empathy and compassion,” he said.

    In his remarks, Chakwera said government is currently implementing the National Cancer Control plan that among others, will enable that every cancer patient should be treated within the country by 2030.

    He said the National Cancer Center in Lilongwe will be operational by September this year.

    The President added that there are many patients that need treatment which calls for collaborative efforts as at the moment, saying treating one cancer patient requires about K25 million.

    Speaking earlier, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda who spoke on behalf of Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo-Chiponda, said about 12 0000 people die of cancer every year in Malawi and that 17 000 cancer cases are diagnosed every year.

    He said cancer remains a burden for the country as the deaths accounts for almost 50 percent of deaths that occur due to non-communicable diseases.

    The cancer centre is a 50/50 joint venture between the ‘Thomson & Barbara Mpinganjira Foundation’ and the Luxembourg, Belgium based company called OMCC.

    OMCC has 5 Cancer Centers in France and four in Africa and has treated over 60,000 patients since this Radiotherapy group started.

    Once fully completed with state -of-the-art accommodation, the cost of the project is expected to amount to 7 million euros (about K12 billion).

    So far about K9.6 billion has been spent on the first phase of the project while second phase is expected to start soon and will comprise of a state-of-the-art Diagnostic facility and accommodation facility pushing the final cost of the project to 8 million Euros.

  • NBM ranked best in Malawi, Central Africa

    NBM ranked best in Malawi, Central Africa

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has been rated the best Bank in Malawi and Central Africa by the France-Based Media Group, Africa Report.

    The Media Group, which also publishes a monthly Magazine called ‘Jeune Afrique’, has ranked NBM Plc 20th among the 200 African Institutions which has South Africa’s Capitec Bank leading the list.

    According to the methodology used in the ranking, which has been posted on their Africa Report Website, the ranking composed five criteria: profitability, liquidity, solvency, and size.

    “A weight is assigned to each to give a score out of 100. Each criteria itself consists of various indicators to which we have assigned a specific weight. In total, around 20 indicators were used”.

    “For example, the profitability dimension includes, among other things, the net result ratio over total assets, liquidity includes the loan-to-deposit ratio, solvency includes the equity to total assets and size includes the total balance sheet. If a dimension is missing for a group due to insufficient data, a penalty is applied. When two or more indicators are missing, the bank is not ranked,” reads the methodology.

    NBM Plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the recognition is a true indication of the impact made by the Bank in multiple areas.

    “We are honoured to be recognized alongside other players within our eco-system. As a Bank, we commit to continue providing financial solutions that create value for the end-user ,” Hiwa said.

    In its five-year strategic plan from 2023 to 2027, NBM Plc indicated that it plans to grow to two countries apart from Malawi and Tanzania where the Bank runs Akiba Commercial Bank.

    Standard Bank and First Capital Bank (FCB) have been ranked 62 and 67 respectively.

    FDH Bank and NBS Bank are positioned 87th and 124th respectively.

  • Robbery suspect, politician Joe Nyirongo joins MCP

    Robbery suspect, politician Joe Nyirongo joins MCP

    Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) director of operations Joe Nyirongo, who is facing robbery charges, has joined the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

    Nyirongo, who was expelled from DPP recently, was arrested in June last year on allegations that he was involved in a robbery that happened in Mzuzu.

    During the alleged robbery incident, a businessman who had hired a taxi reportedly lost about K6 million. He is suspected to have been in the company of four others.

    He was released on bail by the Mzuzu Principal Resident Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda.

    Popularly known as ‘Big Joe’, he was welcomed into MCP by North-South region chairperson Joseph Chavula at the party’s office in Mzuzu.

    Nyirongo said his decision to join MCP came after noting that the party represents the political interest of all Malawians.

    Chavula advised those who are joining the party to strictly abide by the four cornerstones of Unity, Loyalty, Obedience, and Discipline, saying MCP survived in the opposition for 26 years because of them.

    “You are witnesses that MCP went out of government and stayed for 26 years in opposition, but because of these four cornerstones MCP is now back in government,” he said

     

     

     

     

  • NBM contributes K2.5m towards Wealth Women Summit

    NBM contributes K2.5m towards Wealth Women Summit

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has contributed K2.5 million towards this year’s Wealth Woman Summit slated for Friday and Saturday in Lilongwe.

    Speaking after presenting the Cheque to the Summit organisers on Wednesday, NBM Plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the Bank considered partnering with Wealth Magazine as it commits to fostering female representation in leadership positions and providing equal opportunities for career growth.

    “Critically, this summit, organized by Wealth Magazine, serves as a platform to champion the cause of diversity, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds to thrive.”

    “Currently, 41 percent of our total staff members are female, and 28 percent of our managers are female. National Bank of Malawi plc will sponsor this Summit with a contribution of  K2.5 million, demonstrating our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion,” said Hiwa.

    CEO Africa Roundtable Malawi Chapter and Board Member, George Damson thanked the Bank for supporting the fourth edition of the summit celebrated under the theme ‘Inspiring Inclusion’.

    “We are very thankful that the National Bank recognizes that inclusion is a very important aspect in today’s world. Organizing this summit is our way of making sure that we bring to the fore the issue of inclusion,” said Damson.

    Organized by CEO Africa Round Table Malawi Chapter, the summit fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to society.

     

  • Opposition’s Silence on SONA: A Betrayal of Democracy

    Opposition’s Silence on SONA: A Betrayal of Democracy

    In the Malawi Parliament, as is the case with all democratic parliaments across the globe, the ruling and the opposition sides of the aisle form the legislative arm of government.

    In other words, all Members of Parliament elected to the August house, are part of a government.

    In fact, this is why functional opposition results in functional and effective governments as was seen between 2004 and 2009 during the Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika reign at the helm of the country and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

    Thanks to a functioning opposition, Chitsulo cha Njanje, as Bingu was fondly called, delivered, leading to his overwhelming support at the 2009 ballot.

    At that point, main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), under the stewardship of the late John Tembo, ensured that the government did only that which was for the people, a lesson his successor, the now State President Lazarus Chakwera, emulated.

    Fast forward to 2024, the DPP, led in the House by Thyolo Thava MP, Mary Navicha, has decided to dump their role in government as the main opposition party, instead, the party has elected to take their intraparty fights on the floor.

    The DPP is currently split between Navicha and Mulanje Central legislator Kondwani Nankhumwa for the role of Leader of Opposition, with Nankhumwa holding on to the keys at the mercy of the courts.

    Recently, the Navicha led DPP in the house decided not to represent their electorate, refusing to respond to Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address, leaving the ruling with an open cheque – killing democracy in the process, as observed by commentators.

    This DPP’s silence on the SONA, speaks volumes about their disregard for democratic norms and their duty to the people they claim to represent.

    In an unprecedented move, the Navicha led DPP chose to abstain from commenting on the SONA, shirking her responsibility to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of national importance.

    As Malawi witnessed between 2004 and 2009, opposition parties play a crucial role in providing checks and balance to the ruling party by scrutinizing government actions, ensuring they benefit the people.

    Through questioning policies, they hold governments accountable, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, in the process.

    The DPP’s refusal to engage in parliamentary proceedings and Navicha’s subsequent attempt to justify their filthy actions, was not only a gross derelict of duty, but also blatantly disregarded the democratic process.

    By choosing to air their grievances through the media, outside the sanctity of the parliamentary chamber, the DPP demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the institution of Parliament and the rule of law.

    No wonder, the United Democratic Front (UDF) – the DPP’s 2019 elections bed fellow – Leader in Parliament Ned Poya, condemned the disrespect shown towards the Speaker of Parliament by DPP lawmakers.

    Beginning his response to the SONA, Poya says disrespect to the Speaker is disrespect to Parliament.

    This unprecedented abdication of responsibility has sparked widespread condemnation from across the nation, with citizens taking to social media to express their dismay and outrage.

    Many have rightly pointed out that as the major opposition party, the DPP should lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to upholding democratic principles and respecting the institutions that form the backbone of our democracy.

    Some social media commentators have said, the timing of DPP’s refusal to comment on the SONA could not be more ill-judged.

    At a time when Malawi is grappling with the devastating impact of natural disasters, climate change, and other global challenges, the need for robust and constructive debate in Parliament has never been greater.

    Yet, by opting to remain silent, the DPP has effectively abandoned its duty to scrutinize government policies and propose alternative solutions to the pressing issues facing our nation.

    Fortunately, the Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara, reminded the DPP MPs that their purported response to the SONA by the gates of parliament, is a joke that will not be documented in the Hansard.

    So, in 2024, DPP will go down the memory lane as absent on the SONA, a first in over 30 years of Malawi’s democracy.

    The consequences of the DPP’s refusal to engage in parliamentary debate cannot be overstated.

    As history has shown, when opposition parties abdicate their responsibility to hold the government to account, it weakens the checks and balances that are essential for a healthy democracy.

    Just as in Zimbabwe in 2023, where Zimbabwe’s main opposition party boycotted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s SONA, Speaker Jacob Mudenda said such actions reduced MPs’ influence and effectiveness in shaping legislation and policies.

    There, the Speaker punished the errant MPs by, among others, reducing their transport and accommodation allowances.

    While others look at the DPP’s action as just a missed opportunity; it is important to emphasize that it is a serious betrayal of trust bestowed on the MPs by their electorates – poor Malawians.

    Time to rethink? Only Navicha may have the answer.

    By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

  • More customers win in NBM ‘Popanda Chifukwa’ promo

    More customers win in NBM ‘Popanda Chifukwa’ promo

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc over the weekend, continued to splash various prizes to 78 customers in the ‘Popanda Chifukwa POS/MoPay’ promotion currently running.

    The Bank conducted its second monthly draw at Mzuzu Shoprite Mall on Saturday, where hundreds of customers also had a chance to win instant prizes after purchasing goods using the NBM’s debit cards, Mo626 Pay, and Point-of-Sale machines.

    NBM Cards Acquiring and Merchant Services Manager, David Tamula expressed satisfaction with the support and loyalty they are getting for customers who are prioritizing their digital platforms.

    “The Government is having an initiative where we have to make this a cashless society. There are so many benefits out of it, we don’t have to walk around with cash, it is far more efficient. So, we are trying to assist the Government in that endeavor as a very good corporate citizen. We are seeing that customers are embracing it. It is much easier for customers to conduct their transactions as they don’t have to queue twice, but just go where we have our POS and make their payment,” said Tamula.

    One of the customers who won an instant prize, Serah Moyo commended NBM plc for the initiative saying it is now safe to pay for goods without carrying hard cash.

    “This is great, and I urge more customers to embrace the technology. Otherwise, I am happy to be among the lucky ones today,” she said.

    Out of the 78 lucky ones on the day, three people cart home K150, 000 cash reward, while 30 others won a 50% refund on their transactions capped at a maximum expenditure of K75, 000.Thirty more customers won gift packs.

    The promotion which started in December 2023 and will run up to April 2024.

     

  • Air Cargo donates equipment to Chileka Health Centre

    Air Cargo donates equipment to Chileka Health Centre

    Air Cargo Malawi (ACM) has handed over medical equipment worth K3 million to Chileka Health Centre maternity wing as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative commitment.  

    Air Cargo Malawi’s Director of Operations, Arnold Chimwenje said the company thought it necessary to donate to the community they work in, as a way of making a positive economic and health impact.   

    “We felt it necessary that we contribute to the nearby surroundings so that we can make a significant impact in the community that we are serving. That is why we chose Chileka Health Centre.  We have donated a maternity bed, a post-natal bed, and four leather-covered mattresses. This is not just a transaction; it symbolizes a collaboration between ACM and the healthcare community.”

    “ACM as a key player in the air freight industry, is committed to impacting communities positively. This initiative resonates with one of the objectives of the Malawi Health Sector Strategic Plan II (2017-2022) of improving the availability and quality of health infrastructure and medical equipment,” said Chimwenje.

    Chileka Health Centre Deputy Nurse-in-Charge, Maria Dzimbiri thanked ACM for the donation which she said will go a long way in giving comfort to expectant mothers.

    “We didn’t have these kinds of beds; we were just improvising the normal beds. The coming in of these beds will tremendously improve our services,” said Dzimbiri.

    She then asked other corporate entities to help in renovating a ceiling that is in bad shape and donate weighing scales and blood pressure monitors among other needed items.

    Village Head Singano also commended ACM for the donation which she said will also help other villages in Traditional Authority Kuntaja’s area.

    “Not only people in my area are excited, but other village heads surrounding this area are also happy with this donation,” she said.

    ACM plans to donate to Lumbadzi Health Centre which is near Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe later this month.

  • NBS Bank feeds the needy in Chiradzulu

    NBS Bank feeds the needy in Chiradzulu

    NBS Bank Plc has handed over maize flour worth K3.5 million to hunger-affected individuals in Chiradzulu district.

    The donation targeted orphans, the elderly, and the physically disadvantaged in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpunga in the Southern Region district on Sunday.

    The Bank’s Acting Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, James Chikaonda said this is not the first time NBS Bank has donated to the area and will continue to help when the need arises.

    “Bearing in mind that we are a ‘Caring Bank’, we thought it wise to come in to assist our fellow Malawians. We are targeting to reach 150 beneficiaries from this area in their time of need,” said Chikaonda.

    In her remarks, T/A Mpunga thanked NBS Bank for the timely donation to the vulnerable groups in her area.

    “Last year we were affected by Cyclone Freddy, and this year, there is no rain. The people in my area are sleeping on an empty stomach,” she said.

    One of the beneficiaries Philes Binet of Kuchombe Village also joined T/A Mpunga in commending the Bank for coming to their rescue.

    “We thank NBS Bank for this donation and we hope they will always come to our rescue,” said Binet.

    Member of Parliament for the area, Joseph Mwanamvekha also echoed the sentiments by appreciating the Bank’s kind gesture.

    “I am pleased to see that today they have come to distribute flour, mainly to the elderly, physically challenged, and orphans. You can see that most of the beneficiaries are quite happy that at least for today and a few days they will be able to eat.”

    “It is a very worrying situation now, I am sure you have seen that most of the maize is drying up, and yet it has not matured. In my area, T/As Mpunga, Nkalo, and Maoni may not harvest enough to feed the people,” said Mwanamvekha.

     NBS Bank also assisted the Mpunga Community during Cyclone Freddy disaster last year. 

  • Chisale threatened ACB boss with gunshots, explosives

    Chisale threatened ACB boss with gunshots, explosives

    Ernest Chimanga on Wednesday told the Principal Resident Magistrate Court sitting in Lilongwe that Norman Chisale threatened the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) deputy director Hillary Chilomba with gunshots and explosives if the graft busting body continues delaying his prosecutions.

    Chimanga, who is Chilomba’s bodyguard, was testifying in a case which Chisale, who is personal bodyguard for former President Peter Mutharika is being accused of intimidating public officers and obstructing justice.

    “He said the next time he will be at the ACB offices, there will be gunshots and explosives and that he didn’t care whether he would be arrested or not,” he said adding that Chisale uttered the words last year on November 3 while in a meeting with Chilomba.

    Chimanga said that was the only way to force ACB to fast track the legal process of his cases, which he said have taken long and affecting him financially.

    Taking his turn, former Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Steve Kayuni said Chisale threatened him on a local television.

    In an exclusive interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) in November last year, Chisale blamed former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Steve Kayuni for his suffering due to the preservation order and the freezing of his bank accounts.

    “I am suffering, my family and children are suffering because of Kayuni. When I was on remand, I wrote his office asking for K5 million for my child’s school fees, but he refused. I will never forgive Kayuni. God should deal with him,” a visibly angry Chisale told host, Leah Malekano in an interview that was laced with profane words

    He further claimed that Kayuni had tried to apologize to him through a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official.

    Chisale vowed that those who are behind his torture will pay one day. He did not elaborate.

    Kayuni told the court that Chisale’s statement clearly showed that the accused was able to do anything because of his military experience and his connections politically.

    Principal Resident Magistrate Michongwe adjourned the case to a date to be announced to enable the State to parade two more witnesses.

    Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo is expected to testify in the case.