The Atlas Malawi

Tag: Japan

  • Japan, Partners in Health sign K120m grant for TB X-ray provision

    Japan, Partners in Health sign K120m grant for TB X-ray provision

    The Embassy of Japan and Partners in Health (Abwezi pa za Umoyo) have signed a grant contract amounting to K120 million for the provision of a Tuberculosis (TB) portable X-ray machine for Neno District Health Office.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lilongwe on Thursday, the Ambassador of Japan to Malawi, Yoichi Oya, expressed hope that the provision of the portable X-ray machine will improve the health environment in the district.

    “Provision of this TB X-ray machine will also enhance livelihood and lead to the development of the country,” said Oya.

    Oya highlighted that the grant is provided under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects for the Japanese Government aimed at providing financial assistance to non-profit development organisations for implementing projects at the grassroots level.

    Executive Director for Partners in Health, Basimenye Nlema, said the partnership that Neno District Council and Partners in Health have will go a long way in ensuring that the government’s efforts towards elimination of TB by 2030 as outlined in the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Program strategy are on track.

    “There will be timely and early detection of the disease and early TB treatment for patients since the service to help in diagnosis will be closer to people in need especially those suspected to have TB in Neno district,” she said.

    District Commissioner for Neno, Rosemary Nawasha, expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Japan for continuously striving to enhance capacity and promote development in Malawi, particularly in various sectors of government as well as at local district councils.

    “Let me thank the government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project for accepting and approving our grant proposal which Neno District Council co-submitted with its longtime partner, Partners in Health, two years ago. We are excited and grateful to be the recipient of the grant,” said Nawasha.

    She added that Neno District faces challenges in delivery of accurate diagnosis and appropriate health services for infectious diseases such as TB hence the grant will go a long way in TB detection and treatment.

    The machine will help in TB screening services, laboratory services using a microscope and radiology services. 

    By Lesnat Kenan

  • Farmers encouraged to adopt modern farming techniques

    Farmers encouraged to adopt modern farming techniques


    The Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Youichi Oya, has urged farmers in the country to embrace contemporary agricultural methods that will foster socioe-conomic empowerment and enable climate change adaptation.

    Oya made this statement while inspecting Agriculture extension workers at Bvumbwe research station, Mafuwa Solar Irrigation scheme and Mikuyu Prison Biogas plant. These projects are being financed by the Japanese Government through UNDP.

    Through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB), Japan and UNDP are executing initiatives aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, reducing inequality, expediting structural changes, enhancing resilience and contributing towards achieving objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as MW2063.

    In the framework of this enduring collaboration, the Government of Japan pledged approximately $2 million in 2022 and $3.8 million in 2021.

    These funds have been allocated towards supporting UNDP’s initiatives with the Government of Malawi which focus on mitigating climate change effects and promoting socio-economic empowerment as well as peace promotion.

    Some of these initiatives are being implemented at Bvumbwe Research Station, Mafuwa solar irrigation scheme, Solar home system households and Mikuyu Prison Biogas Plant.

    During an interview after touring some of these projects sites, Oya stated that he was very impressed with their progress so far. He believes that they will help small holder farmers increase their income thereby improving their livelihoods before project completion.

    “I hope that each one present here today will contribute towards the improvement of livelihoods alongside maintaining peace and stability within Malawi,” said Oya.

    UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost also commented on how these projects would assist local communities build resilience against adverse effects caused by climatic conditions while also ensuring food security.

    Director in Department of Agricultural Extension Services Kenneth Chaula said such initiatives will help small holder farmers develop skills needed for crop production based on market research findings.