Tuesday, March 31, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 57

Government cackles down on health workers over equipment vandalism

0



By Burnett Munthali

Government has warned health workers against vandalising or stealing medical equipment in public health facilities, saying such acts undermine service delivery and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, issued the warning on Tuesday during the official opening of Khwisa Health Centre in Balaka District, emphasising the need for health workers to protect public property.

Baloyi said government is prioritising the health sector under its development agenda and remains committed to delivering quality health care through strengthened health systems, a move that requires collective efforts from all stakeholders.



She further said the upgraded Khwisa Health Centre will help decongest Balaka District Hospital, improve working conditions for health personnel and increase access to quality health services for surrounding communities, aligning with the government’s push for equitable healthcare access.

The Minister’s warning comes amidst concerns over the vandalism of medical equipment in public health facilities, which has been a perennial challenge in Malawi’s healthcare system, often crippling service delivery.

Deputy Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, Susanne Melti, called on Government to ensure adequate funding for maintenance of the new infrastructure, strengthen asset management systems and deploy sufficient health personnel to sustain service delivery, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in healthcare development.

The K2.1 billion Khwisa Health Centre was constructed through the Health Services Joint Fund (HSJF), with support from the Governments of Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom, demonstrating the collaborative efforts in improving Malawi’s healthcare infrastructure.

The facility, which will serve about 1,500 households as well as surrounding areas in Ntcheu and Mangochi districts, comprises a maternity ward, dispensary, laboratory block, mothers’ waiting home and staff houses, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare access in rural areas.

Gates Foundation denies mosquito conspiracy in Kenya

0



By Burnett Munthali

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has firmly denied claims circulating on social media that its founder, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, is behind the rapid increase in mosquito numbers in Kenya.

In a statement on X, the foundation said it does not operate mosquito laboratories or conduct mosquito releases in Nairobi or anywhere else in the country, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and cooperation with local authorities.

It stressed that its work focuses on supporting Kenyan-led health priorities and does not bypass government protocols, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing public health challenges.



The clarification followed accusations amplified by Kenyan lawyer and politician Paul Muite, which triggered widespread online debate and speculation about the origins of the mosquito surge.

Some users claimed genetically modified mosquitoes were being mass-produced and released, allegations the foundation firmly rejected as “false”, citing a lack of evidence and scientific basis for such claims.

The denial comes amid ongoing concerns over malaria, which remains a major public health challenge in the region, with the foundation emphasizing its commitment to supporting efforts to combat the disease.

The Gates Foundation supports Kenyan-led priorities transparently and responsibly, working alongside governments, researchers, and public health partners to address health challenges, including malaria prevention and control efforts.

FAM charges Bullets over castel challenge cup semi-final misconduct

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM), through its Competitions Committee, has formally charged FCB Nyasa Bullets over incidents that occurred during their 2026 Castel Challenge Cup semi-final against Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium (KS) in Blantyre on Sunday.

According to a charge sheet signed by FAM General Secretary (GS ) Abdul Chiwalo, Bullets have been instructed to submit their response within 48 hours of notification.



They face three main charges.

The first relates to failure to prevent assaults and obstruction.

The club is accused of not preventing supporters and officials from assaulting and bullying opponents, tampering with the competition area, and obstructing security, in violation of Articles 23.3 and 23.9(b) of the competition’s rules and regulations and Article 17.2(a)(h) of the FIFA
Disciplinary Code.

The second charge concerns assault and intimidation of match officials.

Bullets allegedly failed to stop their supporters from confronting and bullying match officials, contrary to Article 23.3 of the cup rules.

The third charge is bringing the game into disrepute, with Bullets accused of tarnishing football’s reputation, contrary to Article 67 of the FAM Disciplinary Code.

The charge sheet further alleges that upon arrival of the Hammers and during half-time, Bullets supporters, reportedly led by Chingeni Gumbala Kadam’manja, Shaibu Woyera, Trouble Ndikida Kapito, Alick Tsegula, Ganizani Baba, and Dyton Bello, blocked access to the dressing rooms, threatening and verbally abusing the visiting team.

At halftime, they also allegedly confronted and manhandled match officials.

Despite the controversies, Maule won the match 2-0 and will face Goshen City Dedza Dynamos in the final.

CSEC urges protection for MZUNI students amid academic fraud allegations

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has called for the protection of Mzuzu University (MZUNI) students implicated in recent allegations of academic fraud.

In a statement seen by this publication, CSEC Executive Director (ED) Benedicto Kondowe emphasizes the need for assurance that no student will be forced to repeat academic years or face punishment without thorough, evidence-based determinations.

The statement reads in part:”Any suggestion, formal or informal, that students may be compelled to repeat programmes or lose academic years is unacceptable, unjust, and contrary to the right to fair administrative justice. Students must not become collateral damage in failures of institutional systems or governance.”

Kondowe



MZUNI recently suspended several staff members following revelations of academic fraud, which the institution is currently investigating.

Additionally, the university withheld the graduation of 55 students on January 9, 2026, from a cohort of 103, after discovering that their Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) portals had been compromised.

VP Ansah urges church to explore lucrative bee keeping in Zomba

0



By Burnett Munthali

Right Honourable Vice President Jane Ansah has encouraged Christ Citadel International Church in Zomba to venture into bee keeping, highlighting the numerous benefits associated with this agricultural practice.

Ansah made the call during a visit to the church on Sunday, where she emphasized the potential of bee keeping to generate income and improve the livelihoods of community members.

Bee keeping is a lucrative business that requires minimal investment and can generate significant returns, making it an attractive option for individuals and communities looking to diversify their income streams.

Jane Ansah



The Vice President noted that bee keeping can also contribute to environmental conservation by promoting the preservation of bee habitats and pollination of plants, which is essential for food security.

In addition to its economic and environmental benefits, bee keeping can also provide a source of nutritious food, as honey is rich in antioxidants and has medicinal properties.

Ansah urged the church to take advantage of the favourable climate and soil conditions in Zomba to establish bee keeping projects, which can benefit the community and provide a model for others to emulate.

Experts in bee keeping stood in front of the church to clearly explain how to go about the enterprise as a way of making sure the church stands financially independent.

The VP Jane Ansah encouraged Christ Citadel International Church to continue standing financially independent rather than asking for financial help from individuals and politicians or big walks saying the church could easily be trapped into sin as you don’t know the exact source of such money as above of it could be coming from corruption and the dark world.

She stressed that the church must always question where the money given to the church is coming from.

The church has expressed interest in taking up the Vice President’s suggestion, citing the potential to empower its members and contribute to the local economy.

Bee keeping is a relatively low-maintenance agricultural activity that can be undertaken by people of all ages and abilities, making it an inclusive and accessible venture.

With the right training and support, bee keeping can become a significant contributor to the local economy and a source of pride for the community.

The Vice President’s call to action highlights the importance of exploring alternative livelihoods and promoting sustainable development in rural areas.