Wednesday, December 17, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1181

Malawi Nutrition Policy renewal now at an advanced stage- Ministry

247Malawi
-
0
Malawi Nutrition Policy renewal now at an advanced stage- Ministry

By Priscilla Phiri

In a significant stride towards bolstering the country’s health, Principal Secretary (PS) responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera, has announced that the renewal process of the third Nutrition Policy for the country has reached an optimum stage.

Manyetera said this on Tuesday in Lilongwe at the opening ceremony of GIZ’s third annual Global Programme for Food and Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience Conference, which gathered over 40 international delegates and partners with the aim of sharing their experiences, achievements and future pathways in food and nutrition security.

James Manyetera


Speaking at the conference, Manyetera said the government of Malawi recognises the importance of nutrition as an enabler for human growth and development as per Malawi’s Vision 2063.

“A country with poor nutrition aspects can never develop, and Malawi intends to move out of the aspect of malnutrition to an aspect where it is a nutritious rich nation through food diversification, hence this programme implemented by GIZ compliments government’s efforts in eradicating malnutrition,” Manyetera said.

He said government has taken strategic steps in ensuring that policy frameworks and government structures which create an enabling environment for nutrition are well versed, citing the national multisectoral nutrition policy which is at an advanced stage.

“The policy is at an advanced stage such that it is awaiting cabinet’s approval and after this phase we will have a team that will disseminate all aspects of the policy for Malawians to be aware,” he said.

The PS then commended the German government for its steadfast diplomatic relationship with Malawi for the past 60 years which has seen the development of many sectors in Malawi through its programmes implemented by GIZ.

On their part, Head of Global Programme Food and Nutrition Security, Enhance Resilience, Julia Kirya, said nutrition is a complex subject which requires partnerships to be addressed, hence, the conference plays a vital role in sharing information and experiences from the countries.

“What we have achieved in 10 years of this programme is exceedingly great as we have seen improvement in the nutrition of women and children in districts we have been working with in Malawi, including men’s involvement in food and nutrition which wasn’t the case in the early years,” she said.

Also present at the conference, which is expected to end on May 18 2024, was the country representative for GIZ Alan Walsch, delegates from seven countries.

The Malawi Nutrition Policy was launched in 2007 with the aim to facilitate improvement of the nutritional status of all Malawians with special emphasis on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below the age of 15 years.

Draught Sports Committee urged to support female players

247Malawi
-
0
Draught Sports Committee urged to support female players

By Elia Chibwe

Female International Master (FIM), Susan Kachepa, who won the top position in the African Draught Championship league in Zambia last year, has called on the Regional Draught Committee to support female players.

She believes this support is essential to improve skills and build interest in the sport among women.

In an interview on Tuesday, Kachepa criticized the lack of initiatives for female players, noting that district and regional levels primarily organize male tournaments.


“We rely only on the national tournament organized by the Association of Draught in Malawi (ADMA). If we play that tournament in one year, we wait for another tournament the next year.

“How can one play the game without training? We see males being sponsored by other stakeholders, but female players are left out. Even our committee bodies do not sponsor us to have tournaments at grassroots and regional levels,” Kachepa said.

She emphasized that regular training is crucial for improving skills and uplifting talent in draught sports and went on to urge draught committees to avoid gender discrimination when organizing tournaments.

“It’s my plea to draught committees that they should avoid discriminating against us when organizing tournaments. We usually see them sponsoring men to compete in regional tournaments every month,” she said.

However, Regional Committee Secretary Abuba Iman said that their tournaments are open to all, regardless of gender.

“Since 2023, these tournaments have been open to everyone, regardless of skill or gender. District, regional and national qualifiers in the tournament include both males and females.

“We expect girls to participate in training groups like Lilongwe Giants and A, B, C groups. Their involvement in boys’ competitions can help improve their performance,” Iman said.

ADMA President, John Ngwenya acknowledged Kachepa’s concerns but pointed to a lack of willingness among women as a significant factor deterring tournament organizers and sponsors from including women at the grassroots level.

“To ensure both men and women participate in the sport, we are organizing draught tournaments in schools, pending government funding.

“By next month, we will visit schools to identify young ladies who can be active in the sport. We have submitted our budget, and once funds are received; we will start these programs,” Ngwenya said.

Draught is an emerging sport gaining popularity in Malawi, with the government committed to supporting all sports disciplines through funding.

MAGGA says EVAWG project has improved sexuality education in Dowa

247Malawi
-
0
MAGGA says EVAWG project has improved sexuality education in Dowa


By Vincent Gunde

The Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA) says Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) project has improved knowledge on comprehensive sexuality education amongst boys and girls of the age ranges between 10-24 years in Dowa district.

The project which is targeting adolescent girls and young women with boys, parents and community structures as secondary beneficiaries is being implemented in the areas of traditional authorities Dzoole, Mkukula,, Msakambewa and Chiwere in the district.

Cosmas Maricello-.the project has been successful in Dowa district.

139 schools, 120 primary schools and 19 secondary schools have been targeted, 39,012 adolescent girls, young women, boys and young men have been reached with comprehensive sexuality education through the girl guides and boys scout clubs in the schools.

MAGGA’s Project Officer Cosmas Maricello, said the project has strengthened capacity of school structures on GBV and SRHR, 305 community gate keepers, ADC members, parents, initiation counsellors, PTAs, SMCs and mother groups members.

Maricello said the project has oriented school governed structures on Parent-Child communication and trained in making communities safe for adolescents and young people, 518 teachers were trained on GBV, SRHR, Life skills, 278 matrons and 240 patrons and distributed tree seedlings to some of the schools through Area Development Committees (ADCs).

He said training of girls and boys as peer leaders has enhanced awareness of GBV, SRHR and Human Rights information amongst learners and increased reporting mechanisms amongst boys, girls and community members.

“The project has seen high performance of girl guides and boys scout club members at school as well as boys and girls becoming more aware of effects of harmful cultural practices, early marriages and early pregnancies and are taking an active role in addressing the issues,” said Maricello.

He said beside the project register success stories, it has some challenges such as transferring of trained patrons and matrons to other schools, skyrocketing prices of commodities due to devaluation and high inflation of the Malawi Kwacha, school drop outs, among others.

MAGGA has been implementing a five-year (EVAWG) in Dowa district from 2020 with financial assistance from Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)/Dan Church Aid (DCA).

The Hypocrisy of Undule Mwakasungula

247Malawi
-
0
The Hypocrisy of Undule Mwakasungula


By Twink Jones Gadama

Undule Mwakasungula is a name that has become synonymous with controversy and hypocrisy in Malawi. While he claims to be an activist fighting for human rights, his actions and associations tell a different story. Mwakasungula is nothing more than a fortune seeker who has aligned himself with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to further his own agenda.

Throughout his so-called activism, Mwakasungula has failed to offer any tangible message to the people of Malawi. Instead, he is constantly torn between his loyalty to the MCP and his activist persona, causing confusion and mistrust among those who once believed in his cause. His lack of consistency and clear direction only serve to undermine his credibility and expose him as a puppet of the ruling party.

Undule Mwakasungula

One of the most glaring examples of Mwakasungula’s hypocrisy is his past advocacy for same-sex marriage. While he may have once championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, he has since abandoned this cause in favor of aligning himself with President Chakwera and attacking his political opponents. This flip-flopping on important issues not only shows his lack of integrity but also raises questions about his true motives.

Mwakasungula’s role as a mouthpiece for President Chakwera against former President Peter Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) only further exposes his true colors. Instead of focusing on genuine human rights issues and advocating for positive change, he has allowed himself to be used as a tool for political gain. His constant attacks on Mutharika and the DPP only serve to highlight his own shortcomings and lack of substance as an activist.

It is clear that Mwakasungula is out of his depth and in over his head. His attempts to undermine Mutharika and the DPP have only backfired, as they have only strengthened their resolve and exposed him as a failed human rights activist. It is time for Mwakasungula to reevaluate his priorities and focus on truly making a difference in the lives of the Malawian people.

Undule Mwakasungula’s hypocrisy and lack of direction have marked him as a failed activist and a puppet of the MCP. His misguided efforts to attack political opponents and further his own agenda have only served to discredit him and undermine his credibility. It is time for Mwakasungula to step back, reevaluate his priorities, and learn from his mistakes before he further tarnishes his reputation and the causes he claims to support.

Chakwera says Kamuzu had patriotism, integrity and hard work philosophy

247Malawi
-
0
Chakwera says Kamuzu had patriotism, integrity and hard work philosophy

By Vincent Gunde

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera says Malawi as a nation is obliged to remember the life of the late Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda by drawing lessons from his philosophy of patriotism, integrity and hard work.

Chakwera said on 14th May, Malawians have been remembering the day led by Kamuzu Banda’s family thanking the family for accepting that the day be remembered as a national Day in Malawi not only in Lilongwe or Kasungu but all districts across the country starting with Blantyre.

Kamuzu



He said the late Kamuzu Banda was for one Malawi and one unity saying he took all tribes in Malawi as one and developed the country regardless of regions and it is not surprising that Malawi has one Father-Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Speaking at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre marking 14th May, the official birthday of the country’s founding Father, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, Chakwera has vowed to unite Malawians following the footsteps of Kamuzu Banda.

Chakwera has assured Malawians that he will not stop building roads and bridges, distributing free maize to the poor, building Mbelwa University in the North and many development projects in all the country’s regions.

He said it is his vision to see to it that all areas in Malawi are developing saying he will not stop giving K200 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) observing that all this is to respect the foundations laid by the late Kamuzu in the development of the country.

“Politics of intimidations, politics of dividing the people will take the country to nowhere Malawians wants development not people fighting for positions in government,” said Chakwera.

He has urged Malawians not to be shaken, not to give up, allow politicians to divide them, and not to be told lies in the name of politics but to continue working hard assuring all not be deceived that MCP will go out of government in 2025.

Chakwera has made a pledge to use his entire tenure up to 2030 to build a new Malawi that mirrors the good outcomes of the Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s reign.

Kamuzu Day commemorations was spiced up with traditional dances from all walks of life, prayers and a football match between Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers.

1...1,1801,1811,182...2,168Page 1,181 of 2,168

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

True and well researched news covering key issues in Malawi and abroad

Contact us: info@247malawi.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv