Mulanje District Council has donated an artificial leg worth K4.5 million to Senior Chief Chikumbu, who had her leg amputated after an injury from an accident.
The council’s Public Relations and Information Officer, Alex Chitwere, said, “The council recognised the need to support the traditional leader with the artificial leg to enable her continue serving her community.”
Chikumbu expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “This is going to improve my mobility challenge, and I hope the council will do the same to others.”
The artificial leg will enable her to move around more easily and continue her work as a traditional leader in her community.
Health experts at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) have embarked on research to find a permanent treatment for malaria in the country
Speaking on Wednesday in Blantyre during the Malawi colloquium event which celebrated the contributions and impact of pediatric research, KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor MacPherson Mallewa said their goal is to ensure that by 2030, no one in the country will die from malaria.
Mallewa
Mallewa revealed that their team is also working to identify the causes of brain swelling and develop new treatments for pediatric cerebral malaria.
The Vice Chancellor praised the work of Dr. Ankie Borgstein, Dr. Malcolm Molyneux, and Terrie Taylor, who have been instrumental in researching malaria causes and treatments, as well as building capacity for health workers in the country.
Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Malawi, with the entire population of 20 million plus at risk of infection.
Notably, children under the age of five continue bearing the highest burden of the disease.
The country accounts for 2% of malaria cases worldwide and is among the top 15 countries with a high malaria burden.
In 2022, Africa was home to 94% of malaria cases (233 million) and 95% (580 000) of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the region according to the 2023 World Malaria Report.
However, each day breeds hope to have malaria eliminated in at least 30 countries by 2030 as per the 2016-2030 global technical strategy for malaria.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi(PHASOM) has called on local and international investors to consider investing in the local manufacturing of medical drugs in order to reduce the country’s reliance on imported drugs and lower associated costs.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Blantyre on Saturday,PHASOM President William Mpute emphasized the need to significantly boost manufacturing to align with the country’s 2063 development blueprint.
Mpute
On his part, General Manager for Central Medical Stores Trust(CMST) for the Central Region,Enock Foster, supported Mpute’s call, highlighting that increased local drug production could lead to substantial cost savings.
“In previous years, our annual drug requirements ranged from K50 to K60 billion, but this has increased to around K80 billion this year,” said Foster.
Other experts, including Dr. Sveinbjorn Gizurarson and Moses Chisale, also stressed the importance of local production in addressing foreign exchange challenges and ensuring a timely response to pandemics.
Currently, only five local pharmaceutical manufacturers operate in the country, contributing to just 20 percent of the national drug supply.
PHASOM is a registered body of Pharmacy professionals.
The society was established with the objective of fostering high standards of pharmacy practice in all disciplines of the pharmacy profession.
The Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) has warned that the World Bank’s upward revision of the International Poverty Line (IPL) for low-income countries will push many Malawians into abject poverty.
IPL is a monetary threshold used to determine an ‘adequate’ level of income.
If a person falls under that threshold, they’re considered to be living in poverty.
Bertha Bangala Chikadza
The World Bank has revised the threshold to $3,approximately K5,000) per person per day from the previous K3,764.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,ECAMA President Bertha Bangala Chikadza said this signals tough economic times ahead and urged the government to implement measures to cushion the impact on Malawians.
Asked to comment on the same, Youth Support for Social Advancement (YOSSA) Programs and Communications Officer Clement Magombo noted that the adjustment reflects the rising cost of living and highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
National Planning Commission(NPC) acting Director General (DG ) Joseph Nagoli, whose organisation offers oversight role of MW2063, said the change in IPL does not affect the country’s graduation to a middle income country status.
World Bank data shows that Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita stands at $602.3 (about K1 million) as of 2023, far below that of the lower middle-income economy of $1 146 (about K2 million) and higher income economies of $14 005 (about K25 million).
With this GDP per capita, Malawi has a poverty rate of 70.1 percent, but going by the higher income GDP per capital standing, the poverty rate in Malawi would be at 97.3 percent, according to the World Bank.
For decades, Malawians have listened to eloquent speeches and grand promises from politicians, only to witness minimal change in the country’s socio-economic landscape. As someone who has spent a decade in journalism, I have covered countless pledges of national development — many of which have faded into the background, leaving citizens disillusioned and stagnant.
Malawi has long been caught in a cycle of underdevelopment, particularly in crucial areas such as infrastructure, food security, and economic empowerment. For years, these fundamental pillars of growth were either ignored or insufficiently addressed. However, in recent years, a wave of change seems to be sweeping across the nation under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
Unlike his predecessors, President Chakwera is not simply echoing promises — he is actioning them. His administration is showing signs of a determined effort to transform the foundations of Malawi’s economy through strategic restructuring and long-term vision alignment with Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s original national aspirations.
Reviving Agriculture Through Innovation
One of the cornerstones of this transformation has been agriculture — a sector critical to Malawi’s economy and livelihoods. Through the Mega Farm Initiative, the government has rolled out large-scale agricultural projects aimed at commercialising farming and ensuring food security.
In tandem with this, the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has been revitalised to provide accessible loans to smallholder farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, empowering them to scale operations and increase productivity.
Moreover, the Irrigation Scheme Construction and the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) are addressing both the unpredictability of rainfall and the high cost of farming inputs — two long-standing barriers to agricultural success in Malawi.
These initiatives are not only strengthening food security but also promoting self-reliance and economic participation in rural communities.
Social Protection and Youth Empowerment
President Chakwera’s administration has also prioritised inclusive development, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations. The Social Cash Transfer Programme continues to reach impoverished households, while food relief operations are being conducted across all regions, ensuring no Malawian is left behind during times of crisis.
The National Youth Council of Malawi has been instrumental in implementing youth-targeted interventions. Grants and business training opportunities are being provided to empower the youth economically, creating a generation of independent thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure Development: Roads, Water, and Education
Infrastructure development under Chakwera’s leadership is visibly accelerating. Major road projects — such as the rehabilitation of the M1 and M5 highways (from Kaphatenga to Nkhotakota), the Nsipe–Balaka road, and the Blantyre Bypass — are opening up economic corridors and reducing transport burdens for traders and commuters alike.
In education, the University and College Extension Programme is expanding access to higher education across the country, while new police housing units are improving the welfare of law enforcement officers.
The administration’s efforts to ensure universal access to clean water are also commendable. Projects like the Salima–Lilongwe Water Supply Project and the Nkholongo Multipurpose Dam (under construction) are milestones in achieving sustainable urban water infrastructure.
Women in Leadership
A defining characteristic of President Chakwera’s governance has been the empowerment of women. For the first time in history, Malawian women are occupying critical leadership positions across government ministries, agencies, and departments. From ministerial posts to high-level appointments like the Inspector General of Police and Secretary to the President and Cabinet, women are being recognised for their capability and leadership potential.
This intentional inclusion is not only a win for gender equality but also a reinforcement of the belief that the development of Malawi cannot proceed without the active participation of women.
Restructuring for a Resilient Future
President Chakwera’s economic restructuring efforts are not without challenges. Yet, the visible progress across sectors — agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and governance — signals a departure from the rhetoric-driven politics of the past.
For the first time in years, Malawians can see a tangible roadmap towards national transformation. While there is still a long way to go, especially in ensuring policy implementation and eradicating corruption, the vision being executed offers hope.
Malawi is not just hearing promises anymore — Malawi is beginning to move.
