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Mission Rabies Malawi to vaccinate over 20,000 dogs in Blantyre

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By Jones Gadama

Mission Rabies Malawi, a project of Worldwide Veterinary Services, is set to embark on its 11th dog rabies mass vaccination campaign in Blantyre.

The campaign, which is expected to commence on April 26, will run for five weekends across the city and aims to vaccinate over 20,000 dogs.

According to Project Coordinator for Blantyre District, Nelson Mundira, the exercise has been instrumental in reducing human rabies cases in the district since its inception in 2015.

Mundira highlighted that the vaccination campaign will not only be limited to Blantyre but will also be extended to some districts in the central region, including Mangochi, Machinga, and Ntcheu.

This move is part of Mission Rabies Malawi’s efforts to combat rabies in the country and protect both human and animal lives.

Mission Rabies Malawi Country Director, Dr. Inga McDermott, revealed that last year, the organization vaccinated 150,000 dogs outside Blantyre City in collaboration with the Malawi Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development.


This effort is crucial in controlling the spread of rabies, a disease that claims around 500 lives annually in Malawi, according to published public health data.

The dog rabies mass vaccination campaign is a vital initiative that aims to protect both humans and animals from the deadly disease.

Rabies is a significant public health concern in Malawi, and the efforts of Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development are crucial in addressing this issue.

The vaccination campaign will be conducted over five weekends, providing an opportunity for dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.

The exercise will be carried out by a team of dedicated professionals who will ensure that the vaccinations are administered safely and effectively.

Mundira urged dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts to take advantage of the vaccination campaign and have their pets vaccinated against rabies.

He emphasized that the vaccination campaign is not only important for the health and well-being of the dogs but also for the protection of human lives.

The collaboration between Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to combat rabies in Malawi.

The efforts of these organizations have been instrumental in reducing the number of human rabies cases in the district, and their continued collaboration will be crucial in achieving their goal of eliminating rabies in Malawi.

As the vaccination campaign approaches, dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts are encouraged to prepare their pets for vaccination.

The campaign will provide a valuable opportunity for dog owners to ensure that their pets are protected against rabies, and it is essential that they take advantage of this service.

The impact of rabies on communities in Malawi cannot be overstated. The disease is a significant public health concern, and the efforts of Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development are crucial in addressing this issue.

By vaccinating dogs against rabies, the organizations are not only protecting the animals but also reducing the risk of transmission to humans.

The dog rabies mass vaccination campaign by Mission Rabies Malawi is a vital initiative that aims to protect both humans and animals from the deadly disease.

The campaign, which will be conducted over five weekends, will provide an opportunity for dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.

With the collaboration of the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Mission Rabies Malawi is committed to combating rabies in Malawi and protecting both human and animal lives.

The efforts of Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development are a testament to their commitment to public health and animal welfare.

As the vaccination campaign approaches, it is essential that dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts take advantage of this service and have their pets vaccinated against rabies.

By working together, we can combat rabies and protect both human and animal lives.

Embracing art as a pillar of Malawi’s culture

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By Jones Gadama

April 15, 2025, marks World Art Day, and Malawi has joined the global community in commemorating this significant day.

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, emphasized the importance of art in shaping the nation’s culture during a press briefing in Lilongwe.

According to Chitsulo, art plays a vital role in influencing international diplomacy, promoting education systems, global trade, and development of local communities.

“Art is not just a form of creative expression, but also a powerful tool that can bring people together, promote cultural understanding, and contribute to the country’s economic development,” Chitsulo said.



She urged Malawians to value and care for art, recognizing its significance in shaping the nation’s identity.

The Deputy Minister’s sentiments were echoed by Director of Arts in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Humphrey Mpondaminga. Mpondaminga expressed the government’s continued support for protecting art and ensuring that artists benefit from their work.

One way the government is preserving art is through the Copyright Society of Malawi, which safeguards intellectual property rights and promotes creativity.

Art has been an integral part of Malawi’s culture, with various forms of expression, including music, dance, and visual arts.

The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture recognizes the importance of art in promoting cultural diversity and national identity.

By supporting art initiatives, the government aims to create opportunities for artists to showcase their talents, both locally and internationally.

Chitsulo’s call to action emphasizes the need for Malawians to appreciate and value art, not just as a form of entertainment, but also as a vital component of the country’s cultural heritage.

By doing so, the nation can harness the power of art to promote cultural exchange, understanding, and economic growth.

The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture is committed to creating an enabling environment for artists to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Copyright Society of Malawi, the government is working to protect intellectual property rights and promote creativity.

This support will enable artists to benefit from their work, encouraging innovation and artistic expression.

Mpondaminga highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, artists, and stakeholders in promoting art and culture.

By working together, Malawi can develop a vibrant art scene that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and contributes to its economic development.

As Malawi commemorates World Art Day, the government and stakeholders are urged to continue supporting art initiatives and promoting cultural expression.

By valuing and caring for art, Malawians can harness its power to shape the nation’s identity, promote cultural understanding, and contribute to economic growth.

Joyce Chitsulo’s call to action serves as a reminder of the significance of art in Malawi’s development.

As the country moves forward, it is essential to prioritize art and culture, recognizing their vital role in shaping the nation’s identity and promoting economic growth.

The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture is responsible for promoting local governance and participatory democracy, creating an enabling environment for socio-economic development and social stability.

By supporting art initiatives and promoting cultural expression, the Ministry aims to contribute to Malawi’s economic development and cultural diversity.

As the country continues to commemorate World Art Day, it is essential to recognize the importance of art in shaping the nation’s identity and promoting cultural understanding.

Malawi Football Association launches investigation into sexual misconduct allegations

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By Jones Gadama

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has taken swift action in response to allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, also known as The Scorchers, during a recent international assignment.

The allegations have sparked widespread concern, and FAM has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to uncover the truth.

According to sources, the allegations of sexual misconduct have already been brought to the attention of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), the governing body that oversees football in the southern African region.

However, COSAFA’s media office has confirmed that the matter falls under FAM’s jurisdiction, and it is their responsibility to address the issue publicly.



In a statement released on Tuesday, FAM confirmed the launch of a formal inquiry into the allegations, stating: “FAM has therefore instituted a formal inquiry to investigate and make findings on the matter. This process will be undertaken pursuant to applicable rules and policies that ensure fairness and justice for all parties involved.”

The statement did not provide further details on the nature of the allegations or the identity of the individual involved, but sources close to the matter have confirmed that the allegations are serious and warrant a thorough investigation.

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team has been making waves in the football world, with their impressive performances in recent tournaments.

However, these allegations threaten to overshadow their achievements and undermine the progress that the team has made.

The investigation will be conducted in accordance with FAM’s rules and policies, which are designed to ensure fairness and justice for all parties involved.

The association has assured the public that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, and that any findings will be made public.

The allegations have sparked widespread concern among football fans and stakeholders in Malawi, with many calling for swift action to be taken against anyone found to be involved in misconduct.

The football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation, and there is a sense of relief that FAM is taking the matter seriously.

As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to remember that the allegations are just that – allegations. The individual involved is entitled to a fair hearing, and any conclusions should be based on evidence.

However, if the allegations are found to be true, it is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team has worked hard to achieve success on the pitch, and it is crucial that their efforts are not overshadowed by allegations of misconduct. The team has brought pride and joy to the nation, and their achievements should be celebrated.

However, it is equally important to acknowledge that allegations of sexual misconduct are serious and warrant a thorough investigation.

The football community has a responsibility to ensure that all players, officials, and staff are safe and respected.

As the investigation continues, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and safety of all individuals involved.

The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps, and it is essential that FAM’s findings are based on evidence.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to protect athletes from abuse and harassment.

The sports industry has a responsibility to create a safe and respectful environment for all participants, and it is heartening to see FAM taking these allegations seriously.

The investigation will likely be closely followed by the media, fans, and stakeholders in the football community.

FAM’s commitment to fairness and justice will be put to the test, and it is essential that the association’s findings are transparent and based on evidence.

As the story unfolds, we will continue to provide updates and analysis. For now, the focus remains on the investigation and ensuring that justice is served. The Malawi Women’s National Football Team deserves nothing less.

The allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team are serious and warrant a thorough investigation. FAM’s decision to launch a formal inquiry is a step in the right direction, and it is essential that the investigation is conducted fairly and transparently.

The outcome will be crucial in determining the next steps, and it is essential that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

The football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation, and it is essential that FAM’s findings are based on evidence.

The well-being and safety of all individuals involved must be prioritized, and it is crucial that the association takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of misconduct.

As we await the outcome of the investigation, one thing is certain – the reputation of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team and the integrity of the sport hang in the balance.

It is up to FAM to ensure that justice is served and that the association’s values of fairness, respect, and integrity are upheld.

DREAM programme shines in Malawi’s healthcare landscape

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By Jones Gadama

The DREAM programme, run by the Sant’Egidio community, has been making waves in Malawi’s healthcare sector, providing free healthcare services to thousands of Malawians through its 13 healthcare centers and three molecular biology laboratories.

Recently, Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, paid a visit to the St Egidio DREAM Centre clinic in Blantyre, where he praised the quality of care being delivered.

During his tour, Chimpeni encouraged the programme to continue its excellent work and expressed the government’s desire for the DREAM programme to expand its reach to more districts, enabling more Malawians to benefit from its services.



“My word is just to encourage them to continue as government would wish that they would be in as many districts as possible so that more Malawians benefit,” he said.

The DREAM programme has been operational in Malawi since 2005, focusing on providing comprehensive care to people living with HIV/AIDS.

With a strong emphasis on specialized human resources, the programme has developed a close collaboration with national healthcare authorities.

Paola Germano, the general coordinator for the DREAM programme, highlighted the importance of healthcare services going beyond treating patients.

“Healthcare services are not just about treating patients, but also about changing the mentality and culture of the society,” she said.

The DREAM programme provides everyone with HIV/AIDS assistance free of charge, including specific consultancy services, medical examinations, diagnostic monitoring, and social support.

The programme operates three molecular biology laboratories in Blantyre, Dowa, and Balaka, which play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

The programme has recently broadened its scope to include other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cervical cancer, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other non-communicable diseases.

The DREAM programme’s model of care has been hailed as a success story in Malawi’s healthcare landscape.

By providing high-quality, patient-centered care, the programme has improved health outcomes for thousands of Malawians.

The programme’s focus on community engagement, health education, and social support has also helped to reduce stigma and promote adherence to treatment.

The DREAM programme’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders has been instrumental in its success.

The programme has worked closely with the government to develop guidelines for HIV/AIDS treatment and has contributed to the country’s efforts to improve healthcare services.

As the DREAM programme continues to expand its services and reach more Malawians, its impact on the country’s healthcare landscape is likely to grow.

With its focus on community engagement, health education, and patient-centered care, the programme is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of Malawians.

The programme’s innovative approach and commitment to delivering high-quality care have demonstrated that even in resource-constrained settings, excellent healthcare outcomes can be achieved.

Rumphi District Council hands over K197 Million school infrastructure to boost education

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By Jones Gadama

In a significant boost to education in Rumphi, the District Council has handed over an 80-bed girls’ hostel at Junju Community Day Secondary School and a two-classroom block at Mdimwa Primary School, both constructed with financial support from the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project worth K197 million.

During the handover ceremony, District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu urged parents and teachers at the two schools to collaborate and fully utilize the structures to improve learner performance. He emphasized the importance of taking care of the facilities so that future generations can also benefit from them.



“The classroom block at Mdimwa will provide a conducive learning environment, and we expect the school to attract more children and improve academic performance,” Bulukutu said.

The new hostel at Junju Community Day Secondary School will greatly benefit students, particularly girls, who can now focus on their studies without the burden of long-distance travel.

Student Faith Mwandira expressed her gratitude, saying, “We have been walking long distances to attend school, but the hostel will now give us an opportunity to concentrate on our studies and improve performance.” The hostel is expected to improve the overall learning environment and boost girls’ enrollment and retention rates.

At Mdimwa Primary School, the two-classroom block will address the issue of limited classroom space, which previously forced some learners to study under trees.

Headteacher Khaula Msiska welcomed the new structure, saying it will attract more children to the school and provide a better learning environment.

“The structure will enable us to accommodate more learners and provide quality education,” Msiska said.

The GESD project has been instrumental in improving infrastructure and service delivery in Rumphi.

The project, worth millions of kwacha, has funded various initiatives, including the construction of market shelters, a pharmacy at Rumphi District Hospital, and a teacher development center at Old Salawe.

These developments demonstrate the council’s commitment to enhancing education and healthcare services in the district.

The handover ceremony highlights the council’s efforts to improve the quality of education and promote girl-child education.

The new facilities are expected to have a positive impact on the academic performance and well-being of learners in the district.

As the council continues to implement projects under the GESD, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these initiatives.

In related news, Rumphi District Council has been recognized for its performance in the Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA) and is expected to receive significant funding from GESD.

The council’s efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure development are expected to have a lasting impact on the district’s development.