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Madam Chakwera in US for Executive Leadership Training in Health and Development

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By Cedric Nkungula


Malawi’s First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, has joined a distinguished assembly of First Ladies from around the world for a three-day Certified Executive Leadership Training in Health and Development in the United States of America.

This event is being held at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice in New York.

The training, which has been organised by the Global First Ladies Academy (GFLA) and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit inherent in global health initiatives.

Madam Chakwera in USA

In partnership with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America (ALMA), the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, this training aims to enhance leadership in public health and development.

The Global First Ladies Academy (GFLA) leverages the powerful network of the Global First Ladies Alliance, regional networks, and the century-long expertise of Columbia University in the field of public health to provide support to First Ladies in their important roles.

The programme provides a platform for discussing a wide range of topics, including cancer prevention, communicable and chronic disease management, maternal and child health, climate change, health systems, mental health, and gender equity in access to capital.

The discussions are based on current trends, critical research, and sustainable evidence-based approaches to health and development challenges.

Established in 2009, the GFLA has collaborated with over 79 First Ladies, empowering them to lead impactful health and development initiatives in their respective countries.

Its inaugural academy, launched in 2023 in partnership with Columbia University and OAFLAD, included participants from Botswana, Burundi, The Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

The participants covered important topics such as effective leadership, strategic policymaking, public health system strengthening, HIV/AIDS, women’s cancers, and HPV.

A significant highlight was a roundtable discussion with US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, emphasising the importance of global partnerships.

The 2024 Academy, hosted at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice, commenced on July 10 and concludes on July 12.

This year’s gathering is held in partnership with Columbia University, Ford Foundation, USAID, GE HealthCare, Merck, and PepsiCo.

Parliamentary Session Set to Convene: Fifth Meeting of National Assembly to Tackle Key Issues

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By Twink Jones Gadama

Lilongwe, Malawi – The Clerk of Parliament, Fiona Kalemba, has announced that the fifth meeting of the National Assembly in the 50th session of Parliament will take place from Monday, August 26, 2024, to Friday, September 20, 2024.

This crucial session is expected to address various pressing matters affecting the country.

According to Kalemba’s communication to all ministers, deputy ministers, and members of parliament, the official notice with details of the session’s timing will be published in the government gazette shortly.

Fiona Kalemba

This notification signals the start of a critical period in Malawi’s parliamentary calendar.

The upcoming session is anticipated to be intense, with a packed agenda featuring key legislative proposals, debates, and discussions on vital national issues.

Lawmakers are expected to engage in robust deliberations, scrutinize bills, and make decisions that will shape the country’s future.

Some of the pressing matters likely to be addressed during this session include the economy, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and governance.

The government is also expected to present its plans and policies aimed at driving growth and improving the lives of Malawians.

The announcement has generated excitement and anticipation among stakeholders, who are eagerly waiting to see how the parliamentarians will tackle the pressing issues facing the nation.

Civil society organizations, the private sector, and ordinary citizens are all keenly interested in the outcome of this session.

The Clerk of Parliament’s notification serves as a reminder to all stakeholders to prepare for a productive and engaging session.

As the country navigates various challenges, the onus is on the parliamentarians to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of Malawians by engaging in constructive debates and making informed decisions.

In an interview with this reporter, Kalemba said she is expecting all members of parliament to prioritize the nation’s interests and work together to achieve meaningful progress.

She emphasized the importance of this session, stating that it presents an opportunity for lawmakers to demonstrate their dedication to the people of Malawi.

As the country awaits the commencement of this critical parliamentary session, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to see how effectively they will address the pressing issues at hand.

The outcome of this session will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of Malawi, and the nation holds its breath in anticipation.

President Lazarus Chakwera highlights farmers’ role in economic development at SACAU conference

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By Burnett Munthali

In a notable address at the Southern Africa Confederation of Agriculture Unions (SACAU) conference, President Lazarus Chakwera emphasized the crucial role that farmers play in the economic landscape of Malawi. Speaking in Lilongwe, Chakwera underscored that farmers are integral to the country’s economy, significantly impacting food security, generating employment, and contributing to export earnings.

The President’s remarks were made during the official opening of the two-day annual conference, which aligns with the government’s ATM (Agriculture, Tourism, Mining) strategy aimed at enhancing productivity in these vital sectors. This alignment reflects a commitment to boosting economic growth through a diversified approach.

Both Manes Nkhata, President of the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), and Betty Chinyamunyamu, Chief Executive Officer of NASFAM, expressed optimism about the conference. They believe that the event will foster the development of strategies to mitigate the effects of climatic shocks that have previously impacted the agriculture sector across Southern Africa.

The conference provides a platform for collaboration and innovative solutions to strengthen the agricultural sector, ensuring its resilience and continued contribution to the region’s economy.

Road to 2025: DPP’s Shadow MP for Mulanje Central, Rhoda Gadama Misomali, makes a mark

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By Burnett Munthali

Rhoda Gadama Misomali, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Shadow Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central, made headlines on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, with a standout performance that set the political stage ablaze. Misomali’s impactful appearance showcased her commitment to driving significant change in her constituency and solidifying her position as a formidable contender for the upcoming 2025 elections.

Her presentation and political stance on this pivotal day underscored her dedication to addressing key issues affecting Mulanje Central and demonstrated her readiness to challenge the status quo. Misomali’s dynamic approach and assertive communication have captured the attention of both her supporters and political analysts, marking her as a prominent figure in the DPP’s strategy for the next electoral cycle.

Misomali with some of the supporters

As the DPP gears up for the 2025 elections, Rhoda Gadama Misomali’s rising profile in Mulanje Central highlights the party’s focus on strengthening its grassroots support and mobilizing effective leadership across the country. Her recent activities reflect a growing influence and a strategic positioning that could prove crucial for the DPP’s electoral ambitions.

10 arrested over passport corruption scandal

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Acting Director General (ADG) Hillary Chilomba has confirmed the arrest of eight immigration officers and two civilians at the Lilongwe office of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services over alleged corrupt practices in relation to issuance of passports.

Chilomba says, the Immigration department carried out investigations into alleged corrupt practices and established that people were paying K200 000 on top of the K50 000 passport fee to access the passport.

Chilomba

He says some of the suspects were found with huge sums of money. One of the suspects had K2.5 million which he could not account for.

According to Chilomba, one of those arrested is an inspector at the Lilongwe office.

He says investigations are still ongoing adding ACB will also do investigations in other Immigration offices.

In the meantime, individuals who have illegally paid immigration officers to expedite their passport processing are encouraged to report these incidents to the authorities.