Malawi News Agency, Ministry of Information, Private Bag 310, Capital City, Lilongwe (2025)

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Ministry Of Information, Private Bag 310, Capital City

08/10/2025

Ministry of Education emphasizes climate change education integration.

Lilongwe, October 8, Mana: The Ministry of Education, through the Department of Basic and Secondary Education, has emphasized the importance of integrating climate change education into Malawi’s school curriculum.

The Principal Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, made the remarks on Wednesday, 8 October, during the opening of the Climate-Smart Education Validation Workshop held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

“The workshop is very crucial in identifying possible ways we can move forward as a nation in addressing the impact of climate change through education,” said Phiri.

She said the workshop aims to advance the Climate-Smart Education System (CSES) Initiative and explore how Malawi can effectively integrate climate-smart principles into its education framework.

Phiri added that participants will review and validate the recommendations shared in upcoming presentations to ensure the proposed strategies are practical and aligned with national education and climate priorities.

She described the workshop as a crucial step in addressing the effects of climate change through education, emphasising that education remains the most powerful tool in tackling the climate crisis. She further underscored the importance of equipping children with the knowledge and skills needed to build a sustainable and resilient future.

Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for UNESCO, David Mulera, said the initiative will help the country address challenges associated with climate change.

“It is important that Malawi takes advantage of this global initiative to address curriculum issues and education policy matters as far as education delivery is concerned,” said Mulera.

By Loveness Hannah Helemah

08/10/2025

Engage children in child-oriented programming - World Vision MW

Dowa, October 8, Mana: World Vision Malawi has emphasized the need to incorporate children's views in programs that directly affect the children to improve child participation and effectiveness of interventions.

Carolyn Lumbalu, Project Officer for Tiwerenge 365, an education-oriented project being implemented by World Vision in Dowa and Kasungu, made the remarks Tuesday in an interview when the organization engaged children from Traditional Authority Chakhaza in Dowa.

The meeting that took place at Kasangadzi aimed at soliciting children's views and perceptions on how their ideas are, and can be incorporated into the organizations programing.

"The main purpose was to measure children's participation in all our interventions by assessing the scope, quality and outcome of child participation.

"This is important because parents or stakeholders may have their own priorities and children have their own needs too. And if children are not involved, we cannot really find out what troubles are, affecting them and how best to address those," she said.

Lumbalu said from the engagement, it was impressive to see that most of the children indicated that they are consulted in most of the interventions World Vision MW is implementing.

"This is very exciting because it can motivate the children to embrace the interventions, which can result in the desirable results," she said.

The standard four to eight learners were drawn from 12 primary schools and Early Childhood Development Centres implementing the Tiwerenge project.

The children are also members of various clubs like Savings for Transformation Groups, Child Parliament, reading and quiz clubs and others.

Albert Chakale, Key Teacher at Chakhaza Primary School, said they always keep open channels for children's contribution of ideas and feedback.

Pierre Harold, Standard 7 Lerner at Chambidzi primary school, said incorporating children's ideas into programming motivates learners to take part in activities, and safeguards the interests of the child.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

08/10/2025

Youngest minister joins Mutharika's cabinet

Blantyre, October 8, Mana: Newly sworn in Minister of State in the Presidents office, Alfred Ruwan Gangata, 37, thanked President, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika for his appointment into cabinet, saying he is committed to work hard to serve the country with total dedication in line with the presidents mission to deliver with purpose.

“With this position, I will try my best to work hard and serve the country with purpose,” said young minister in the first phase of ministerial appointment.

Speaking after swearing in of Gangata and two other ministers, President Mutharika said he appointed Gangata to ensure that young people are well represented at the highest level of government.

“Gangata is a young and energetic person, and by choosing him, I want to bring the youth back into the economy. He will lead the youth and work to empower them,” he added.

The President further stated that Gangatas ministry will operate directly under his office to help restore the participation of young people in the countrys democratic and economic systems.

Apart from Gangata, other ministers sworn in include George Chapatula Chaponda as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Joseph Mathyola Mwanamveka as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.

President Mutharika appointed the ministers on October 5, marking the first phase of forming his new cabinet. Other ministerial and key government positions are expected to be announced as the administration completes its leadership team.

By Chifundo Kowedza

08/10/2025

Excitement in town as President Mutharika drives through Blantyre CBD

Blantyre, October 8, Mana: Business activities briefly slowed down in Blantyre CBD today afternoon as President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, drove through the city after presiding over a swearing-in of three ministers and two top government officials at Sanjika Palace.

Crowds gathered along the streets to cheer Mutharika as his convoy made its way through the city amidst curious faces beamed with excited.

The motorcade drew excitement among people town who came out to show their support and catch a glimpse of the head of state as he headed to private residence at Nyambadwe in the city.

The attended swearing of Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka, Minister of Foreign Affair, George Chaponda and Minister of State Alfred Gangata.

Also sworn in were Chief Secretary, Justin Saidi and Deputy Chief Secretary Stuart Ligomeka.

Director of Civil Litigation in the Ministry of Justice,. Richard Santhe administered the swearing in of the ministers and two top civil service officials.

The ministerial appointment and top government officials were made on October 5 after Mutharikas victor on 2025 presidential elections that saw him coming back to power as 7th president of the Republic of Malawi.

By Gift Wahuta

08/10/2025

Man dies in Chitipa after drinking kachasu on empty stomach

Mzuzu, October 8, Mana: A 48-year-old man from Chitipa has died after reportedly consuming locally distilled kachasu liquor on an empty stomach.

The deceased, identified as Matson Siame from James Village in Traditional Authority Kameme, was found dead on October 7 at Sopelera area.

According to his brother, Bonwell Siame, the deceased had a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and was known to become violent towards his family whenever intoxicated.

“On October 5, he came home drunk, forcing his wife to leave with the children. When she returned the following day, she did not find him, only for his body to be discovered lying on dry grass two days later,” Bonwell explained.

Confirming the incident, Chitipa Police Station Assistant Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Mathews Mfune, said officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), together with health workers from Chitipa District Hospital, visited the scene.

“Postmortem results conducted at the hospital established that death was caused by hypoglycaemia linked to alcohol intoxication,” said Mfune.

He further urged community members to avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach and to exercise responsible drinking habits to prevent similar fatalities.

By Natasha Kanjere

08/10/2025

BCCF hails government plan to introduce breast cancer guidelines in 2026

Lilongwe, October 8, Mana: The Breast Cancer Care Foundation (BCCF) has commended the Ministry of Health for its plans to introduce Malawi’s first Breast Health Guidelines for both primary and secondary health care providers in 2026, aimed at tackling the rising cases of breast cancer in the country.

Speaking to the Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, BCCF Programme Coordinator Beverley Bhima described the initiative as a significant milestone in the fight against cancer, noting that it will promote early detection and improve treatment and care across the country.

“This initiative is a major step towards early prevention of cancer among girls and will help in improving care centres across the country,” said Bhima.

She said as a foundation, they provide a holistic range of free services including community training workshops, free breast ultrasound screening, and distribution of educational materials in both rural and urban areas.”

Bhima further said that although Malawi has made progress in recent years through advocacy and improved access to diverse health services, late presentation remains a major challenge due to limited awareness, especially in rural areas.

She expressed optimism that with government involvement and collaboration between the public and private sectors, Malawi is moving in the right direction toward reducing breast cancer deaths.

Health advocate Dorothy Ngoma also welcomed the government’s plan, saying the introduction of the Breast Health Guidelines will help promote early prevention and reduce mortality rates associated with breast cancer.

“It is very crucial as it can help the country reduce the number of deaths among affected people,” said Ngoma. “We urge everyone to support the Ministry in raising awareness to prevent misconceptions and myths during the implementation of this initiative.”

Ngoma added that the initiative will also help young girls understand the importance of early screening and empower them to make informed decisions about their health.

The guidelines are expected to strengthen breast cancer management and ensure that both urban and rural health facilities are better equipped to provide quality care.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

08/10/2025

Ministry intensifies review of Biosafety Act to harness biotechnology potential

Lilongwe, September 8, Mana: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change has intensified efforts to review the Biosafety Act of 2022 to strengthen the country’s ability to utilize biotechnology in addressing emerging environmental and developmental challenges.

Principal Secretary responsible for Administration in the Ministry, Richard Perekamoyo, said the review process aims to modernize one of the oldest laws under the Ministry, which has not been revised since its gazetting.

“Biotechnology holds significant potential to address challenges across various sectors, including those within the Ministry's mandate,” said Perekamoyo. “So far, regional and sector-specific consultations have been conducted, including experience sharing with other countries.”

Perekamoyo explained that a draft bill is already in place and that two regional meetings have been conducted to validate the information gathered during stakeholder consultations. He said the revised law will ensure that biotechnology is safely and effectively applied to support national development goals.

Principal Environmental Officer in the Environmental Affairs Department, Lillian Chimpepo, said that a legal desk review and analysis conducted in 2025 identified several gaps in the current Act.

“Some of the gaps which were identified include a limited scope of the law and outdated definitions, as well as low fees and penalties, among others,” said Chimpepo.

She noted that updating the Biosafety Act would help align Malawi’s legal framework with international standards and ensure effective regulation of biotechnology applications.

Perekamoyo also emphasised that the Ministry is looking forward to strengthening collaborations with partners to ensure sound and robust biosafety systems in the country.

Malawi is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and has domesticated these agreements through the Biosafety Act and related regulations. The country’s biosafety legal framework was first developed before the ratification of the protocol to guide the management of genetically modified maize donations during the 2001 hunger crisis.

The review process is expected to enhance Malawi’s preparedness to manage biosafety issues while promoting innovation, sustainability, and environmental protection.

By Khumbo Kamaliza

08/10/2025

President Mutharika demands competence and integrity from newly sworn-in ministers

Blantyre, 8 October, Mana: Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has challenged the newly sworn-in cabinet ministers and other government officials to work with competence and integrity, which are key pillars in government service delivery.

Mutharika said this on Thursday at the swearing-in ceremony that took place at Sanjika Palace, where Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda, Minister of State Alfred Gangata, Minister of Finance, Economic and Development Planning Joseph Mwanamveka, Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, and Deputy Chief Secretary Stuart Ligomeka took the oath of office.

On women's inclusion, Mutharika said other critics have criticised him for not appointing women in his partial appointments of ministers and other government positions.

“People just criticise APM all the time. I am always happy when I see women taking up big positions in different sectors. I would like to see women in all sectors taking leadership positions in the public and private sectors as well as in NGOs,” he said.

He added that it is important for women to fully participate in running the country.

“Gender equality is a priority. Women will hold positions across all sectors. Our government will be diversified and inclusive,” he emphasised.

Mutharika has also challenged civil societies and religious organisations to make appointments of women into decision-making roles rather than criticising his government.

Regarding the appointment of Gangata as Minister of State, Mutharika said that the decision was made to empower youths in the country to take a leading role in economic development.

By Evance Matola and Chifundo Kowedza

08/10/2025

President Mutharika addresses gender representation in cabinet appointments

Blantyre, October 8, Mana: President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has responded to concerns raised by some quarters over what they describe as gender disparity in his partial appointments of ministers and other government positions.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for ministers and top government officials at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Wednesday afternoon, Mutharika said he had read comments criticising his recent appointments, which did not include women.

“People just criticize APM all the time. I am always happy when I see women taking up big positions in different sectors. I would like to see women in all sectors taking leadership positions in the public and private sectors as well as in NGOs,” said Mutharika.

“Gender equality is a priority. Women will hold positions across all sectors. Our government will be diversified and inclusive.” He emphasised the importance of empowering women to fully participate in running the country in various capacities.

The response came after the swearing-in of several cabinet ministers, including George Chapatula Chaponda, who took the oath of office and allegiance as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Joseph Mathyola Mwanamveka was appointed Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development while Alfred Ruwan Gangata was sworn in as Minister of State in the Office of the President.

Also sworn in at Sanjika Palace were Dr. Justin Saidi, recently appointed Chief Secretary, and Stuart Ligomeka, who assumed the role of Deputy Chief Secretary.

The officials took their oaths of office and allegiance in the presence of President Mutharika and Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, SC.

The swearing-in ceremony was administered by Director of Civil Litigation in the Ministry of Justice, Richard Santhe, ensuring all legal formalities were observed during the proceedings.

President Mutharika’s remarks come amid calls from various stakeholders for increased inclusion of women in leadership positions, reflecting ongoing debates about gender equality and representation in Malawi’s public sector.

By Chifundo Kowedza

08/10/2025

The swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet ministers and senior public officials at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika presided over the ceremony..

Pictures by Arkangel Tembo

08/10/2025

Karonga to roll out injectable PrEP in November

Karonga, October 8, Mana: Karonga District Hospital will start offering injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in November as part of its intensified efforts to curb new HIV infections in the district.

Clinician in charge of HIV Management and Prevention at the hospital, Kepson Kamanga announced the development during a District AIDS Coordinating Committee (DACC) meeting held on Tuesday in Karonga.

Kamanga said: "The injectable PrEP will provide an additional HIV prevention option, targeting individuals at higher risk of infection such as s*x workers and those who test positive for s*xually transmitted infections (STIs).

“Injectable PrEP is designed to offer more convenience for those who struggle to take daily tablets. It involves an injection given every two months, and we are not replacing oral PrEP but expanding choices so that people can pick what works best for them.” Kamanga explained.

He added that before the November rollout, the district health office will hold sensitisation meetings to help communities understand the new service and encourage uptake.

“We want people to know that the injectable PrEP is safe and effective. The goal is not to promote it over tablets but to ensure people have more options in protecting themselves,” he said.

He emphasised that Malawi aims to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030, and achieving this target requires both prevention and effective management of people already living with the virus.

“As a district, we must ensure that everyone living with HIV stays on treatment to maintain low viral loads, while those who are negative continue to stay protected,” Kamanga said, further urging people who do not know their HIV status to get tested.

There are currently 1,857 people living with HIV in Karonga who are not on antiretroviral therapy (ART), a figure Kamanga described as worrisome.

On her part, District Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Officer for Karonga District Council, Pauline Kholo, hailed the move, saying it reflects progress in expanding HIV prevention options in the district.

“The coming of injectable PrEP in November will give people more flexibility and privacy. It’s an important step in our efforts to reduce new HIV infections,” Kholo said.

“As a council, we will work with health officials and partners to promote awareness and ensure accessibility of these services,” she added.

She also called on community members to support ongoing HIV initiatives and fight stigma that prevents people from seeking care.

By George Mponda

08/10/2025

Chitipa Council to crack down on fake seeds

Chitipa, October 8, Mana: Chitipa District Council has vowed to work closely with the police to apprehend anyone selling uncertified seeds to farmers.

This move comes after several farmers complained about purchasing fake seeds from vendors in the district, which resulted in low yields during the last season.

According to Chifundo Nyondo, a local farmer, the substandard seeds have been a setback for farmers in the area
"I bought seeds from one of the vendors, but they turned out to be fake. I did not get the yield I expected, and my worry is that this might happen again," Nyondo said.

The Director of Agriculture Services (DAS) for Chitipa District, Lumbani Msiska in an interview on Wednesday, assured farmers that Chitipa District Council is taking the issue seriously and they will involve the law enforcers to apprehend and prosecute anyone found selling fake seeds to farmers.

"We will work hand in hand with the police to apprehend anyone found selling uncertified seeds. Once arrested the story will not end there, we will drag them to court and answer the charges. We want to protect our farmers and ensure they have access to quality seeds," Msiska said.

Msiska encourages farmers to seek advice from the agriculture offices, stating that they have the capacity to link them to big companies where they can purchase certified seeds.

"Farmers should always look for the certification mark and demand documents from vendors before making any purchases," Msiska said.

One of the agro dealers in the district who owns Mlimi Apindule Shop, Gideon Ndimbwa claimed that he buys his seeds directly from the company and has all the required documents.

"I always purchase my seeds from reputable companies such as SEEDCO and PANNAR, and I have all the documents to prove it.

And when farmers arrive at my shop, we do show them the required documents, only that some farmers opt to go for cheaper prices, that is where they buy fake ones," Ndimbwa said.

By Andrew Weddings

Malawi News Agency

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