Magufuli changes tune on COVID-19; Urges Tanzanians to wear face mask as pandemic bites hard

Magufuli, Tanzania’s president gives in to reality on the ground By Jackson Otukho, Tanzanian journalist Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli is seemingly changing tune after continuously downplaying the existence and presence of COVID-19 in the country since it emerged. The head of state acknowledged the existence of the disease urging members of the public to take the virus’ preventive measures including wearing facemasks. Speaking on Sunday, February 21, Magufuli said the government has not prevented people from wearing masks,…

Read More

Posted in Health, International, News Comments Off on Magufuli changes tune on COVID-19; Urges Tanzanians to wear face mask as pandemic bites hard
COVID-19 positivity rate drops to 8.1% from 15.5% on Sunday

* At the height of the second wave of the pandemic in mid-January, positivity rate was at over 30.4% * On Saturday, the positivity rate was at 11.7%; Friday at 15.8%; Thursday at 14.9% * Last Wednesday was at 16.2%; Tuesday at 17.7% and Monday at 15.7% By Duncan Mlanjira From 2,475 COVID-19 tests that were conducted in the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 200 new cases, 344 new recoveries, eight new related deaths. The positive cases out…

Read More

Posted in Health, National, News Comments Off on COVID-19 positivity rate drops to 8.1% from 15.5% on Sunday
President Chakwera applauds stakeholders response of his appeal to assist in fight against COVID-19 second wave

Covid Response Foundation presents over K10m worth of medical supplies to Queens Hospital * They demonstrated what it means to not give in to despair in times of crisis * Quotes the Bible:“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning * Condemns recent beating of ambulance drivers and health personnel during their routine delivery of COVID-19 remains * The goal is to get the positivity rate down to 5% or lower in order to safely…

Read More

Posted in Health, National, News Comments Off on President Chakwera applauds stakeholders response of his appeal to assist in fight against COVID-19 second wave
Domasi Management College for Social Sciences gaining ground in supplementing tertiary education and jobs creation

Located at Zomba City Boundary (main stage at Chinamwali trading centre) * Malawi has very few colleges while a lot of youths have Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) in the communities * Diploma courses on offer include public health; nutrition and food security; monitoring and evaluation; community development * Also offers HIV/Aids management; human resource management; marketing; business management * Plans underway to include technical courses such as ICT, auto electrical and automobile mechanic By Duncan Mlanjira Since…

Read More

Posted in Education, News Comments Off on Domasi Management College for Social Sciences gaining ground in supplementing tertiary education and jobs creation
FAM faults ACB’s order to administer fresh elections for regional football associations

* FAM is an organisation that is associational in nature and not formed out of a Parliamentary Act * All association football-related matters in Malawi are in the purview of FAM and its affiliates * That ACB was able to proceed to halt the elections is an anomaly * It should not have happened and should never happen in football By Duncan Mlanjira While Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has adhered to the order made by the Anti-Corruption Bureau…

Read More

Posted in News, Sports Comments Off on FAM faults ACB’s order to administer fresh elections for regional football associations
Malawi’s preventive health services acting deputy director elected into African public health risk communication committee

Thomas, this is an honour for me as well as for the country By Duncan Mlanjira Mavuto Thomas, acting deputy director of Preventive Health Services for Health Education Services in the Ministry of Health, has been elected as a representative for southern African countries in a steering committee on Public Health Risk Communication and Community Engagement Community of Practice for Africa (PH-RCCE-CoPA). The committee was formed in May, 2020 by Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health…

Read More

Posted in Health, International, News Comments Off on Malawi’s preventive health services acting deputy director elected into African public health risk communication committee
NICO Group joins corporate response in fight against second wave of COVID-19 with K100m donation

NICO’s response during the first wave done for Kameza isolation centre in Blantyre * The donation is within its values of being a responsible and responsive corporate citizen * All sectors of the economy have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic * In understanding the gravity of the situation NICO feels it is its duty to assist in the fight * Applauded all health workers for selflessly providing their services to save lives By Duncan Mlanjira NICO Group…

Read More

Posted in Business, Health, National, News Comments Off on NICO Group joins corporate response in fight against second wave of COVID-19 with K100m donation
COVID-19 positivity keeps fluctuating as new cases keep rising ahead of nine by-elections

By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is set to hold seven by-elections in seven constituencies and two wards that fell vacant with an emphasis to strictly enforce and observe strict COVID-19 preventive measures to protect the electorate and poll workers from contracting or spreading the virus. The by-elections have to be held in line with the law and while sis of the vacancies were through the deaths — of four Members of Parliament (Ntchisi North, Lilongwe Nsinja South,…

Read More

Posted in Health, National, News, Politics Comments Off on COVID-19 positivity keeps fluctuating as new cases keep rising ahead of nine by-elections
A Look At DPP’s Presidential Candidates

The then Israeli Foreign Minister, Abban Eban, once referred to Israel’s neighbors as people who “never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity”. There are times in the world when all proverbial stars line up for a certain outcome, but the opportunity still gets missed because of carelessness and lack of foresight. By all accounts, the Tonse Alliance is at its lowest point today. Divisions are growing; the president is grappling with unprecedented pandemic and in the process failing…

Read More

DPP asks for rescheduling of by-elections amidst COVID-19

Large political rallies * Large crowds at campaign rallies potential to be mega spreaders of the virus * To hold its convention in 2023 in line with the party’s constitution By Duncan Mlanjira The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is asking the government and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to consider rescheduling the March 30 by-elections in seven constituencies and two wards, arguing that the large crowds that would be attracted for campaign rallies are potential to be mega spreaders of…

Read More

Posted in Health, News, Politics Comments Off on DPP asks for rescheduling of by-elections amidst COVID-19