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Saturday, April 4, 2020
Friday, April 3, 2020
Malawi's health officials refused to test Covid-19 patients!
■Letter from Covid-19 patients' family bares it all
Dear brothers and sisters,
I would like share and provide some factual information to you all in regards to the COVID19 test result.
My parents recently visited india and made their safe return to Malawi on the 8th of March 2020. It was on the 11th of March that my father developed a few symptoms such as weakness/fatigue and loss of taste and smell. On the 14th of March 2020, my mother also developed the same symptoms except the loss of taste and smell. The COVID19 team were therefore contacted immediately.
The team visited the family home to assess the situation. I insisted and urged the team to do a test on my mother. Unfortunately, the team decided not to carry out any tests for COVID19 as the symptoms my parents had did not reflect the typical symptoms of COVID19 and did not meet their medical requirements.
My parents decided to be in self isolation for a period of 17 days since the symptoms first developed. After about a week of being in isolation we received the news that my aunt who travelled to Australia tested positive for COVID19. She was tested immediately upon her arrival in Australia. I requested a report from Australia to confirm the positive test result and with a lot of persuasion I urged the COVID19 team to test my mother. The test was eventually done after a few days on the 22nd of March 2020.
The results of the initial test conducted on the 22nd of March 2020 came out negative. The results were reported to us on the 24th of March 2020. At this point my father had fully recovered and my mother was feeling better, still not completely back to normal.
On the 31st of March 2020 the COVID19 team from CHISU contacted me requesting to conduct another test on my mother. They claimed that it was essential to do so as they would like to compare the results from the initial test conducted on the 22nd of March 2020. At this point my mother was in full recovery. Swab samples were taken, which tested positive for COVID19 on the 2nd of April 2020. Further samples were taken from family members including house keepers and their families whom reside in the compound of our family home. Three people tested positive for COVID19 - my mother, a family member and the house keepers wife who resides in the boys quarters. The rest tested negative.
Furthermore, I would like to clarify that the lady who has been tested positive is not the house maid, she is the wife of the house keeper who resides in the boys quarters in the compound of our family home and no contact has been made with her whatsoever.
Lastly, my parents have taken precautionary measures and have been in self isolation since they developed symptoms for a period of 17 days. My mother on the other hand is still in self isolation. With the grace of the almighty my family members including the house keepers appear to have no symptoms and are in good health. My parents have now fully recovered.
Kind Regards,
Faraaz Dodia
Dear brothers and sisters,
I would like share and provide some factual information to you all in regards to the COVID19 test result.
My parents recently visited india and made their safe return to Malawi on the 8th of March 2020. It was on the 11th of March that my father developed a few symptoms such as weakness/fatigue and loss of taste and smell. On the 14th of March 2020, my mother also developed the same symptoms except the loss of taste and smell. The COVID19 team were therefore contacted immediately.
The team visited the family home to assess the situation. I insisted and urged the team to do a test on my mother. Unfortunately, the team decided not to carry out any tests for COVID19 as the symptoms my parents had did not reflect the typical symptoms of COVID19 and did not meet their medical requirements.
My parents decided to be in self isolation for a period of 17 days since the symptoms first developed. After about a week of being in isolation we received the news that my aunt who travelled to Australia tested positive for COVID19. She was tested immediately upon her arrival in Australia. I requested a report from Australia to confirm the positive test result and with a lot of persuasion I urged the COVID19 team to test my mother. The test was eventually done after a few days on the 22nd of March 2020.
The results of the initial test conducted on the 22nd of March 2020 came out negative. The results were reported to us on the 24th of March 2020. At this point my father had fully recovered and my mother was feeling better, still not completely back to normal.
On the 31st of March 2020 the COVID19 team from CHISU contacted me requesting to conduct another test on my mother. They claimed that it was essential to do so as they would like to compare the results from the initial test conducted on the 22nd of March 2020. At this point my mother was in full recovery. Swab samples were taken, which tested positive for COVID19 on the 2nd of April 2020. Further samples were taken from family members including house keepers and their families whom reside in the compound of our family home. Three people tested positive for COVID19 - my mother, a family member and the house keepers wife who resides in the boys quarters. The rest tested negative.
Furthermore, I would like to clarify that the lady who has been tested positive is not the house maid, she is the wife of the house keeper who resides in the boys quarters in the compound of our family home and no contact has been made with her whatsoever.
Lastly, my parents have taken precautionary measures and have been in self isolation since they developed symptoms for a period of 17 days. My mother on the other hand is still in self isolation. With the grace of the almighty my family members including the house keepers appear to have no symptoms and are in good health. My parents have now fully recovered.
Kind Regards,
Faraaz Dodia
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Former president Joyce Banda wants Malawi to declare false Coronavirus statistics!
Here are her words, verbatim. She seems not happy that Malawi has no case of Covid-19.
She seems to have set her eyes on the money that highly affected African countries are set to receive.
Joyce Banda's words:
My fellow Malawians I am saddened to see that Malawi is missing from the list of countries that can benefit from this fund during this time. I request government to be proactive and stop politicizing this pandemic.
In the past week I was interviewed by MIJ Radio Station expressing my opinion about our situation as a nation during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. In that interview I expressed my concern at our apparent lack of preparedness or lack of access to accurate information about our preparedness from government. Other countries in the region provide frequent briefings so that the nation knows what is happening in their countries. As for Kenya the Minister of Health briefs the nation on daily basis. The written briefs we see each day are not good enough as more than half of our people have no access to this information.
I have been following the information being provided by other Governments to their people and I feel very sad because:
1. The global community cannot assist us when we are hiding our statistics and our challenges to fight the pandemic.
2. When there is apparent politicization of this fight and apparent lack of political will to confront this pandemic as a united front regardless of our political and religious affiliations.
May God Bless You All!
She seems to have set her eyes on the money that highly affected African countries are set to receive.
Joyce Banda's words:
My fellow Malawians I am saddened to see that Malawi is missing from the list of countries that can benefit from this fund during this time. I request government to be proactive and stop politicizing this pandemic.
In the past week I was interviewed by MIJ Radio Station expressing my opinion about our situation as a nation during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. In that interview I expressed my concern at our apparent lack of preparedness or lack of access to accurate information about our preparedness from government. Other countries in the region provide frequent briefings so that the nation knows what is happening in their countries. As for Kenya the Minister of Health briefs the nation on daily basis. The written briefs we see each day are not good enough as more than half of our people have no access to this information.
I have been following the information being provided by other Governments to their people and I feel very sad because:
1. The global community cannot assist us when we are hiding our statistics and our challenges to fight the pandemic.
2. When there is apparent politicization of this fight and apparent lack of political will to confront this pandemic as a united front regardless of our political and religious affiliations.
May God Bless You All!
Saturday, March 28, 2020
UK Aid Provides K1.7bn to Malawi for Covid-19 Response
- UK AID PROVIDES 1.7 BILLION KWACHA FOR COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS IN MALAWI
For immediate release
The DFID - UK Department for International Development has provided approximately 1.7 billion kwacha (£1.8 million) to UNICEF Malawi to strengthen Malawi’s capacity to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Although Malawi does not have confirmed cases at the moment, so far the Covid-19 outbreak has affected 197 countries with over 21,000 deaths, and over 450,000 confirmed cases as of 26 March 2020, according to the World Health Organization. There are over 2,000 confirmed cases in Africa across 39 countries. Malawi’s neighbors, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania all have reported cases.
With this UK Aid funding, UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health to improve airport and border screening capacity; train health workers to respond to a potential outbreak; and equip emergency treatment units with medical and intensive care supplies as well as water and sanitation facilities so that they are ready to treat potential cases. DFID has also helped set up the testing facility in the national Public Health laboratory in Lilongwe.
Head of DFID in Malawi, David Beer, said “We recognise the need to act fast, to help Malawi prepare for the threat of COVID-19. This is why we have provided £1.8m with immediate effect, to set up emergency treatment units and rapid response teams, and critically, to boost public health messaging. I call on all Malawians to follow official advice, especially on handwashing and social distancing.”
“In the absence of effective treatment, raising awareness of the risk factors for Coronavirus infection and the protective measures individuals and communities can take, is the only way to reduce human infection. Thanks to DFID through UNICEF for this very timely support to the Malawi Government,” said the Secretary for Health and Population Dr Dan Namarika.
“There is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to treat this virus. The best course of action is to avoid infection. UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health and Population to develop contingency plans and communication materials. The support from DFID is timely and will assist our ongoing collaborative effort with the Government of Malawi to prevent the virus from spreading in Malawi,” said UNICEF Malawi Representative Rudolf Schwenk.
Misinformation has cropped up all over the world including in Malawi since COVID-19 began spreading. UK Aid funding will also help ensure that citizens will receive accurate, reliable information about what to do to protect themselves.
###
Note to editors
• COVID-19 is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as SARS and some types of common cold. It is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
• Symptoms can include fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Some may have very mild or no symptoms. Most people (about 80 per cent) recover without needing special treatment. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe illness, and death in some patients. Older people and those with underlying medical problems are at a higher risk of developing a serious illness.
• To avoid the risk of transmission, people should:
1. Wash their hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub;
2. Cover their mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing – not your hands;
3. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cough or other flu-like symptoms;
4. Ensure children’s routine immunizations are up to date;
5. Seek medical care early if they have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share previous travel history with their health care provider;
• On 28 February 2020, WHO upgraded its assessment of the risk of coronavirus and public health impact at the global level from “high” to “very high”, signaling the urgency for every country to act aggressively to contain the disease and mitigate the impact on those affected.
• Misinformation has cropped up across the internet since #coronavirus, or #COVID-19, began spreading. #UNICEF Health Experts give us the facts and six things they think you should know. We remind all to seek reliable sources on how to prevent #coronavirus or #COVID19 and not to pass on unverified information from mass media and social media posts. Please visit UNICEF’s website, the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page or the World Health Organization.
About UK Aid
DFID has a longstanding record of supporting countries across the globe to prepare for large disease outbreaks. Our partners in vulnerable countries are also ensuring they are prepared by ensuring they have adequate supplies and health systems can cope.
In addition to the UK’s support of £1.8m to Malawi, the UK has announced up to £544m of funding to support the global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19. This includes up to £150million to the International Monetary Fund to help developing countries focus their available resources to tackling the virus and a £65 million investment into COVID-19 research. The UK is providing £10million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help prevent the spread of this outbreak by supporting developing countries to rapidly identify and care for patients with symptoms. Additional experts funded by UK aid will be deployed to the WHO to help coordinate the international response.
Further UK aid support will challenge harmful misinformation about coronavirus in South East Asia and Africa before it is able to spread worldwide and cause damage here in the UK. This support demonstrates how UK aid is making the world a safer place by tackling disease outbreaks that do not respect borders.
The UK is committed to spending 0.7 percent of GDP on Official Development Assistance. UK aid tackles the global challenges of our time including poverty and disease, mass migration, insecurity and conflict – aiming to make the world a better, safer and more prosperous place. For more information on the work of UK aid in Malawi visit: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/dfid-malawi
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Malawi visit: www.unicef.org/malawi
For more information, please contact:
Benson Linje, DFID Malawi, Lilongwe, Benson.Linje@fco.gov.uk; Tel: +265 882 576 929
Rebecca Phwitiko, UNICEF Malawi, rphwitiko@unicef.org; Tel: +265 999 282 723
Joshua Malango, Ministry of Health, malangojoshua@gmail.com; Tel +265 884 495 839
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Malawi Government Slams High Court Judge Over Coronavirus Injunction
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT DISTURBED BY JUDGE KENYATTA’S ORDER ON CHINESE NATIONALS AMID CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
The Government of Malawi is disturbed and dismayed by the High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda’s order that released four Chinese nationals who had been quarantined on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport on Tuesday 17 March, 2020.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services sent back to China ten nationals and detained four others because they did not have return air tickets for their immediate return. The four were quarantined pending processing of their return air tickets.
The deportation and quarantining of the Chinese was in keeping with international practice currently recommended to curb the spread of the devastating coronavirus from high-risk countries.
It was while the four waited for the tickets that a local legal firm, Wilknson & Associates, sought a court order which Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda granted, releasing the four even before any tests were conducted on them and before the recommended 14-day quarantine period had elapsed.
Government finds Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda’s order disturbing and short on patriotism as he has undermined local and global efforts to protect lives from the virus.
At a time different players are taking active roles to prevent importation of Covid-19 into Malawi, it is disappointing that Judge Nyirenda is pulling in the opposite direction. The court order has potential to make Malawi a weak link in global efforts to fight Covid-19.
Government would like to commend the Immigration Department for acting diligently to protect Malawians from potential importation of Covid-19.
Government would also like to commend various sector players who have heeded measures introduced to protect Malawians and the rest of the world from the outbreak.
It is against this background that Government is dismayed with Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda’s order that may have put millions of Malawians at potentially high risk.
We find it unfortunate that of all players, it should be the Judiciary that chooses to put the lives of millions at a potential risk, especially at a time players in different sectors have complied with Government’s guidance in Covid-19 prevention.
Government, therefore, joins the many voices that have spoken against the court order. Government would like to ask Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda to join the efforts in in the fight against Covid-19, instead of being an enemy of the efforts.
Finally, Government encourages the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services to apply for the vacation of the injunction for the sake of fighting Covid-19.
Going forward, it is the the expectation of the Government that the Judiciary will play its role in protecting Malawians and the rest of the world from the devastating Covid-19.
Mark Botomani, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION, CIVIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
GOVERNMENT DISTURBED BY JUDGE KENYATTA’S ORDER ON CHINESE NATIONALS AMID CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
The Government of Malawi is disturbed and dismayed by the High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda’s order that released four Chinese nationals who had been quarantined on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport on Tuesday 17 March, 2020.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services sent back to China ten nationals and detained four others because they did not have return air tickets for their immediate return. The four were quarantined pending processing of their return air tickets.
The deportation and quarantining of the Chinese was in keeping with international practice currently recommended to curb the spread of the devastating coronavirus from high-risk countries.
It was while the four waited for the tickets that a local legal firm, Wilknson & Associates, sought a court order which Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda granted, releasing the four even before any tests were conducted on them and before the recommended 14-day quarantine period had elapsed.
Government finds Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda’s order disturbing and short on patriotism as he has undermined local and global efforts to protect lives from the virus.
At a time different players are taking active roles to prevent importation of Covid-19 into Malawi, it is disappointing that Judge Nyirenda is pulling in the opposite direction. The court order has potential to make Malawi a weak link in global efforts to fight Covid-19.
Government would like to commend the Immigration Department for acting diligently to protect Malawians from potential importation of Covid-19.
Government would also like to commend various sector players who have heeded measures introduced to protect Malawians and the rest of the world from the outbreak.
It is against this background that Government is dismayed with Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda’s order that may have put millions of Malawians at potentially high risk.
We find it unfortunate that of all players, it should be the Judiciary that chooses to put the lives of millions at a potential risk, especially at a time players in different sectors have complied with Government’s guidance in Covid-19 prevention.
Government, therefore, joins the many voices that have spoken against the court order. Government would like to ask Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda to join the efforts in in the fight against Covid-19, instead of being an enemy of the efforts.
Finally, Government encourages the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services to apply for the vacation of the injunction for the sake of fighting Covid-19.
Going forward, it is the the expectation of the Government that the Judiciary will play its role in protecting Malawians and the rest of the world from the devastating Covid-19.
Mark Botomani, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION, CIVIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Malawi submits Second Periodic Report to African Charter on Rights
Malawi has submitted its 2nd Periodic Report to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) and the Maputo Protocol.
You can access here: https://www.achpr.org/states/statereport?id=132
You can access here: https://www.achpr.org/states/statereport?id=132
Malawi's development partners speak on respect for rule of law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE AMBASSADORS OF JAPAN, NORWAY, NIGERIA, TANZANIA, AND THE UNITED STATES, THE HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE AMBASSADOR AND HEAD OF DELEGATION OF THE EU, IN AGREEMENT WITH THE EU HEADS OF MISSION IN MALAWI - THE AMBASSADORS OF GERMANY AND IRELAND, AND THE HEAD OF MISSION FROM THE EMBASSY OF ICELAND ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN MALAWI.
As long standing partners, our governments are committed to supporting Malawi to achieve its goals of democracy and development. We have been encouraged by the progress that the country has made since 1994 in terms of building an open and respectful political landscape. This process has been underpinned by a belief in the value of tolerance and a rejection of violence as a means of resolving political disputes.
We have therefore watched the rising political tensions with growing concern. We believe that in order for Malawi’s progress towards a stronger and more inclusive democracy to be deepened, it is critically important to refrain from using inflammatory language, and to show restraint when it is used by others. We therefore call on political party and community leaders to work together to deescalate the situation and focus on the common history and experiences that unite Malawians which are far greater than what divides them.
We also urge all political parties, the civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and all peace-loving Malawians to deeply reflect on the principles of national policy under the Constitution of Malawi especially principle 13 (L) which calls for peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation, good offices, mediation, conciliation and arbitration. This is the time for dialogue and peacebuilding, not deepened divisions which could undermine the unity of the country.
We believe that it is equally important for everyone to respect the rule of law at this important moment in the country’s history. This means abiding by both the letter and the spirit of the law and the Constitution, and for authorities to be upholding it consistently in all cases.
We therefore welcome the commitment of all of the main political parties to abide by the verdict of the Constitutional Court on 3 February 2020, and the judgement that the Supreme Court will issue after hearing the appeal against that verdict in April. We call on political leaders to reaffirm their confidence in the judiciary, their willingness to find common ground, and their commitment to democratic norms and values.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE AMBASSADORS OF JAPAN, NORWAY, NIGERIA, TANZANIA, AND THE UNITED STATES, THE HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE AMBASSADOR AND HEAD OF DELEGATION OF THE EU, IN AGREEMENT WITH THE EU HEADS OF MISSION IN MALAWI - THE AMBASSADORS OF GERMANY AND IRELAND, AND THE HEAD OF MISSION FROM THE EMBASSY OF ICELAND ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN MALAWI.
As long standing partners, our governments are committed to supporting Malawi to achieve its goals of democracy and development. We have been encouraged by the progress that the country has made since 1994 in terms of building an open and respectful political landscape. This process has been underpinned by a belief in the value of tolerance and a rejection of violence as a means of resolving political disputes.
We have therefore watched the rising political tensions with growing concern. We believe that in order for Malawi’s progress towards a stronger and more inclusive democracy to be deepened, it is critically important to refrain from using inflammatory language, and to show restraint when it is used by others. We therefore call on political party and community leaders to work together to deescalate the situation and focus on the common history and experiences that unite Malawians which are far greater than what divides them.
We also urge all political parties, the civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and all peace-loving Malawians to deeply reflect on the principles of national policy under the Constitution of Malawi especially principle 13 (L) which calls for peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation, good offices, mediation, conciliation and arbitration. This is the time for dialogue and peacebuilding, not deepened divisions which could undermine the unity of the country.
We believe that it is equally important for everyone to respect the rule of law at this important moment in the country’s history. This means abiding by both the letter and the spirit of the law and the Constitution, and for authorities to be upholding it consistently in all cases.
We therefore welcome the commitment of all of the main political parties to abide by the verdict of the Constitutional Court on 3 February 2020, and the judgement that the Supreme Court will issue after hearing the appeal against that verdict in April. We call on political leaders to reaffirm their confidence in the judiciary, their willingness to find common ground, and their commitment to democratic norms and values.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Okay Mphatso Chiwala, A Half A World Away!
GONE TOO SOON: Chiwala
Of course, one day or night or whatever time it be, life will become heavier than the weight of our hearts. That hour, life turns into cargo we cannot carry any more.
And, so, we will fall in step with a great throng of humans-no-longer-being that snake their way through the gates of life, on to that gate of death-- to be heard of no more.
Well, this is common sense, kind of expected, but, right now, something is not right. Something is not right when an affable man in the morning of his life joins the throng of humanity passing through the gate of life into the cold arms of death.
It is that time, again, when a body lies within a chanting distance but, because the spirit has passed through the gate of life, on to the other side of the gate, the human-no-longer-being lies irresponsive, as if they and us had never been.
People-- now reduced to 'remains'-- we knew now looking so utterly different to us; that moment when memories start to plague the living. In the momentary standstill of death, nothing makes sense. Really.
I mean, how can anything make sense when, overcome by a sense of helplessness after the death of someone close to us, we begin to seek familiarity in strangers. I mean, the stranger called Death.
You hear otherwise wise people say, referring to the stranger Death: "Death is a new promise; the start-point of another journey, that of eternity!"
Nonsense! The only thing that makes sense is you, cowardly Death, bringing our Mphatso Chiwala back. Yes, we want our Mphatso Chiwala back.
We cannot entrust our beloved Mphatso Chiwala in your hands, toothless Death, because we know that LOVE has no currency in your market, which only trades in pain!
We are tired of you, Death, shipping our most productive people by the busload to the doorstep of overflowing graveyards. We have had enough.
What is more; your fatal addiction to the drug called pain means you do not really care about what LOVE is cut with.
That is why we are tired of you, Death, and demand our Mphatso Chiwala back. We can no longer watch ourselves succumbing to the most abiding sensation of helplessness when, in your regendary cowardise, you pluck the people who make us smile from our midst.
For years, you, Death, have ambushed us and burned our flags-of-hope without provocation.
Know, in your cowardly heart Death, that one day we will punish you with eternal life, if not now then sometime.
One day, because you have often stepped outside your known space of darkness to darken our share of illuminated space, one day we will riot in our hearts and the smallest among us will smite you with the sword of shame. Forever.
You are, as your name suggests, a wicked being, Death, and one day you will truly realise that you are, as they say, a "harried and guilt-ridden one".
Even though today, in your cowardise, you scooped Mphatso Chiwala up and carried him, as quickly as you could, out of the sunshine of life into your shadow of death, God will see to it that no hair of Mphatso Chiwala's head is lost.
That day, you, Death, will be a loser; for you will know that you were too unlucky in life, only to be too unlucky in your fate.
You will be made to pay for subjecting those who died inexplicably, those who died horribly, those who died peacefully and those who died fast to unfair trial in life.
You, mean-hearted and un-neighbourly Death.
How should we get by without the ever-friendly Mphatso Chiwala? How?
One day, Death, the sun will fall behind your trees-- where you hide our dead. And we shall reclaim them, causing much relief among all that were so desolate after their losses that they lost the will to live.
Well, despite the coarseness which has become our temporary neighbour today, we shall have a jolly warmth about us when all these pains shall, like today, come to pass.
Oh, let me say that, that day, when your time shall be up, you, Death, will not even feel defeated. Yes, you will not feel defeated because you did not fight a REAL battle in the first place.
All you, Death, were doing was ambushing people, taking them by surprise. It is not a REAL battle.
But we, Mphatso Chiwala's friends, shall have REAL victory-- because we shed REAL tears and hoped REAL hopes.
Until that day, when Mphatso Chiwala shall be there again, smiling in our faces, allow us to lapse into brief silence. We want to think about the good times we had with Mphatso Chiwala, who is just a half a world away.
In fact, we are just half a world away-- from Mphatso Chiwala!
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Friday, February 14, 2020
Thursday, February 6, 2020
President Peter Mutharika's Voice on Presidential Election Court Judgement
FULL STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT PROF. ARTHUR PETER MUTHARIKA ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT JUDGEMENT
Fellow Malawians
You all recall that on 21 May 2019 we went to an Election at which I was declared the winner.
At that time, all local and international observers agreed that we had a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
In exercising their political rights however, Reverend Lazarus Chakwera and Dr Saulos Chilima petitioned the Constitutional Court with their grievances.
We allowed for justice to take its course because we respect the rule of law and especially because I want to continue seeing peace, love and unity prevailing among us. I am a peaceful President.
On Monday, the Constitutional Court made its ruling on the Election petition which the Opposition brought before it.
I thank you all fellow Malawians for your patience during the period the case has been in Court.
I want to applaud the leaders of the Opposition for taking their electoral grievances to Court as provided for in our laws. That is democracy. However, I condemn violence in the strongest possible
terms and appeal to all Malawians to reject violence. Let us keep calm and order at all times.
This judgement is not the end of litigation process in the May 21 elections case. Malawi is a country of laws. As a lawful nation, there remains a number of laws and legal processes and procedures provided in our Constitution to regulate how we conduct ourselves to resolve our situation.
The most important thing is that we must preserve our constitutional order and ensure that Malawi continues to be stable and peaceful.
As the first respondent in the May 21 Elections case, I have taken note of the judgement delivered by the High Court sitting as a Constitutional Court. Like many Malawians, my legal team and I have serious reservations with the judgment. We consider the judgement as a serious subversion of justice, an attack on our democratic systems and an attempt to undermine the will of the people.
As it stands, the judgment if not cured, represents a flawed precedence for all the elections in all future elections in the country. In fact, this judgment inaugurates the death of Malawi's democracy.
As such it cannot stand unchallenged.
Consequently, I have instructed my legal team to appeal against the judgment and challenge it.
Let me however state that we are not appealing to stop the next election. In fact, we are ready to campaign and win as we have always done. We are appealing to correct the fundamental errors in the judgement to protect our laws, principles of justice and democracy. We believe the judgement has
errors that need to be corrected. Above all, we seek justice.
Let us not be carried away by this court ruling because it is not the end of everything. We are one people. We have one Malawi. We remain one nation. And Malawi is bigger than us all.
Within our Constitutional order, let us move forward in Peace, Love and Unity.
God bless Malawi.
Fellow Malawians
You all recall that on 21 May 2019 we went to an Election at which I was declared the winner.
At that time, all local and international observers agreed that we had a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
In exercising their political rights however, Reverend Lazarus Chakwera and Dr Saulos Chilima petitioned the Constitutional Court with their grievances.
We allowed for justice to take its course because we respect the rule of law and especially because I want to continue seeing peace, love and unity prevailing among us. I am a peaceful President.
On Monday, the Constitutional Court made its ruling on the Election petition which the Opposition brought before it.
I thank you all fellow Malawians for your patience during the period the case has been in Court.
I want to applaud the leaders of the Opposition for taking their electoral grievances to Court as provided for in our laws. That is democracy. However, I condemn violence in the strongest possible
terms and appeal to all Malawians to reject violence. Let us keep calm and order at all times.
This judgement is not the end of litigation process in the May 21 elections case. Malawi is a country of laws. As a lawful nation, there remains a number of laws and legal processes and procedures provided in our Constitution to regulate how we conduct ourselves to resolve our situation.
The most important thing is that we must preserve our constitutional order and ensure that Malawi continues to be stable and peaceful.
As the first respondent in the May 21 Elections case, I have taken note of the judgement delivered by the High Court sitting as a Constitutional Court. Like many Malawians, my legal team and I have serious reservations with the judgment. We consider the judgement as a serious subversion of justice, an attack on our democratic systems and an attempt to undermine the will of the people.
As it stands, the judgment if not cured, represents a flawed precedence for all the elections in all future elections in the country. In fact, this judgment inaugurates the death of Malawi's democracy.
As such it cannot stand unchallenged.
Consequently, I have instructed my legal team to appeal against the judgment and challenge it.
Let me however state that we are not appealing to stop the next election. In fact, we are ready to campaign and win as we have always done. We are appealing to correct the fundamental errors in the judgement to protect our laws, principles of justice and democracy. We believe the judgement has
errors that need to be corrected. Above all, we seek justice.
Let us not be carried away by this court ruling because it is not the end of everything. We are one people. We have one Malawi. We remain one nation. And Malawi is bigger than us all.
Within our Constitutional order, let us move forward in Peace, Love and Unity.
God bless Malawi.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Malawi Electoral Commission Ordered To Pay MCP, UTM costs
Before Constitutional Court judges finished making a determination on the outcome of the May 21 presidential election, they ordered the Malawi Electoral Commission to pay the first petitioner UTM and second petitioner Malawi Congress Party costs incurred in presenting their case.
The Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal, Agness Patemba, will take charge of that aspect within the next 14 days, according to a pronouncement of the court.
The Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal, Agness Patemba, will take charge of that aspect within the next 14 days, according to a pronouncement of the court.
Presidential Election hearing ends
At exactly 07:41pm Malawi time on Tuesday, February 3, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court judges Healey Potani annonced that it was the end of the court's determination in the case.
But this was not before the court ordered the Second Respondent to bear the costs of the case.
The other order is that the Legislature should make relevant ammendments to the law within 21 days to facilitate the holding of parliamentary elections.
But this was not before the court ordered the Second Respondent to bear the costs of the case.
The other order is that the Legislature should make relevant ammendments to the law within 21 days to facilitate the holding of parliamentary elections.
Malawi's presidential election to take place within 150 days
The Constitutional Court has ruled that Malawi's presidential election be held within 150 days after nullification of results.
It has also suggested that the tenure of members of Parliament be extendee, to be in line with the term of president.
This means even councillors' tenure of office may be extended.
It has also suggested that the tenure of members of Parliament be extendee, to be in line with the term of president.
This means even councillors' tenure of office may be extended.
Court rules that Saulos Chilima is Vice President of Malawi
The Constitutional Court has said the May 21, 2019 presidential election was "invalid" and that Saulos Chilima is now Vice President, with Peter Mutharika as president of the Republic of Malawi.
Malawi court nullifies presidential election results
The Constitutional Court has nullified presidential election resulys in Malawi's May 21, 2019 elections and ordered a fresh election.
Life Comes To Standstill in Malawi as Presidential Election Judgement Looms
Save for the continuous flow of words through loudspeakers, which myriads of people have planted in different parts of Malawi with less than one hour, 40 minutes before the Constitutional Courts makes a determination on whether Malawi's May 21 presidential election was poorly managed or not, silence is the main course of the meal.
Indeed, institutions such as Nkhoma Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian declared February 3 a holiday for employees, with other private institutions following suit.
However, the government of Malawi announced that the day would not be a public holiday. But this has not been enough to give February 3, which Malawi media has described as "Judgement Day", a semblance of a busy day.
If anything, it is only the five Constitutional Court judges led by Healey Potani that are the busiest, going through their 500-page judgement but by bit-- which, although the judges have said that they are not going through it word-for-word, seems agonisingly slow for citizens on the edge.
At 4pm, the judges announced that there was two more hours remaining before they can announce their determination, and went further to declare a 10-minute break so that they could consult with security personnel-- in this case, because the stakes are high, the law enforcement personnel include Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service operatives--on whether to continue with judgement or subject Malawians to 24 more hours of waiting.
To the relief of all, Potani announced that they have been assured of security and will continue with the judgement for the remaining two hours. At least 40 minutes have elapsed now.
Meanwhile, cities such as Blantyre, Lilongwe-- where the court is sitting--, Mzuzu, Zomba and Mangochi Town Council, business has come to a stand-still as shops and offices remain closed. The offices can be excused for now, for a typical working day in Malawi starts as 07:30am and ends at 5pm. So, most offices, which were closed for the most part of the day even during business hours, are closed now.
In Mangochi, just like most parts of Malawi, the feeling is that of fear, fear that soke people may go on rampage if things do not go their way.
But, so far, so good.
The feeling of heavy expectation is so aromatic in the air that it can be smelt. Literally.
In less than one hour fourty minutes, it will be the moment of truth-- truth which the five Constitutional Court judges, four men and one wokan, have been keeping close to their chests.
Indeed, institutions such as Nkhoma Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian declared February 3 a holiday for employees, with other private institutions following suit.
However, the government of Malawi announced that the day would not be a public holiday. But this has not been enough to give February 3, which Malawi media has described as "Judgement Day", a semblance of a busy day.
If anything, it is only the five Constitutional Court judges led by Healey Potani that are the busiest, going through their 500-page judgement but by bit-- which, although the judges have said that they are not going through it word-for-word, seems agonisingly slow for citizens on the edge.
At 4pm, the judges announced that there was two more hours remaining before they can announce their determination, and went further to declare a 10-minute break so that they could consult with security personnel-- in this case, because the stakes are high, the law enforcement personnel include Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service operatives--on whether to continue with judgement or subject Malawians to 24 more hours of waiting.
To the relief of all, Potani announced that they have been assured of security and will continue with the judgement for the remaining two hours. At least 40 minutes have elapsed now.
Meanwhile, cities such as Blantyre, Lilongwe-- where the court is sitting--, Mzuzu, Zomba and Mangochi Town Council, business has come to a stand-still as shops and offices remain closed. The offices can be excused for now, for a typical working day in Malawi starts as 07:30am and ends at 5pm. So, most offices, which were closed for the most part of the day even during business hours, are closed now.
In Mangochi, just like most parts of Malawi, the feeling is that of fear, fear that soke people may go on rampage if things do not go their way.
But, so far, so good.
The feeling of heavy expectation is so aromatic in the air that it can be smelt. Literally.
In less than one hour fourty minutes, it will be the moment of truth-- truth which the five Constitutional Court judges, four men and one wokan, have been keeping close to their chests.
This Is What Corporate Social Responsibility Should Be Like!
CMH Kempster Auto South have shown unbelievable generosity in sponsoring me and my work (of wildlife conservation, including snake rescue) with a brand new Ford Ranger!
No words can describe the levels of gratitude I have for Matthew Buck and his amazing team for sponsoring me and my work this machine! I'm still in shock, and the only two words that come to mind are, "thank you".
This vehicle will be tremendously helpful in my line of work, which often sees me out in rural areas on horrendous roads that were not made for my little NP200, which was on death row.
They've also kindly built in this awesome pull out rig in the back, that can be used as a table for things like taking DNA etc. One can even strap a croc down nicely on this as well!!
The computer system in this remarkable machine are mind boggling as well, but very convenient. Like the Bluetooth hands free set, so I don't need to constantly pick up my phone while driving to answer calls.
The reverse screen/camera is super nifty! I've already had to use it reversing up a dodgy, grassy track in Folweni on Saturday.
The tough tyres are a big bonus too. I went through so many on my old little car.
Pulling out of the dealership was stressful, and I was feeling like I was learning to drive all over again! But I'm more settled now, and absolutely loving it!
This is going to be such a massive boost to my conservation efforts in so many ways🙏.
Thanks CMH Kempster Auto South. Thank you very much. I still look at the vehicle and I'm like, "No, that can't be mine, surely?". Unreal! Dream come true!
Bring on the rural rescues!
~Nick Evans
Bold, Ambitious Targets Await Africa
With 2030 around the corner, it is time to formulate firm ambitions.
Editorial by: H.E. Mrs Amira Elfadil Mohamed, Commissioner for Social Affairs
African Union Commission
Hope for an Africa free of disease burden is the only one thing that keeps us rising back up after every public health crisis we have encountered as a continent. Countries and communities have come together over the years to mobilize financial resources, instigate innovations and participate in designing health services that meet their needs. Together, we have gained public health breakthroughs and saved lives. It will be no different, in 2020 and beyond.
2020 is unique and we, at the Commission are making sure that we start the New Year right with bold resolutions and fresh ideas to help us attain our goals. Our eyes are set on all the continental health policy commitments and respective health-related goals to be attained by 2030. With only ten years to go, we are working out strategies to ensure that the roadmap for ending disease burden, increasing political will and financial adequacy is in our grasp.
Specifically, we are looking into the progress made by African Union (AU) Member States in implementing the Africa Health Strategy 2016 – 2030. The policy framework provides strategic direction to AU Member States in their efforts in creating better performing health sectors and addressing key challenges facing efforts to reduce the continent’s disease burden. It is premised on: Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want; Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Continental Policy Framework; Maputo Plan of Action (2016-2030); Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA; African Regional Nutrition Strategy 2015 - 2025 (ARNS), the various AU Abuja commitments, calls, declarations aimed at combatting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa; Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent Health 2016 – 2030; and Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.
The Commission will also engage AU Member States on the successes, challenges as well as existing opportunities and challenges regarding implementation of the Catalytic Framework. This Framework was endorsed by Heads of States and Government in 2016 to intensify Africa-wide consensus towards eliminating the three diseases as public health threats by 2030. The collected information will be used in the review of the Framework to ensure positive outcomes come 2030.
2020 is also critical in firming up the African Union’s efforts towards realising a conflict-free Africa. End of conflict, or reduction of it, will free-up resources for many African countries which can be re-directed to meeting socio-economic and development needs. It will also broaden the path of successful implementation of the ALM Declaration among AU Member States. The ALM Declaration was endorsed by African Heads of States and Government in February 2019 as an indication of commitment to spur a reorientation of Africa’s health systems and health spending. The Commission was tasked with the responsibility to advocate for adoption of the ALM Declaration and its asks among AU Member States.
On that account, the ALM Declaration agenda is also high on our list of priorities. The Commission will conduct its first RECs assessment mission in February to evaluate the capacity of the East Africa Community to host a regional health financing hub. In addition, the formation of technical working groups and subcommittees is currently ongoing. The members will shape and lead the strategic direction in which implementation of the ALM Declaration heads. Towards the end of the year, there will be a high-level statutory meeting of Ministers of Health and Finance from AU Member States to discuss how they can work together to bring the asks of the ALM Declaration to life.
Evidently, much is on our plate but it is all achievable especially at a time when the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is setting up more Regional Collaborating Centres (RCCs) within the continent. RCCs are technical support institutions for the Africa CDC that support surveillance, laboratory systems and networks, information systems, emergency preparedness and response, capacity development and public health research in AU Member States. The operationalization of the RCCs in all five regions of Africa is contributing immensely to empowering the leadership role of Africa CDC as an Africa-owned institution that prevents, detects, and responds to public health threats, hence strengthening global health security.
We have made it this far with the relentless support of our global partners. The scale and ambition of continental and global commitments require a strong network of partners in the areas of research, technology, innovation, finance and human capacity to advance sustainable solutions to cross-cutting development issues. The past decade consisted of valuable multi-stakeholder partnerships which have enhanced the Commission’s ability to achieve its full potential in delivering sustainable solutions to Africa’s most complex and pressing socio-economic challenges. Nurturing impactful partnerships will remain a priority for the Commission.
As we walk into a new decade, Africa should keep hope alive for the sake of sustaining momentum towards attaining the Africa we want. The African Union Commission will continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with our global partners so that come 2030, it will not only be a continental sense of pride but a global celebration too. The health of the continent, and of the world, depends on all of us keeping our commitments.
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