Malawi in November

href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBviVUdXQ_X0-AGuIHbzzVoad_yVAiRUAWMotGf9H-rpEcyJO2xtYyjWigSNAnNu9cUsz3eH4NmOSCQXaCnrwbhnuvaKI4djPOX-tZLg192irw6M1di1vYsyox38G38TYfgSyvqJNEMk/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" >


Musicians, from all parts of Malawi, sang their choral cords out in November. Pictures, they say, speak in thousands of words. As they do, here!

UNICEF, UNAIDS Report Says: Malawi makes strides in reducing infant HIV infections, but alarming trends seen among adolescents

MEDIA RELEASE



Malawi makes strides in reducing infant HIV infections, but alarming trends seen among adolescents



...UNICEF report shows that new infections among adolescents could be halved by 2020 with targeted and increased investment



LILONGWE/NEWYORK, 29 November 2013 –Anew report released today by UNICEF shows that new infections among infants in Malawi declined by 52 percent between 2009 and 2012.The report attributes this progress to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV initiative, resulting in more than 850,000 new childhood infections being averted globally between 2005 and 2012 in low- and middle-incomecountries.


However, the new 2013 Stocktaking Report on Children and AIDSraises the alarm on adolescents, citing the need for increased global and national efforts to address HIV and AIDS among this vulnerable age group.


AIDS-related deaths amongst adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 worldwide increased by 50 per cent between 2005 and 2012, rising from 71,000 to 110,000, in stark contrast to progress made in preventing mother-to-child transmission.There were approximately 2.1 million adolescents living with HIV in 2012.In Malawi, 49,000 adolescent girls and 42,000 adolescent boys are living with HIV, with 6,700 new infections in 2012among adolescents aged 15-19..


With additional funding and increased investment in innovation,many of the challenges could be overcome, the report says.


A new analysis featured in the report shows that by increasing investment in high-impact interventions to about US$5.5 billion by 2014, 2 million adolescents, particularly girls, could avoid becoming infected by 2020. Investments in 2010 were US$3.8 billion worldwide.


“Prevention of HIV among adolescents is top on our agenda .This is a group we haven’t managed to influence in past years. We are now working with government andNGOs, using innovative approaches to reach vulnerable adolescents. With these new approaches, generated by young people themselves, we aim to prevent infections and see a reverse in the current trend,” said MahimboMdoe, UNICEF Country Representative.



High-impact interventions include condoms, antiretroviral treatment, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, voluntary medical male circumcision, communications for behaviour change, and targeted approaches for at-risk and marginalized populations. This is in addition to investments in other sectors such as education, social protection and welfare, and strengthening health systems.


In contrast to adolescents, progress has been impressive in the area of preventing new HIV infections among infants. Some 260,000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2012, compared to 540,000 in 2005.


“This report reminds us that an AIDS-free generation is one in which all children are born free of HIV and remain so––from birth and throughout their lives––and it means access to treatment for all children living with HIV,” said Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “It also reminds us that women’s health and well-being should be at the centre of the AIDS response. I have no doubt that we will achieve these goals.”


Thanks to new, simplified life-long antiretroviral treatment (known as Option B+, pioneered by Malawi and adopted by several other countries. `As a result, 60 percent of pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi received antiretroviral treatment for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.


The new report also emphasizes that for an AIDS-free generation to become a reality, more children living with HIV should receive antiretroviral treatment.In Malawi, the report says that 180,000 children aged 0-14 years are estimated to be living with HIV. 100,000 of these require treatment,but only 36 percent are currently receiving treatment.


Innovations and new ways of working are making testing and treatment more accessible, effective and efficient. One example is the use of mobile phones in Malawi andZambia to quickly deliver HIV test results. This has allowed mothers to receive diagnoses for their babies much faster than through results delivered by hand.


The challenge now is to apply the knowledge that already exists, continue to focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized children and adolescents,and pursue new opportunities and innovations—while using finite resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.


For more information, please contact Angela Travis, UNICEF Chief of Communication, Email: atravis@unicef.org

Tanya UNAIDS:


NOTE:

• About the simplified life-long antiretroviral treatment (Option B+):
UNICEF is supporting countries as they transition to the new simplified life-long antiretroviral therapy (Option B+) for all pregnant women living with HIV. The new treatment is in the form of one pill, taken once a day (compared to the previous treatment of up to six pills per day).This treatment can be provided at the community level, at local primary care facilities. It keeps mothers healthier, as they continue taking it even after giving birth, through breastfeeding and beyond.Malawiwas a pioneer in offering the Option B+ treatment in 2011, resulting in massive expansion of the treatment coverage for both pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV. By June 2013, 13 of the 22 Global Plan priority countries had adopted the same policy of offering life-long treatment.


• About the Stocktaking Reports:
Stocktaking reports on Children and AIDS are the flagship publications of the Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign. UNICEF leads the production of these publications as part of its commitment to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in collaboration with UNAIDS and the other 10 UNAIDS co-sponsors. The new ‘Children and AIDS: Sixth Stocktaking Report’ is the first of its kind since 2010.




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 visit: www.unicef.org



About UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Right Reverent Thomas Luke Msusa is Blantyre Arch-diocese's New Arch-Bishop

Press Release

The Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) in Malawi is pleased to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed the Right Reverend Thomas Luke Msusa Archbishop of Blantyre, transferring him from the Episcopal See of Zomba. The announcement will be made today, Thursday, 21 November 2013 at noontime in the Vatican.



The Right Reverend Montfort Stima, Auxiliary Bishop of Blantyre and currently Diocesan Administrator of the Archdiocese, remains in charge of the Archdiocese up until Rt. Rev. Thomas Msusa will take possession of the Archiepiscopal See of Blantyre.





Dated: 21 November 2013

Lilongwe



NOT TO BE AIRED BEFORE 13:00 (when the announcement will be made in ROME)

QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE INTEGRATED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

‘Office of The President and Cabinet’

QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE INTEGRATED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM


‘Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations’

Version: 2.0
Date: 18th November, 2009
Author(s): McCarthy Phiri B.ACC MSc CIMA ACMA IARFC
Richard Chisala Jnr. BSc MSc SCP SCE MIEEE


Confidentiality: Sensitive but unclassified


Summary Report on the Assessment of Government of Malawi's IFMIS Implementation (Quick Impacts Program) – UltiNetS 2009




1.0 BACKGROUND

The Malawi Government through a Memorandum of Under standing with the Government of Tanzania started implementing part of the Financials suite of the EPICOR version 7.2 based IFMIS in November 2005.

This system was implemented by Soft-Tech Consultants Ltd , a Tanzania-based authorized dealer of EPICOR 1 ERP solutions in Africa. The system is currently upgraded to version 7.2.3.

The system was entirely customised based on the Tanzania implementation model with no changes to the system base functionality and reporting expect terminologies specific to the Malawi Government operational context. The Malawi Government procured
the following modules of the EPICOR Financials suite:


•General Ledger
•Accounts Payables
•Accounts Receivable
•Cash Management
•Commitments Planning and Control
•Electronic Funds Transfer
•Inventory Control
•Purchasing
•Reporting


Despite Government paying for all key mentioned above modules of the upgraded EPICOR 7.2.3 Financials suite , the MoF through AGD is currently using only four which include; General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing and Cash Management from the Core accounting, and Active Planner (Budget module) mainly for budget formulation and
management processes. This module is used by the Budget division of the Treasury department within the ministry (MoF).


As part of the continuous PFM reform processes in a bid to further enhance public expenditure management, the Malawi Government through the PSRMU of the OPC engaged the author through UltiNetS 2 to undertake a quick impact assessment of the EPICOR based IFMIS implementation with a core objective to identify any system operational or
functionality challenges and make appropriate recommendations for improvements.


This summary report provides key findings, observations and recommendations for improvements and further review of the quick assessment of the Malawi Government EPICOR 7.2.3 based IFMIS implementation and impact.



1.1 Key objectives, scope and limitations of the assessment

The core objective of the assessment was to identify any system design, architectural and operational or functionality deficiencies and other challenges and make appropriate recommendations for improvements.


This assessment was more limited to the EPICOR based IFMIS system architecture, functionality, alert system, procurement, contractual and engagement process, project charter and implementation, system design, architectural and operational framework, system business process controls, system security posture, reporting capability, management, knowledge and capacity, project and change management, system interface capability, expectations, GWAN capability to support IFMIS and audit and risk management capacity.


This assessment was meant to provide a snap short of the EPICOR based IFMIS implementation and functionality situation to identify any issues requiring urgent attention before system functional expansion drive and further comprehensive review. Due to limited time-frame and scope, this assessment did not further extend to other key Government resource management systems meant to be part of the IFMIS architectural and operational framework or outside the framework as secondary data
repository or sources for government financial and other transactions, in terms of their functionality and interface compatibility and capability.


These subsystems include HRMS and Payroll, Revenue Collection and Management systems such as ASYCUDA used by MRA and those used by Road Traffic Directorate, Immigration and Civil Aviation departments to mention a few.


1.2 Overview on assessment methodology

The Consultant mostly used qualitative technique for data collection that involved one to one interviews and questionnaires in some cases. This approach ensured that adequate and accurate data and information was gathered to form a realistic basis of reporting.

Four main approaches to the assignment were employed that mainly included; preliminary
meetings with key stake holders, one to one interviews with key participants, system diagnosis and questionnaires to selected participants.


1.3 Summary of system implementation progress

Despite all the challenges surrounding the IFMIS system functionality, architectural incompleteness and short of some key expected benefits, the overall implementation of EPICOR based IFMIS has been quite a remarkable and impressive achievement for the Malawi Government, more particularly considering the time-frame of under five years against the minimum of seven years for implementing such complex systems in IFMIS particularly ‘Appropriation Accounts’ so as to ensure accurate and timely submission to NAO and National Assembly.


The AGD should redefine the system user report access rights to ensure that users within the MDAs easily access key reports from their core modules without the support and involvement of the core support team.


The AGD should also in the long term consider developing the report writing capacity within IT departments of MD.

As to reduce support time and workload for the core support team:

.The AGD should immediately explore the possibility of a direct electronic interface with RBM system to ensure cheque listing data is also instantly transmitted as soon as the payment process is completed to mitigate the risk of data loss and ensure and maintain the credibility of Government cheques.


.The AGD should consider an immediate review of the RBM’s MIDAS payments/banking software to determine its current interface compatibility and capability with EPICOR
based IFMIS and ensure that this linkage is immediately established and also that any future versions of the RBM’s payments/banking system should be designed to allow easy electronic interface with the existing Government IFMIS applications

.The AGD should immediately engage Soft-Tech Consultants to urgently establish an electronic interface between EPICOR based IFMIS and HRMS and Payroll systems to ensure accurate and instant data transfer and reduce the risks of data loss and
manipulation mostly arising from current manual interventions and above all enhance instant reporting between the two systems.


•The Government through OPC should immediately consider a comprehensive review of the system design, architectural and functionality of the HRMS and Payroll system in ord
er to identify any design and operational deficiencies and establish main causes
of numerous data inaccuracies from the system in order to ably devise strategic solutions to the problem


•The AGD should ensure comprehensive checks and verifications are done before capturing for processing payroll data from DHRMD for payments to ensure only accurate and appropriate payments are made.

.The Government should engage the dealer/provider of Global HRMS and Payroll to explore the possibility of including a pensions and gratuity sub-module within the current suite or implement a standalone module for managing and processing all Government pensions and gratuities.

•The AGD should also immediately consider a review of the functionality of the current MALSWITCH link/connectivity between the CPS and RBM to identify a more secure and viable solution to this problem of frequent system outage


•The AGD should urgently establish a fall back mechanism in case of the MALSWITCH connectivity failure so that cheques are not bounced at the commercial banks due to lack of documentation for confirmation so as to avoid losing the already regained credibility of Government cheques.


•The Government (OPC) should immediately explore means of restoring and ensuring reliable performance of the GWAN services as the only and prime transport path for IFMIS to improve the negative perceptions of MDAs about IFMIS performance failure



ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AG Accountant General

DAG Deputy Accountant General

AGD Accountant General’s Department
AUDG Auditor General

CMD Cash Management Division

CPO Central Payment Office

CPS Central Payment System

CCA Credit Ceiling Authority

COA Chart of Accounts

CS-DRMS Commonwealth Secretariat’s Debt and Reserve
Management System

DA District Assembly

DRS Disaster Recovery Site

DISTMS Department of Information Systems and Technology Management Services


DAMD Debt and Aid Management Department


DHRMD Department of Human Resource Management and Development


ERP Enterprise Resource Planning


EFT Electronic Funds Transfer


EPICOR IFMIS software GWAN Government Wide Area Network

GFS Government Finance Statistics

GOM Government of the Republic of Malawi

HRMIS Human Resource Management Information System

HIPC Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

ICT Information and Communications Technology

IFMIS Integrated Financial Management Information System

IMF International Monitory Fund

Mario Balotelli's Name Takes Malawi By Storm

He has never been to Africa, let alone Ghana- the abode of his biological parents. But his name has reached more places than his frame. Call it the story of Mario Balotelli!

And, in a typical case of sharp, clear instincts that have twirled them fast and blind after all things Mario Balotelli, Malawian entrepreneurs have adopted the name Balotelli and are using it en mass to advertise their businesses with a little more than twenty entities using the name in Malawi's cities and districts.

Spanning from hand-me-down merchandise sellers to restaurant owners, the name Balotelli has become the in-thing all over Malawi- which is strange because, far from the tradition of attaching names that speak more about the proprietors' past, Malawian entrepreneurs are breaking from their traditional upbringing to add a sporting touch to their daily endeavours, thanks to the volatility and predictability of Mario Balotelli, a.k.a. Super Mario.

Super Mario- that soft-spoken and media-shy Italian international with a frequent high chuckle; yes, that man who is so quick to anger that many a soccer player have been hoodwinked into believing him an easy mark for provocation- has become the in-name in the Southern African Development Community member state because of Malawians' love for everything English Premier League.

Indeed, some have joked that the majority of Malawians love English first-tier sides more than their own national team and top league sides- in this case, TNM Super League sides such as Southern Region giants Mighty Wanderers, a.k.a. Nyerere (whose supporters call the team 'Chelsea ya ku Malawi- Malawi's Chelsea; Big Bullets, a.k.a. Ma Palestina; Central Region giants Silver Strikers, a.k.a. Ma Bankers; Civil United, and; Northern Region Giants Moyale Barracks.

This explains why Balotelli is loved by many, though he is equally loathed by Manchester United fans, who hate to be reminded about the two goals Super Mario scored against the Red Devils in the 6-1 drubbing at the Etihad Stadium. So, Manchester United fans such as Michael Kaligo and Samule Mumba do not hide their disdain for Super Mario, who they accuse of harbouring a huge ego than the sides of the Titanic.

And, more likely, the business entrepreneurs who have named their businesses after Balotelli are, more likely than not, non-Manchester United fans.

So popular has Balotelli become that, in Blantyre- Malawi's commercial city- alone, there are nine places answering to the name Balotelli- at least those Zachimalawi has visited. Undoubtedly, there are many more business institutions that might have got the Mario Balotelli bug, making his (Super Mario's name) the most sought-after name in Malawi.

In Blantyre City South Constituency alone, there is Balotelli Lodge, Balotelli Take Away, Balotelli Restaurant, Balotelli Car Rentals, and Balotelli Car Wash.

However, other business persons have got the name wrong on spelling, with the owner of a lodge in Blantyre Central Constituency calling his lodge 'Barotelli Lodge'. Probably, he might have written the name on his bill board while drunk! Why, if the question may be asked, would someone wrongly spell out the name of someone they like?

Or, may be, he is one of the disgruntled Manchester United supporters!

While the impact of Mario Balotelli on the local (Malawi) scene is yet to be ascertained, it is clear that the name Mario Balotelli has reached destinations far and wide- even when Balotelli himself has never been.

Balotelli, it must be noted, has never been to Africa, let alone Ghana- where his biological parents trace their roots. But this has not stopped his name becoming part of the African topics.

And it is not just his on-the-pitch antics that have stimulated debate. His adoption, by the Balotelli's, has also been one of the issues, with opinion being equally divided on whether Balotelli is right to, some how, give his parents a cold shoulder. There are those who say he is right, and those who say he could do better.

But both sides are grateful to the Balotellis for their love and commitment. Their love has brought forth a great footballer; one who would "kill" those people who are fast to judge others based on the colour of their skin.

In six days' time, Zachimalawi will post pictures of all the business places and institutions named 'Balotelli', and you will see, for yourself, the variations in spellings!

Competition and Fair Trading Commission Tackles Law Violators

In fulfillment of its statutory mandate of regulating the operation of markets and safeguarding consumer welfare in Malawi, the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) met on 31 October 2013 to adjudicate over cases relating to alleged or likely violation of the Competition and Fair Trading Act (Cap 48:09 of the Laws of Malawi).



In this regard, CFTC has organized a press conference to be held tomorrow Tuesday 5 November 2013.


During the press conference, CFTC Executive Director Charlotte Wezi Malonda will officially announce the determinations and orders issued by the Commission in the six cases under consideration. Among other issues, the cases border on unconscionable conduct, misleading conduct, liability for defective products and anti-competitive business practices.

President Joyce Banda launches the 2013 Poppy Week, donates 1.5Million Kwacha to Ex-Service League

Press Release

State House

28th October 2013



President Joyce Banda has launched the 2013 Poppy week with a call to the nation to support the Commonwealth Ex-servicemen Of Malawi CELOM.


Speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, President Banda who is the patron of the group said she is aware that the two World Wars caused great devastation and brought untold suffering to humanity.


“As a nation we should be proud that our courageous men and women offered their services to help bring an end to these devastating wars” said the Malawi Leader.


Banda noted that while the nation honor those that lost their lives, it is also important to pay homage to those that are still living by contributing generously through the Common Ex-Service League of Malawi (CELOM).


President Banda made a personal contribution of 1.5million Kwacha to CELOM and 290 bags of Maize. (Twenty nine families of ex-servicemen will each receive ten bags of Maize).


The President assured the War Veterans that she will make sure that they live a decent life.


In his remarks, Chairman of the Commonwealth Ex-service League of Malawi Major General Namwali thanked the President for her endless effort in making sure that the War Veterans are well looked after.


Namwali said the president support since she took office has eased the challenges the veterans face in their daily lives.


ADDITIONAL NOTES

There are currently 29 War Veterans living in the country’s Barracks.

500 War Veterans live in the villages across the country.

This year’s Remembrance Day activities will be held on Sunday, 10th day of
November, 2013 at the Zomba Cenotaph with similar events taking place in Lilongwe
and Mzuzu.

Formation of task force on preparations for 2014 presidential candidates debates

BLANTYRE - As Malawi moves closer to the May 20, 2014, the date for holding Tripartite Elections, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is pleased to announce the formation of a task force for presidential candidates’ debates.


With technical support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI),the taskforce will work on all preparatory, organizational and production aspects of the Presidential Candidates Debates.


Members of the task force have been drawn from various civil society organizations and broadcast media houses basing on the expertise and some already had plans to conduct presidential debates.


The task force has been formulated in line with MEC’s 2014 electoral calendar which includes presidential debates as one of the key activities ahead of the elections. Around the world, presidential candidate debates are used to enable citizens to learn more about their candidates and policies in order to make informed electoral choices.


In addition, we anticipate the presidential candidates’ debates will provide an important public space to generate dialogue on citizen interests regarding the future and direction of Malawi.


The taskforce under the Chairmanship of MEC will operate independently to undertake the following responsibilities:


1. Discuss and agree on the modalities of holding presidential
candidates debates;

2. Decide, in collaboration with the Malawi Electoral Commission,
the dates and venue of the debates ;

3. Agree on the number of debates to be conducted, themes and the duration of each debate;

4. Develop parameters for media outlets/ media mix to be used for airing the debates;

5. Agree on the format of the debate; whether the debates will be held live or will be prerecorded and broadcast later and whether spectators/audiences will ask questions directly or all moderator will ask all questions;

6. Work out the budget for hosting the debates;

7. Determine logistics of the debates such as travel and accommodation;

8. And determine the extent to which supporters of candidates/contestants will be involved.

Below is a complete list of organizations that are forming the task force.


1. Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)
2. National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)
3. Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP)
4. Public Affairs Committee (PAC)
5. National Initiative for Civic Education Trust (NICE)
6.Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD)
7. Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)-Malawi Chapter
8. Malawi Electoral Support Network (MESN)
9. Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)
10. Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS)
11. Malawi Human Rights Commission

From The Mouth of South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma

“We can't think like Africans because we're in Johannesburg and not some national road in
Malawi.” (Jacob Juma, President of South Africa).

ewn.mobi/news/Local/zuma-this-is-joburg-not-malawi/11521