National
Nutrition Dialogues to inform future interventions, drive sustainable solutions
World Vision Malawi held a series of nutrition dialogues in Nkhoma, Lilongwe, engaging children and community stakeholders to address the root causes of child hunger and malnutrition.
World Vision Malawi held a series of nutrition dialogues in Nkhoma, Lilongwe, engaging children and community stakeholders to address the root causes of child hunger and malnutrition.
The sessions were designed to foster collaboration and develop actionable strategies to combat food insecurity, particularly in the context of climate change and traditional farming challenges.
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Harold Munthali, World Vision’s District Manager for Lilongwe told Nthanda Times that the dialogues revealed a strong political will to address issues of hunger among children, with local leaders and community members showing great interest in finding solutions.
“There is political will in this area, which is encouraging. People are discussing the root causes of child hunger, and we are beginning to see positive steps. For example, one recurring issue is that families often sell most of their farm produce, leaving little for household consumption. The fact that communities are willing to address such cultural norms is a significant step forward,” said Munthali.
The dialogue emphasized the importance of sustaining such conversations to address the root causes of child hunger comprehensively in the area.
According to Munthali, the ongoing dialogues will serve as a foundation for future interventions, helping to address immediate needs while also creating long-term strategies for food security and improved nutrition.
“This is just the beginning. We plan to continue these dialogues to provide a platform where children and stakeholders can regularly engage in meaningful conversations about food security and nutrition. The insights we gather will inform future interventions and drive sustainable solutions,” added Munthali.
A session with the pastors’ fraternal, local chiefs, and village development committees resulted in actionable commitments, including educating congregations on the importance of reserving food for household consumption—a proactive approach that Munthali praised as vital for raising awareness and driving change in communities.
Group village Nsambo, Yusuf Masininga said it became very difficult for village heads to rule its people with an empty stomach hence also reduces development in the area as people are falling to do their jobs since they depend on farming.
“As chiefs, we find it difficult when we invite people from our areas to discuss various development issues, as many fail to attend due to the hunger situation. This also affects children, who resort to bad behaviors, such as theft, to feed themselves. Therefore, the arrival of such dialogues will greatly assist us in addressing these challenges and enabling us to intervene in these issues within our communities,” he said.
Concurring with the village head Nsambo, Tiyamika Ganizan member for Citizen Voices Action said there is need for civic education and adaptation of new technological agriculture practices the likes of encouraging people to practice irrigation farming practices to eradicate hunger which causes malnutrition among children.
In attendance was also Francisco Zalimba from pastors fraternal who also said it became very difficult to preach the word of God for people who are hungry.
Among other attendees there were also representatives from mother group and village development committees were they were also encouraged to take action by sensitising people in their communities to find solutions causing drought and malnutrition in their perspective areas.
National
RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
The Reserve Bank of Malawi has donated four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service to facilitate blood collection activities. RBM representatives praised MBTS’s vital role in public health, emphasizing their commitment to community initiatives. The tents aim to enhance donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection, addressing logistical challenges.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting life-saving initiatives by donating four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) to enhance its blood collection activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the MBTS Lilongwe Centre, RBM representative Boston Banda, speaking on behalf of the Governor, described MBTS as a “silent national hero” for its tireless role in saving lives through blood collection and transfusion services.
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Banda said the donation reflects RBM’s dedication to initiatives that positively impact communities in line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Investment Policy
“At RBM, we believe in contributing to causes that make a real difference in people’s lives. MBTS plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, and we are proud to be part of that effort,” he said.
Receiving the donation, MBTS Board Chairperson Elizabeth Gondwe expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued partnership, noting that the tents will improve donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection exercises.
She added that the donation would help the institution overcome logistical challenges that often hinder smooth operations during field blood collection
“These tents will provide comfort and protection to our blood donors, especially during outreach exercises where weather conditions can be harsh,” Gondwe said.
The central bank’s latest donation follows a previous contribution of branded T-shirts to MBTS, underscoring its continued partnership in promoting voluntary blood donation across the country.
National
UN Chief congratulates Mutharika on return to power, pledges continued cooperation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his return to power, pledging continued UN cooperation with Malawi on peace, human rights, climate action, and gender equality under his new administration.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has extended his warm congratulations to President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi, pledging continued collaboration between the UN and the Malawian Government on key areas of mutual interest.
In a congratulatory message, Guterres expressed confidence that the United Nations would continue to enjoy Malawi’s support on global issues including peace and security, human rights, climate action, and sustainable development.
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“I wish to convey my warm congratulations and best wishes to you on your inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi. I am confident that the United Nations will continue to enjoy your support on issues of common interest,” Guterres wrote.
The UN Chief has also commended the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC as Vice-President, describing it as a positive step toward advancing gender equality and the political participation of women in Malawi.
“I applaud the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah as Vice-President and encourage further efforts by your Government towards gender parity at all levels,” Guterres stated.
Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to Malawi’s development, Guterres said the global body would continue supporting the government and people of Malawi in their pursuit of a prosperous future, through the work of the UN Country Team led by the Resident Coordinator.
President Mutharika, who was sworn in on Saturday, returned to the presidency following the 2025 elections, marking a significant political comeback.
National
MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16% effective October 1
MERA has raised fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent effective October 1, with petrol now at K3,499 per litre and diesel at K3,500, citing higher importation costs and exchange rate pressures.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has hiked fuel prices by up to MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent, with new pump prices set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Petrol will now sell at K3,499 per litre from K2,530 (a 38.3% increase), while diesel will go up to K3,500 per litre from K2,734 (a 28% increase).
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According to MERA, the price adjustment follows a sharp rise in landed costs of petroleum products, driven by a higher average market exchange rate of K2,350.00 per US dollar compared to the official rate of K1,751.00.
Board Chairperson Charles Kambauwa explained that although Free-On-Board (FoB) prices for petrol and diesel had dropped by 10.64 percent and 18.14 percent respectively, importation costs escalated due to freight, railage, insurance, handling, and in-transit losses.
“These factors increased In-Bond Landed Costs by 52.42 percent for petrol and 49.67 percent for diesel, pushing the changes beyond the ±5 percent trigger limit under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism,” Kambauwa said.
He added that the hike was necessary to ensure sustainable fuel supply and cost-reflective pricing.
The development is expected to raise transportation costs and put additional pressure on the cost of living, with economists warning of a fresh round of inflationary shocks.
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RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
