LILONGWE, Malawi, 16 June 2008 – Arguments and debates echoed through the vast red brick hall here last week. Parliament was in session.
Malawi’s Youth Parliament met for the seventh time in the capital, Lilongwe, from 12 to 14 June. Held annually since 2001, the gathering coincided with the run-up to the Day of the African Child, 16 June.
The theme this year’s Day of the African Child is particularly apt: giving youth a voice. In marking the day, UNICEF is drawing attention to the importance of child participation in schools, community action, media and governance.
Health, education and AIDS
“It’s like a voice to every child in Malawi,” said Youth Parliamentarian Wepi Mzoa. “The children in Malawi are able to express themselves through the parliamentarians…. They help to come up with resolutions in every kind of abuse they face.”
The youth delegates debated issues of health and education, with an emphasis on the ever-growing threat of HIV/AIDS and related orphanhood.
Malawi has made recent gains in combating AIDS, and infection rates are down. Still, the country has struggled to care for the growing number of children who have lost one or both parents to the disease.
Mothers in Malawi bring their young children to a nutrition centre to have them weighed and measured. The country expects to hit hard by the global food crisis.
Volunteers work with orphans
At a UNICEF-supported centre outside Lilongwe, community members volunteer their time to look after children under five; almost half of these children are orphans. While many now live with extended families or older siblings, it is here that they get to be children again.
“These orphans are from our community. If we don’t come in and help them, who’s going to do that?” asked volunteer caregiver Alitina Chimbewa. “
Some of them have been traumatized by their experiences, but when they come here, after attending the centre for a month or so, you can actually see the change in them,” she added. “They can play better, they can talk better, but most importantly, they can smile. That’s the most important thing to me about this centre.”
Dealing with malnutrition
Also high on the Youth Parliament’s agenda was the international food crisis.
Malawi, still reeling from a nutrition crisis in 2005, is expected to be hard-hit. Most rural clinics deal with malnutrition on a daily basis. Mothers arrive with sick babies, their stomachs bloated, and their hair yellowing – sure signs of being severely undernourished. The babies are weighed and measured, and mothers are given desperately needed therapeutic food.
Back in Lilongwe last week, aspiring politicians debated these and other issues, resolutions were made and a detailed report compiled for presentation to the country’s main Parliament.
As the world celebrates the Day of the African Child, Malwi’s youth are ensuring that their voices are heard.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Malawi: Floods DREF Operation No. MDRMW002 Final Report
The International Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.
Summary: CHF 88,704 (USD 70,963 or EUR 54,755) was allocated from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 30 January 2007 to support Malawi Red Cross Society in delivering assistance to the floodaffected population, and to replenish disaster preparedness stocks distributed in the context of this operation.
The Malawi Red Cross Society provided emergency shelter, through its prepositioned tents, which were set up thanks to trained action teams. In addition, tarpaulins and plastic sheeting were distributed to flood-affected people who had lost their houses, for purposes of roofing material. DREF funds were also used to replenish relief stocks, and to cover some operational costs.
The situation
In early January 2007, heavy rains in southern Malawi caused flooding in the lower Shire region, severely affecting the districts of Chikwaka, Nsanje and Mangochi, as well as nine additional districts to a lesser extent. The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) participated in a governmentled inter-agency assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage and determine the most immediate needs. The main findings from this assessment are summarized in table no. 1 below:
Table 1: Statistics on the effects of the floods
District Households
affected Houses
collapsed Farmland affected
(hectares) Livestock lost
(number of animals)
Chikwawa
20,016
917
7,666
78
Nsanje
1,351
475
1,804
105
Mangochi
2,143
503
82
654
Other nine districts
1,890
438
No crop damage
No livestock lost
TOTAL
25,400
2,333
9,552
837
In total, some 25,400 households were affected, with many houses damaged – of which 2,333 had collapsed. In addition, over 9,000 hectares of farmland were flooded and approximately 800 essential livestock lost.
Many of the affected families had to seek shelter in churches, schools or with relatives. Most latrines in the flood-affected areas collapsed, leading to health concerns regarding the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases and cholera (Malawi had previously experienced an outbreak of cholera in mid-2006, and nine cases were reported at the time of the flooding). A possible rise in the prevalence of malaria was also of concern, given that Mangochi district is generally prone to malaria and was considered to be at additional risk due to the stagnant post-flood waters.
The primary needs of the flood-affected population were determined to be in the areas of shelter, basic food and non-food relief, health care, and water and sanitation.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
In Malawi: Malawi Red Cross Society: Lawson Kasamale, Secretary General, Email mrcs@eomw.net; Phone: Tel 265.1.775.290; Fax: 265.1.775.590
In Southern Africa Zone: Françoise Le Goff, Head of Zone Office, Johannesburg; Email francoise.legoff@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.556.6565 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9711; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In Southern Africa Zone: Disaster Management Department: Farid Aiywar; Johannesburg; Email farid.aiywar@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.440.0564 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9721; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In Geneva: John Roche, Operations Coordinator, Email: john.roche@ifrc.org; Phone: +41.22.730.4400, Fax: +41.22.733.03.95
Summary: CHF 88,704 (USD 70,963 or EUR 54,755) was allocated from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 30 January 2007 to support Malawi Red Cross Society in delivering assistance to the floodaffected population, and to replenish disaster preparedness stocks distributed in the context of this operation.
The Malawi Red Cross Society provided emergency shelter, through its prepositioned tents, which were set up thanks to trained action teams. In addition, tarpaulins and plastic sheeting were distributed to flood-affected people who had lost their houses, for purposes of roofing material. DREF funds were also used to replenish relief stocks, and to cover some operational costs.
The situation
In early January 2007, heavy rains in southern Malawi caused flooding in the lower Shire region, severely affecting the districts of Chikwaka, Nsanje and Mangochi, as well as nine additional districts to a lesser extent. The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) participated in a governmentled inter-agency assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage and determine the most immediate needs. The main findings from this assessment are summarized in table no. 1 below:
Table 1: Statistics on the effects of the floods
District Households
affected Houses
collapsed Farmland affected
(hectares) Livestock lost
(number of animals)
Chikwawa
20,016
917
7,666
78
Nsanje
1,351
475
1,804
105
Mangochi
2,143
503
82
654
Other nine districts
1,890
438
No crop damage
No livestock lost
TOTAL
25,400
2,333
9,552
837
In total, some 25,400 households were affected, with many houses damaged – of which 2,333 had collapsed. In addition, over 9,000 hectares of farmland were flooded and approximately 800 essential livestock lost.
Many of the affected families had to seek shelter in churches, schools or with relatives. Most latrines in the flood-affected areas collapsed, leading to health concerns regarding the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases and cholera (Malawi had previously experienced an outbreak of cholera in mid-2006, and nine cases were reported at the time of the flooding). A possible rise in the prevalence of malaria was also of concern, given that Mangochi district is generally prone to malaria and was considered to be at additional risk due to the stagnant post-flood waters.
The primary needs of the flood-affected population were determined to be in the areas of shelter, basic food and non-food relief, health care, and water and sanitation.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
In Malawi: Malawi Red Cross Society: Lawson Kasamale, Secretary General, Email mrcs@eomw.net; Phone: Tel 265.1.775.290; Fax: 265.1.775.590
In Southern Africa Zone: Françoise Le Goff, Head of Zone Office, Johannesburg; Email francoise.legoff@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.556.6565 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9711; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In Southern Africa Zone: Disaster Management Department: Farid Aiywar; Johannesburg; Email farid.aiywar@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.440.0564 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9721; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In Geneva: John Roche, Operations Coordinator, Email: john.roche@ifrc.org; Phone: +41.22.730.4400, Fax: +41.22.733.03.95
Malawi: Returnees DREF Bulletin No. MDRMW003
The International Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.
CHF 86,007 has been allocated from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support Malawi Red Cross Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 3,000 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: Following the recent urban disturbances in South Africa, xenophobic in nature and characterized by elements of criminality reported from 11 May, 2008, the Government of Malawi has been assisting with the evacuation and repatriation of its citizens. The repatriation exercise started on 24 May 2008. The Malawian government has mandated Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) to look after the welfare of the returnees at a transitional shelter, which has been established in the southern part of the country.
The government is overseeing the actual evacuation and transportation of returnees to the transitional shelter and is also ensuring the provision of food during their stay. As the only auxiliary agency involved in this operation, MRCS is responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of the returnees at the transitional shelter – which currently lacks some essential commodities, including: cooking utensils, hygiene kits, sleeping mats/mattresses and blankets. In addition, there is no appropriate lighting – a concern for security reasons, and current food allocations are not meeting the specific needs of children less than five years of age.
To date 1,320 returnees have arrived in-country. Current estimates put the number of potential returnees at up to 15,000 people. The DREF funds will enable the MRCS to supply up to 3,000 returnees with essential commodities at the transitional shelter, as well as offer basic first aid to any injured individuals.
This operation is expected to be implemented over two months, and will therefore be completed by 31 July, 2008; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (30 October, 2008).
The situation
Since 24 May, Malawi has been receiving returnees from South Africa – displaced by the disturbances caused by the xenophobic attacks, which have been taking place in South Africa over the past three weeks. According to the Malawian government, the number of potential returnees is estimated at 15,000 people, of which 1,320 have returned to date. Following the attacks, the Government of Malawi has been assisting in the evacuation and repatriation of its citizens, by providing bus transportation and temporary accommodation at a transitional centre set up in the southern region of the country.
Some of the returnees are arriving with wounds sustained from the attacks. Returnees are being kept at the transitional shelter until such time as they can arrange for transportation back to their homes.
MRCS was mandated by the government to take responsibility for the general health and welfare of the returnees at the transitional centre. This includes:
- Preparation of food (provided by the government);
- Ensuring adequate sanitation and lodging for the returnees;
- Providing basic first aid treatment to injured individuals.
MRCS efforts to provide assistance to the returnees at the transitional centre are being hampered by a lack of basic commodities:
- The transitional shelter has rooms, but no sleeping mats or blankets for use by returnees;
- There are no toiletries available in the washrooms, to ensure adequate hygiene – leading to concerns over possible disease outbreaks;
- There is a lack of large pots for the preparation of food – which means that volunteers must spend longer hours at the centre in order to prepare sufficient quantities of food to meet needs, thereby staying late and jeopardizing their own security;
- It has also been noted that the specific nutritional needs of children under the age of five are not being addressed – potentially affecting the health of an already weakened and frightened group.
Coordination and partnerships
The MRCS is working in close coordination with the relevant governmental authorities, as an auxiliary and the only partner in this instance. The respective roles of the government and the Red Cross have been well defined, to ensure an effective response to the needs of the returnees.
Contact information
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
In Malawi: Lawson Kasamale, Secretary General, Email mrcs@eomw.net; Phone: Tel 265.1.775.290; Fax: 265.1.775.590
In South Africa zonal level for Southern Africa: Françoise Le Goff, Head of Zone Office, Johannesburg; Email francoise.legoff@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.556.6565 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9711; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In South Africa Zone: Disaster Management Department: Farid Aiywar; Email farid.aiywa@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.440.0564 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9721; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In Geneva: John Roche, Operations Coordinator, Email: john.roche@ifrc.org; Phone: +41.22.730.4400, Fax: +41.22.733.03.95
CHF 86,007 has been allocated from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support Malawi Red Cross Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 3,000 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: Following the recent urban disturbances in South Africa, xenophobic in nature and characterized by elements of criminality reported from 11 May, 2008, the Government of Malawi has been assisting with the evacuation and repatriation of its citizens. The repatriation exercise started on 24 May 2008. The Malawian government has mandated Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) to look after the welfare of the returnees at a transitional shelter, which has been established in the southern part of the country.
The government is overseeing the actual evacuation and transportation of returnees to the transitional shelter and is also ensuring the provision of food during their stay. As the only auxiliary agency involved in this operation, MRCS is responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of the returnees at the transitional shelter – which currently lacks some essential commodities, including: cooking utensils, hygiene kits, sleeping mats/mattresses and blankets. In addition, there is no appropriate lighting – a concern for security reasons, and current food allocations are not meeting the specific needs of children less than five years of age.
To date 1,320 returnees have arrived in-country. Current estimates put the number of potential returnees at up to 15,000 people. The DREF funds will enable the MRCS to supply up to 3,000 returnees with essential commodities at the transitional shelter, as well as offer basic first aid to any injured individuals.
This operation is expected to be implemented over two months, and will therefore be completed by 31 July, 2008; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (30 October, 2008).
The situation
Since 24 May, Malawi has been receiving returnees from South Africa – displaced by the disturbances caused by the xenophobic attacks, which have been taking place in South Africa over the past three weeks. According to the Malawian government, the number of potential returnees is estimated at 15,000 people, of which 1,320 have returned to date. Following the attacks, the Government of Malawi has been assisting in the evacuation and repatriation of its citizens, by providing bus transportation and temporary accommodation at a transitional centre set up in the southern region of the country.
Some of the returnees are arriving with wounds sustained from the attacks. Returnees are being kept at the transitional shelter until such time as they can arrange for transportation back to their homes.
MRCS was mandated by the government to take responsibility for the general health and welfare of the returnees at the transitional centre. This includes:
- Preparation of food (provided by the government);
- Ensuring adequate sanitation and lodging for the returnees;
- Providing basic first aid treatment to injured individuals.
MRCS efforts to provide assistance to the returnees at the transitional centre are being hampered by a lack of basic commodities:
- The transitional shelter has rooms, but no sleeping mats or blankets for use by returnees;
- There are no toiletries available in the washrooms, to ensure adequate hygiene – leading to concerns over possible disease outbreaks;
- There is a lack of large pots for the preparation of food – which means that volunteers must spend longer hours at the centre in order to prepare sufficient quantities of food to meet needs, thereby staying late and jeopardizing their own security;
- It has also been noted that the specific nutritional needs of children under the age of five are not being addressed – potentially affecting the health of an already weakened and frightened group.
Coordination and partnerships
The MRCS is working in close coordination with the relevant governmental authorities, as an auxiliary and the only partner in this instance. The respective roles of the government and the Red Cross have been well defined, to ensure an effective response to the needs of the returnees.
Contact information
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
In Malawi: Lawson Kasamale, Secretary General, Email mrcs@eomw.net; Phone: Tel 265.1.775.290; Fax: 265.1.775.590
In South Africa zonal level for Southern Africa: Françoise Le Goff, Head of Zone Office, Johannesburg; Email francoise.legoff@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.556.6565 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9711; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In South Africa Zone: Disaster Management Department: Farid Aiywar; Email farid.aiywa@ifrc.org; Phone: Mobile: +27.83.440.0564 Tel: +27.11.303.9700; +27.11.303.9721; Fax: +27.11.884.3809; +27.11.884.0230
In Geneva: John Roche, Operations Coordinator, Email: john.roche@ifrc.org; Phone: +41.22.730.4400, Fax: +41.22.733.03.95
Malawi lifts fuel prices 25 pct on high oil costs
LILONGWE (Reuters) - Malawi fuel pump prices increased by around 25 percent following sharp increases in global oil prices, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority said on Monday.
It said the price of petrol would increase to 251.20 Malawi kwacha a litre from 200.90 Malawi kwatcha. The diesel price rises to 234.50 kwacha a litre from 187.20 kwacha.
Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe told Reuters the adjustment was overdue and may impact an expected slowdown in inflation this year.
"The increase was long overdue because we expect petroleum imports to rise from $178 million in 2007 to $200 million in 2008 and 2009 respectively. This could moderate the desired deceleration of inflation," he said.
The government and the International Monetary Fund have projected annual inflation for 2008/09 at 6.5 percent. It measured 8.1 percent in April, marginally slower than in March after accelerating from 7.7 percent in January on high oil prices.
The fuel price increase was the second this year, after a 5 percent rise in January.
It said the price of petrol would increase to 251.20 Malawi kwacha a litre from 200.90 Malawi kwatcha. The diesel price rises to 234.50 kwacha a litre from 187.20 kwacha.
Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe told Reuters the adjustment was overdue and may impact an expected slowdown in inflation this year.
"The increase was long overdue because we expect petroleum imports to rise from $178 million in 2007 to $200 million in 2008 and 2009 respectively. This could moderate the desired deceleration of inflation," he said.
The government and the International Monetary Fund have projected annual inflation for 2008/09 at 6.5 percent. It measured 8.1 percent in April, marginally slower than in March after accelerating from 7.7 percent in January on high oil prices.
The fuel price increase was the second this year, after a 5 percent rise in January.
Malawi Flames honoured for beating Egypt
Malawi national soccer team aka the Flames who stunned African Cup of Nations defending champions Egypt 1-0 in Blantyre on Saturday have been highly rewarded by its president Bingu Wa Mutharika and companies for their historical victory.
The country’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Development Symon Kaunda said Saturday that the president was impressed with the team’s performance adding that he has invited the soccer team to his residence for dinner.
The teams’ win has also sparked some of the country’s companies to splash money to the Flames.
Some of the pledges have come from companies like Mapeto David Whitehead and Sons, HTD, Mike Appel and Gatto, Xerographics and ministers plus individuals.
The pledges in total have come to about 4 million Malawi Kwacha (about US$ 230,000).
Flames made history once again when they stunned Africa Cup of Nations defending champions Egypt beating them 1-0 at their backyard Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre on Saturday in the joint World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
This was a weekend of shocks which also saw Southern African countries Tanzania and Botswana hold other African heavy weights.
Tanzania held Cameroon, Africa Cup of Nations losing finalists to a goalless draw in Dar es Salam while Botswana held Ivory Coast to a one all draw in Gaberone.
However other Southern African countries suffered defeats. South Africa who are the 2010 World Cup hosts lost 0-1 away to Sierra Leone whereas Zimbabwe lost 2-0 to Kenya. Angola lost miserably to Uganda 1-3.
Substitute Chiukepo Msowoya who came in for South African based professional Russel Mwafulirwa was responsible for the Pharaohs downfall as he scored in the last minute of injury time.
Msowoya’s stunning volley sparked celebrations in the Southern African country’s commercial city of Blantyre.
It was a sweet victory for the Flames who last weekend lost to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 0-1 in Kinshasa in Group 12. The loss also came after they had registered a biggest win in their first game beating Djibouti 8-1 in Blantyre.
Malawi played out of their skin with their Captain Peter Mponda commanding his colleagues well and Egypt survived several dangerous moves with their goalkeeper Essam El Hadary at his best.
Malawi’s win rifted them to the top of Group 12 with six points likewise Egypt and DRC who beat Djibouti 6-0 on Friday but the Flames have a better goal difference.
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata was shocked by Malawi’s late goal and admitted after the match that the Flames deserved the victory.
Shehata who has won two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations attributed the loss to injuries.
“Malawi is a good team and Iam impressed but we had too many injuries,” the Egyptian coach said.
Malawi’s Coach Kinnah Phiri who took over from British coach Stephen Constantine who resigned recently, said it was a good result which has put the Southern African country’s national team campaign back on track.
Call for Scots firms to help Malawians out of poverty
COMPANIES in Scotland are being urged to support Executive efforts to help steer Malawi, one of Africa's poorest nations, out of poverty.
A number of Scots business leaders have already pledged to back the work of the planned Scotland Malawi Business Group, including CBI Scotland director Iain McMillan and Alan Wilson, chief executive of the Scottish Council Development and Industry.
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First Minister Jack McConnell wants Scottish firms to use their expertise to help boost private sector development in Malawi, which has a GDP of around 170 times less than Scotland.
The call builds on a co-operation agreement struck last year between Mr McConnell and Malawi, whose links with Scotland stretch back more than 150 years to the days of David Livingstone and his efforts to abolish the slave trade.
So far around 35 Scottish companies have received around £5 million of funding from the International development Fund to carry out work in Malawi, mainly in areas of healthcare and education. But Mr McConnell wants more to be done on the business front to help Malawi boost its economic performance.
"Prosperous economies are not created by governments, but by people with drive and enthusiasm to start enterprises that generate wealth," said the First Minister.
Bill Hughes, a former chairman of CBI Scotland, is co-ordinating the embryonic group's efforts.
He said: "There is no doubt that the group is going to be formed because of the interest shown."
A number of Scots business leaders have already pledged to back the work of the planned Scotland Malawi Business Group, including CBI Scotland director Iain McMillan and Alan Wilson, chief executive of the Scottish Council Development and Industry.
ADVERTISEMENT
First Minister Jack McConnell wants Scottish firms to use their expertise to help boost private sector development in Malawi, which has a GDP of around 170 times less than Scotland.
The call builds on a co-operation agreement struck last year between Mr McConnell and Malawi, whose links with Scotland stretch back more than 150 years to the days of David Livingstone and his efforts to abolish the slave trade.
So far around 35 Scottish companies have received around £5 million of funding from the International development Fund to carry out work in Malawi, mainly in areas of healthcare and education. But Mr McConnell wants more to be done on the business front to help Malawi boost its economic performance.
"Prosperous economies are not created by governments, but by people with drive and enthusiasm to start enterprises that generate wealth," said the First Minister.
Bill Hughes, a former chairman of CBI Scotland, is co-ordinating the embryonic group's efforts.
He said: "There is no doubt that the group is going to be formed because of the interest shown."
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