Current Events in Malawi

Current Events in Malawi

 

Nurses' Strike Causes Tension in Malawi

The Health Services in Malawi, within the past week, have experienced several disturbances by nurses and staff members of public hospitals and health facilities. These civil servants are threatening to strike if government does not address issues presented to them. Hospital and health employees are asking for an increased salary to meet the rising costs of living in Malawi, as well as improved working conditions. The Civil Servants Trade Union has asked other “essential services” to join in this strike, which could affect the ninety percent of Malawians that use public hospitals and medical facilities. Even without the current tensions, medical attention is spread thin within Malawi. According to the World Health Organization, as of May 2012, there are only 2 physicians and 38 nurses per 100,000 populations.

The Government of Malawi, however, seems confident that the two parties can reach “mutually satisfactory resolutions,” according to an Education Ministry official. Yet these civil servants have gained the support of the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM), who said they would join the protest if these needs were not met within the next week. 

Nyasa Times story

WHO Stats on Malawi

Education Bill Opposition: Parliament Calls for More Scrutiny

Earlier this week, Parliament was presented with the Education Bill, which introduced free and compulsory primary education throughout Malawi, more teachers to match the increasing demand of education, and advocated the creation and implementation of education councils to regulate education systems as well as manage and run schools. Despite its positive attitude towards Malawi’s education system, a majority of Parliament opposed the Bill.

While this initiative was appreciated by Parliament, members emphasized the need for “infrastructure development” and acquiring educational materials to accommodate a compulsory education system. Adequate resources to support and sustain improvements suggested in the Education Bill must be addressed first. One Member of Parliament (MP) stated on Monday that how education is provided should be addressed first, with a special emphasis on infrastructure, accessibility, and measures for parents to send their children to school. Other concerns included the potential of regional councils to negatively affect the national standards without proper oversight.

Further discussion of the bill is to take place this week and if passed, will replace the 1962 Education Act.

Nyasa Times story