Tag Social-economic development

Malawi Mzuzu –St John’s institute for health has asked the government to lift the government recruitment freeze in government offices that it issued on 7 October 2025.

This was disclosed during a graduation ceremony which St John’s institute for health had on Friday 16 January 2026 in Mzuzu.

St John’s institute for health Principal Shouts Simeza said the ministry of health strategic plan shows that there are huge shortages of staff in the health sector hence more health workers are needed to fill the gap.

“We need more health workers, unfortunately the government released a secular for recruitment ban, this is very unfortunate. So many health workers are not recruited, so we ask the government to reverse the decision especially in the health sector because it is an essential service provider,” said Simeza.

Simeza further wished the graduating students well as they are going to start their new lives.

The graduation ceremony was graced by the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Rt Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda who emphasized that the Catholic church is committed to helping the country in the health sector development.

“As the Catholic church we are much aware that these health workers are needed in the country and we will continue to support the health sector in different areas,” said bishop Nyirenda.

A total of 110 pharmacy assistance, 85 nursing and midwifery technicians, and 91 medical assistants have graduated bringing a total number of 286.

Malawi Mzuzu-As per tradition, The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu launched its 2026 Tree Planting Season on Friday, 16th January, an exercise mandated to be implemented in all the parishes of the diocese every year. The launch was held at St Pius Outstation of St Padre Pio Parish at Msipazi Primary School in Mzuzu.

Speaking during the launch Mass, Director of Social Development who is also the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mzuzu, Mons. Isaac John Katumbi emphasized the commitment of the Catholic Church in caring for the creation through different environmental programs.

The Vicar General also said mitigating the effects of climate change is a Christian calling and a responsibility entrusted to every believer by God.

He explained that the biblical instruction for humanity to subdue the earth should not be understood as permission to exploit nature, but as a call to care for creation responsibly and to restore harmony where it has been damaged.

Father Katumbi condemned wickedness of human beings for destroying natural resources by cutting down tree carelessly, which has contributed to effects of climate change, and therefore nature is punishing back with floods, unstable and unpredictable rainfall patterns and droughts.

For restoration of nature, Christians are called to embrace repentance and conversion by changing their attitudes and actions towards nature by planting trees, protecting forests, using natural resources wisely, and living in ways that respect God’s gift of creation. Fr. Katumbi reiterated.

Diocese of Mzuzu CADECOM Coordinator Dan Zimba added that the commission implements environmental conservation interventions that promote modern methods of protecting the environment like cooking using Briquettes instead of firewood or charcoal, promoting use of energy saving stoves (Chitetezo Mbaula), programmed aimed at promoting sustainable living and safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.

This year’s Diocesan tree planting season hovers around the theme: Environmental Restoration for a better future. students from schools around the area participated in the tree planting launch. as future leaders they need to understand the importance of environment and know how to preserve it as they grow.