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Check FAQAbout Charles
Charles Pensulo is a Malawian freelance journalist based in Blantyre, who has built a reputation for his incisive reporting on a range of critical issues including health, humanitarian affairs, social justice, climate change, food security, human rights, and global development. His articles have not only graced local media platforms such as Kulinji but have also reached an international audience through contributions to the Thomson Reuters Foundation, The Guardian Global Development Professional Network, and the Impatient Optimists blog, which is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Pensulo's journalism is characterized by a deep commitment to shedding light on the struggles and resilience of marginalized groups, particularly women and children. He has extensively covered the healthcare challenges in Malawi, delving into the country's battle against HIV/AIDS and the broader implications for public health. His work serves as a catalyst for social change, as he consistently advocates for equity and justice through his storytelling. Beyond his written work, Pensulo is known for fostering dialogue and raising awareness about pressing issues via social media. His engagement with his audience extends the impact of his journalism, as he encourages constructive conversations around the topics he covers. Through his dedication to his craft, Charles Pensulo has become a respected voice in the media landscape, championing the causes that shape the lives of many in Malawi and beyond.
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Plates And Spoons To Tackle Malnutrition In Malawi
In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health have screened 2.4 million children for acute malnutrition, treating over 25,000 and educating caregivers. Special plates and spoons are aiding parents in preparing nutritious meals, with local promoter John Kadulila emphasizing their importance. The Hunger Project-Malawi's Grace Takomana reported significant reductions in malnutrition risk through these interventions. Lucia Samikuta, a mother affected by the cyclone, expressed confidence in the project's ability to improve her malnourished baby's condition.
Plates and spoons to tackle malnutrition in Malawi
In response to the malnutrition crisis exacerbated by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health have screened 2.4 million children, treating over 25,000 for severe acute malnutrition and educating caregivers. Special plates and spoons are used in cooking lessons to teach parents proper meal preparation. The Hunger Project-Malawi's intervention has shown to reduce malnutrition risks and treat moderate acute malnutrition within 12 days. Lucia Samikuta, a mother affected by the floods, has seen improvements in her malnourished baby's condition thanks to the project.
Apprehension in Malawi as government sends workers to Israel amid Gaza war
Malawi has begun sending workers to Israel as farm laborers, sparking debate over the safety and timing amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The first group of 221 workers left on November 25, with more expected to follow. The program aims to alleviate Malawi's foreign currency shortage and create jobs. Opposition leaders and commentators have raised concerns about the workers' safety and the lack of transparency in the deal. The Malawian government and Israeli officials have assured that the workers will be safe and not involved in warfare. The move is part of strengthening diplomatic ties and follows financial aid from Israel to support Malawi's economy.
Malawi banks on the upgraded Nacala Port to improve trade
The expansion of the Nacala Port Facility on Mozambique's northern coast, which is part of the African Continental Free Trade Zone initiative, was inaugurated on 7 October by the presidents of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. This development aims to enhance trade integration among the economies of Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi.
Health workers primed to fight breast cancer in Malawi
Malawi has launched its first dedicated training program for health workers to combat breast cancer, particularly in rural areas. The program, initiated by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's Institute of Global Surgery, has trained over 40 practitioners. It aims to educate on early detection and includes a national breast care assessment. The Akazi project has mobilized community leaders and has already reached 24,000 people in the hospital's catchment area. Challenges such as late diagnosis, lack of awareness, and treatment options persist, but the initiative has trained 150 people in Blantyre and seeks to expand nationwide. The Society of Medical Doctors, Malawi, supports the project, which addresses the skills gap in cancer treatment.
MultiChoice withdrawal frightens Malawi government
MultiChoice's suspension of broadcasting services in Malawi has alarmed the government due to potential economic and informational losses. The withdrawal follows a High Court injunction against pricing adjustments involving MultiChoice Malawi and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority. The company cited an unworkable court order and a hostile regulatory environment as reasons for halting the DStv service. MultiChoice's CEO, Calvo Mawela, noted the company's growth and profitability in Africa despite currency losses and a declining South African pay-TV market.
Polio scare hits Malawi with 17 possible cases, just as huge vaccine drive ends
Malawi is investigating 17 suspected polio cases following a cyclone that disrupted sanitation, coinciding with the completion of a vaccination campaign that inoculated over 90% of the country's children. Health officials are considering Cyclone Freddy's impact on sanitation as a potential factor. The country has been vaccinating children against polio since a case was recorded last year, the first in 30 years. The Ministry of Health is conducting surveillance and investigating acute flaccid paralysis cases, which could be caused by polio among other factors. A recent vaccination campaign reached 90.7% of Malawi's under-15 population. Experts emphasize the importance of determining whether the new cases had received the vaccine. Earlier this year, Malawi launched an integrated vaccination campaign with support from Gavi, WHO, Unicef, and TyVAC, targeting multiple diseases.
The bereaved fathers fighting for change in maternity care in Malawi
The article tells the heart-wrenching stories of Salom Tsoka and Paul Chisuse, two men from Malawi who lost their wives and children due to complications during childbirth. It highlights the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Malawi, including the shortage of health workers, long distances to hospitals, and lack of resources. The article discusses the efforts of Tsoka, who founded the organisation 'No Woman Should Die Giving Birth' to advocate for better maternity care and accountability in hospitals. It also touches on the broader issue of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and the socio-economic and political factors contributing to the crisis. The piece includes comments from Dorothy Ngoma of the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi and Peter Kumpalume, Malawi’s minister of health, on the steps being taken to address these challenges.
Cyclone Freddy survivors dig with bare hands for victims as death toll reaches 326
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has claimed at least 326 lives in southern Malawi, with survivors in areas like Chilobwe township near Blantyre desperately searching for missing persons amidst the rubble. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs continues search and rescue operations, despite challenges such as zero visibility, flooding, and disrupted electricity and communication networks. Victims like Dorothy Wachepa and Sarah Chinangwa have lost their homes and loved ones. The Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change warns of ongoing torrential rains and high winds, while in Mozambique, the storm has displaced over 22,000 people and caused more substantial damage than previous occurrences.
Cyclone Freddy survivors dig with bare hands for victims as death toll reaches 326
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has claimed at least 326 lives in southern Malawi, with Chilobwe township near Blantyre being one of the hardest-hit areas. Survivors, including Dorothy Wachepa and Sarah Chinangwa, have lost homes and family members, with many now seeking shelter in local churches. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs and the Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change report ongoing torrential rains and flooding, with rescue operations hampered by poor weather conditions. In Mozambique, the cyclone has also caused fatalities and injuries, with over 22,000 people displaced. UNICEF anticipates the number of affected individuals to rise, noting the substantial impact on lives and property.
Toll rises to 326 as cyclone batters Malawi, Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has claimed at least 326 lives in southern Malawi, with Chilobwe being one of the hardest-hit areas. Survivors like Dorothy Wachepa and Sarah Chinangwa have lost possessions and family members. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs and the Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change report ongoing flooding, infrastructure damage, and difficult rescue operations. In Mozambique, the cyclone has killed at least 10 people, injured 13, and displaced over 22,000. UNICEF anticipates the number of affected individuals to rise, noting the storm's increased strength and substantial impact.
Toll rises to 326 as cyclone batters Malawi, Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has claimed at least 326 lives in southern Malawi, with survivors trapped and in need of rescue. Chilobwe, near Blantyre, is one of the worst-hit areas, suffering significant casualties and missing persons. Victims like Dorothy Wachepa and Sarah Chinangwa have lost homes and family members. The Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change warns of continued torrential rains and high flooding risks. Rescue operations are hindered by poor visibility and weather conditions. In Mozambique, the cyclone has caused at least 10 deaths in Zambezia province, with over 22,000 people displaced. UNICEF anticipates the number of affected individuals to rise, noting the storm's increased strength and impact.
Cyclone Freddy survivors dig with bare hands for victims as death toll reaches 326
Cyclone Freddy has claimed at least 326 lives in southern Malawi, with Chilobwe being one of the hardest-hit areas. Survivors, including Dorothy Wachepa and Sarah Chinangwa, have lost family members, homes, and livelihoods. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs and other agencies are struggling with rescue efforts amid flooding, poor visibility, and infrastructure damage. The Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change warns of continued torrential rains and high winds. In Mozambique, the cyclone has also caused fatalities and displacement, with UNICEF noting the substantial impact on people's lives.
Malawi's deadly cholera epidemic hits the poor hardest
Malawi is experiencing its deadliest cholera outbreak, with over 1,600 deaths and 50,000 infections since March of the previous year. The epidemic disproportionately affects the poor, who often lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation. In Blantyre, a hotspot for the outbreak, families like Annita Symon's resort to using contaminated river water. The government, in collaboration with the WHO, has initiated a national response plan, including vaccination campaigns and water quality tests. Despite these efforts, challenges persist in urban slums where clean water is scarce and hygiene practices are difficult to control.
Malawi’s deadly cholera epidemic hits the poor hardest
Malawi is experiencing its deadliest cholera outbreak, with over 1,600 deaths and 50,000 infections since March of the previous year. The epidemic disproportionately affects the poor, who lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation. About a third of Malawian households are without clean water, and the cost of water is prohibitively high for many. The government, in collaboration with the WHO, has declared a public health emergency and is implementing measures such as oral vaccination campaigns, water quality tests, and public education. However, challenges persist in urban slums where clean water is scarce and hygiene practices are difficult to control.
Charles Pensulo’s Profile
The journalist is a Malawian reporter and freelance journalist who contributes to international media outlets such as Thomson Reuters Foundation and The Guardian, as well as a local online media organisation, Kulinji. Their journalistic focus is on humanitarian and health-related stories, with a particular emphasis on issues affecting women and children, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and broader social justice themes. The journalist is open to communication and encourages discussions via their Twitter handle.
Does deinstitutionalisation offer the best outcome for Africa’s 52 million orphans?
The article discusses the situation of orphans in Malawi, focusing on the story of Chikondi Milosi, who has been under the care of Chikondi Orphanage. The orphanage, founded by Josophine Mussa, is at risk of closing due to lack of stable funding. UNICEF and the Malawi government are working towards deinstitutionalisation, aiming to reintegrate children into family-based care. This is part of a global trend, with evidence suggesting that family settings are better for children's development. However, Kathryn Whetten of Duke University argues that there is no conclusive evidence that institutional care is universally harmful and that children can thrive in well-managed orphanages. The article highlights the complex debate around the care of vulnerable children and the challenges of ensuring their well-being in low- and middle-income countries.
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