Female employees at Alliance One Tobacco in Malawi allege enduring sexual harassment and a culture of silence within the company. Despite the company's claims of having mechanisms to report such issues, victims fear retaliation and have not formally reported incidents. The Malawi Human Rights Commission is investigating the claims, highlighting broader societal challenges in addressing workplace harassment. The article underscores the psychological impact on victims and calls for cultural shifts to address gender-based harassment.

A ZAM transnational investigation reveals the complicity of political elites in six African countries in deforestation while receiving international 'green' funds. The investigation highlights cases in Ghana, Malawi, and Cameroon, where government officials and politically connected companies are involved in illegal logging and mining. Despite receiving international funding for environmental protection, these countries continue to exploit their forests, leading to significant popular protests. The investigation has received recognition, with award recipients invited to present their findings at COP 29.

Mulanje Mountain in Malawi faces severe environmental challenges due to illegal logging and potential mining activities. The once-abundant cedar trees have been decimated by illegal loggers allegedly in collusion with government officials, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts on local communities. Efforts by local leaders and NGOs to conserve the forest have been undermined by government inaction and alleged corruption. A new threat has emerged with a mining company, Akastwiri Holdings Ltd, linked to the president's son, exploring the mountain for minerals, raising concerns about further environmental degradation. The situation jeopardizes Malawi's bid to have Mulanje Mountain recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting the need for transparency and sustainable management.

The article highlights the challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing dignified maternal care in Malawi. It details personal experiences of discrimination and inadequate facilities at public health institutions, emphasizing the lack of specialized training for healthcare workers to cater to disabled patients. Organizations like the Midwives Association of Malawi and the Ministry of Health acknowledge these issues and are working towards improving communication and infrastructure. The article calls for accountability and inclusive health policies to ensure equal access to maternal health services for women with disabilities.

The article explores the rise of 'mbingas' in Zimbabwe, wealthy individuals linked to the ruling ZANU-PF party, who benefit from state resources without contributing to meaningful economic production. It traces the history of black empowerment initiatives like the Indigenous Business Development Centre and the Affirmative Action Group, highlighting how these were co-opted by political elites for patronage. The narrative includes personal stories of entrepreneurs like Strive Masiyiwa and Gilbert Machokoto, who faced challenges due to corruption and lack of transparency. The article criticizes the systemic corruption and clientelism that have led to economic disparities and social issues in Zimbabwe.

The article highlights the challenges faced by women with disabilities in Malawi in accessing dignified maternal care. It discusses the discrimination and lack of specialized training among healthcare workers, leading to inadequate care for these women. Despite existing policies, there is a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health justice for women with disabilities. Organizations like the Midwives Association of Malawi and the Ministry of Health acknowledge these issues and are working towards improving training and policy frameworks. The article emphasizes the need for accessible health services and the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of women with disabilities.

The article highlights the case of Felix Kachingwe, a security guard in Malawi who was allegedly assaulted and tortured by police officers in Blantyre. His case has drawn attention after a voice note describing his ordeal went viral, prompting the Independent Complaints Commission to investigate. The commission, established in 2020 to oversee police conduct, has a poor track record, with many complaints unresolved due to internal collusion and resource constraints. The article underscores systemic issues within the Malawian police force and the challenges faced by oversight bodies in addressing misconduct.

In Malawi, LGBTQ+ individuals face significant discrimination in healthcare settings, exacerbated by societal stigma and legal challenges. Efforts by organizations like Art & Global Health Center Africa aim to educate healthcare workers and promote acceptance through the 'umunthu' philosophy, which emphasizes community and individual change. Despite some progress, deep-rooted homophobia persists, influenced by religious beliefs and legal frameworks. Advocates call for legal reform, community engagement, and a focus on human rights to improve healthcare access and societal acceptance for LGBTQ+ communities.

The article discusses a resurgence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Malawi, despite the WHO African Region being declared wild polio-free in August 2020. Dr Modjirom Ndoutabe, Polio Rapid Response Team Coordinator at WHO AFRO, details the challenges faced in combating the virus, which has also been found in Mozambique. The virus strain in Malawi was linked to a Pakistani strain from 2019. The response included a massive vaccination campaign, with challenges such as community resistance and difficult geography. The article highlights the dedication of health workers and the importance of consistent, sustainable routine immunization to prevent the spread of polio. It also emphasizes the global nature of the threat, as polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere.

Malawi is experiencing an unusual winter cholera outbreak, with 40 deaths and 857 cases reported by the Ministry of Health as of 13 July. The outbreak's persistence is partly due to damage from tropical storms and climate change effects, as explained by Prof Adamson Muula from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. The Ministry of Health and local officials like Adrian Chikumbe and Penjani Chunda discuss the challenges of water safety, sanitation, and vaccination efforts. A vaccination campaign was launched in May 2022 with support from WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF, targeting 1.9 million people. Despite these efforts, the fatality rate is concerning, with a national average of 4.77 percent. Community leaders and WHO representatives emphasize the need for better water and sanitation to prevent such diseases.