Tag Archives: Gazette Media Consultancy

Health

WASH Media network swaps pens for brooms in nationwide hospitals clean up drive

Shaffie A Mtambo Leave a comment

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a rare and inspiring shift from reporting to action, journalists under the WASH Media Forum Malawi are set to roll up their sleeves this Friday to lead a massive clean up exercise in three of Malawi’s major hospitals.

The initiative, taking place on April 24, 2026, will see media practitioners descend on Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Bwaila Hospital and Mzuzu Community Hospital in a coordinated effort aimed at improving hygiene standards in public health facilities.

From 08:00 to 12:00 hours, about 30 journalists are expected to work side by side with hospital staff, including nurses and cleaners, as well as volunteers from the general public.

The clean up will involve sweeping wards and corridors, scrubbing floors, collecting waste, and disinfecting high contact surfaces all while using proper protective equipment to ensure safety.

Organisers say the move signals a shift in the role of journalists, from merely highlighting challenges in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to becoming part of the solution.

The Forum emphasises that maintaining clean hospital environments is critical in preventing infections such as sepsis, surgical site infections and diarrhoeal diseases, which remain a concern in many health facilities.

Cleanliness in hospitals, they stress, is not a luxury but a necessity that safeguards patient safety, preserves human dignity and ensures a safe working environment for health workers.

The initiative also aligns with global development goals that promote access to clean water, improved sanitation and good health for all citizens.

Support for the exercise has come from key stakeholders including Gazette Media and WASAMA, alongside Kaweche.

Members of the public have been encouraged to take part in the exercise, with organisers urging participants to bring protective gear such as gloves and face masks where possible.

Speaking ahead of the exercise, Forum Chairperson Meclina Chirwa said the initiative marks a turning point in how journalists respond to public health challenges.

“We have written many stories about the state of hygiene in our hospitals. This time, we are taking action,” Chirwa said, adding that the exercise is a call for increased investment in hospital sanitation by both government and development partners.

After the clean up, the Forum is expected to release a report highlighting key findings including the availability of essential services such as running water, soap and proper sanitation facilities in the hospitals.

The exercise is not just about cleaning it is about setting a standard, inspiring responsibility and proving that collective action can transform Malawi’s public institutions.

Politics

MEC calls for journalists’ professionalism ahead of polls 

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has implored journalists in the country to desist from being agents of fake news as campaign period for the September 16 General Election is opened. 

MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa made the remarks after conducting media trainings on elections reporting targeting Mangochi and Lilongwe journalists on Saturday and Monday respectively. 

Gazette Media has organised the trainings which will also equip Northern Region-based journalists on Wednesday and their colleagues from Southern Region on Saturday this week. 

Mwafulirwa said journalists, especially those working with community outlets like radios, have an obligation to civic educate masses on best election practises through their various media channels. 

“It is time you started questioning some of the promises politicians make. Some of the information the politicians send is deliberately meant to misinform people, and it is our duty to take them to task, and not helping them to spread the fake information,” he said. 

The training also equipped journalists with knowledge of the polling system and processes, dispute resolution and election malpractices. 

One of the Lilongwe participants, Zephaniah Nungu of Nkhoma Radio commended MEC for the training. 

“We have refreshed our minds on our duty during this crucial period. Sometimes we really neglect our duties as media and help to spread fake news. People trust everything they hear from us, so we need to up our game and verify information before sending it across to the audience,” he said. 

MEC also briefed the participants about the Electoral Management Devices (EMD) sourced from Smartmatic company. 

Business

Gazette Media donates half a million towards Nyika Media Club AGM

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Gazette Media, a media consultancy firm, has donated K500,000 to support the Northern Region Nyika Media Club’s annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for this weekend.

Speaking during the donation on Tuesday in Mzuzu, Gazette Media Lead Consultant McDonald Chapalapata stated that their consultancy firm fully supports the operations of media clubs, as they promote expertise and news authenticity, hence the donation.

“As a consultancy firm, we collaborate closely with media houses to secure the publicity and media coverage our clients. We believe that Nyika Media Club advocates for professionalism in journalism, which aligns with our interests,” said Chapalapata.

However, he expressed concern over the increasing reliance on social media as a news source, noting that it has significantly compromised the quality and credibility of journalism today.

“Nowadays, anyone with a phone and internet access considers themselves a journalist, often disregarding professional standards. That is why we believe these media clubs are playing a vital role in promoting better skills in the field,” he said.

In response, Nyika Media Club chairperson Feston Malekezo applauded Gazette Media for the donation, stating that it will be instrumental during their general meeting as they discuss competence in journalism.

“This donation has come at a perfect time, coinciding with our Annual General Meeting, where our focus will be on the upcoming elections and exchanging ideas on ensuring fair and balanced reporting,” said Malekezo. 

Gazette Media also supported the Association of Business Journalists’ elective AGM last year.