Africa-Press – Malawi. In a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to public health, Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has reignited and reinvested its efforts toward malaria elimination, rallying behind the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global campaign urging intensified action from policy to grassroots level.
The sugar manufacturing giant took center stage in this mission during the World Malaria Day 2025 commemoration held on May 7 at its Nchalo Estate in Chikwawa—echoing WHO’s rousing theme: ‘Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite’.
While the official World Malaria Day is marked globally on April 25, Illovo extended its observance to May 7 with a vibrant celebration that kicked off with a spirited 1-kilometre malaria awareness parade, stretching from the Nchalo factory to Kalulu Football & Recreation Stadium.
The solidarity walk, led by Nchalo Estate General Manager Ricky Pillay, drew an impressive line-up of dignitaries, including Malawi Police Eastern Region Commissioner Noel Kayira, National Malaria Control Programme Director Dr. Lumbani Munthali, Chikwawa District Health Officer Dr. Lynes Munthali, and Estate Support Manager Dr. Albert Mkumbwa.
At Kalulu Stadium, the guests toured health pavilions showcasing Illovo’s ongoing medical interventions—headlined by malaria vaccinations for under-five children and antenatal malaria protection for expectant mothers, all under the stewardship of Medical Services Manager Dr. Waleke Khumalo. Beneficiaries also received mosquito nets as part of a holistic prevention strategy.
Dr. Khumalo emphasized that Illovo’s health programs were born out of a deep concern over high malaria-related infant mortality rates. He reiterated the importance of antenatal visits, mosquito net usage, and ongoing community education, stressing that expectant mothers must remain vigilant even after childbirth.
These efforts are carried out in close partnership with the Ministry of Health through the Chikwawa District Health Office, which applauded Illovo’s consistent collaboration. Speaking after the pavilion tour, DHO Dr. Munthali revealed that malaria remains one of the top three causes of death in Chikwawa, thanking Illovo for its tireless commitment to health advocacy.
“Community awareness is vital,” Dr. Munthali noted. “Illovo does an exemplary job sensitizing its staff to eliminate stagnant water and keep their surroundings clean. This is the kind of leadership we need.”
Dr. Lumbani Munthali, Director of the National Malaria Control Programme, also commended Illovo for being a proactive partner in the national health drive, while sounding the alarm on a concerning statistic: over 9 million malaria cases were recorded last year, with more than 2,000 fatalities.
“This is a national crisis,” he said. “We need all hands on deck. Prevention begins at home—clearing bushes, using mosquito nets, and seeking medical attention when symptoms appear.”
He further praised Illovo for spraying repellent chemicals in staff residences and encouraged communities to replicate these efforts where possible.
As one of Malawi’s largest private employers, the Nchalo Estate caters to thousands of workers—both permanent and seasonal—alongside surrounding communities, all of whom benefit from outreach clinics and a well-equipped estate hospital.
Dr. Albert Mkumbwa, Estate Support Manager, acknowledged government efforts in distributing mosquito nets but lamented low community engagement. “It’s heartbreaking to see nets being used for fishing or fencing gardens. Let’s use them for what they’re meant for—saving lives,” he urged.
He also discouraged self-medication, encouraging people to visit clinics for proper testing and treatment. “Finish the prescribed dosage even if you start feeling better,” he advised. “Go for a follow-up test to ensure the parasites are gone.”
General Manager Ricky Pillay hailed the awareness parade as a “powerful call to action”, perfectly aligned with this year’s WHO theme. He reiterated that health services are a core part of Illovo’s corporate social investment, guided by its mission to ‘Create Thriving Communities’ across its estates in Nchalo and Dwangwa.
“We must stop normalizing malaria. It is preventable,” Pillay emphasized. “Clean environments, mosquito nets, and education are our weapons. Let’s use them.”
He also announced that Illovo has rehabilitated hundreds of staff houses, fitting them with window mosquito screens, and that over 500 more homes are set for upgrades in the next fiscal year.
“Malaria ends with us. It starts with our choices and actions. My own community in South Africa is malaria-free because people took responsibility. We can do the same here,” Pillay added.
The commemoration was not only informative but lively and engaging, featuring performances from Tchaphatha school dancers, Lengwe Women’s troupe, and drama and poetry acts. These creative presentations tackled critical themes like misusing mosquito nets, avoiding medical care, and neglecting home hygiene—with powerful and relatable messages for all in attendance.
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