Listening government

We must give credit where it is due. That is what I want to do today.

The current administration, which is under the stewardship of President Lazarus Chakwera, has just given a special gift to people who do not drink ‘normal’ fresh milk due to health issues. I am talking about people who open bowels and have other health complications when they drink fresh milk.

This is because fresh milk has a substance called lactose, which some people are allergic to. I am talking about a condition called lactose-intolerance.

Now, earlier this year, the Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Industry and Trade, imposed a ban on some products, notably maize flour, rice, fruits— excluding those not grown in Malawi—peanut butter, honey, popcorn, toothpicks, matches, tomatoes, Irish potatoes, bottled water, and fresh milk, among others.

This follows the imposition of a three-year ban on imports of some locally produced goods which Industry and Trade officials believe will protect and bolster the domestic industry.

To begin with, this was a good move, considering that the country’s balance of payment has been lopsided for years, which contributes to the problem of forex scarcity as proceeds of tobacco, Malawi’s largest foreign exchange earner, are not even enough to help the authorities meet even the country’s demand for petrol and diesel.

However, the problem was that in imposing the ban on fresh milk products specifically, the Government of Malawi did not specify that lactose-free fresh milk would be exempted from the ban. It was an oversight because it meant the country, which has no company that manufactures lactose-free fresh milk due to the high cost of lactose-extraction machines, would no longer be importing lactose-free fresh milk, thereby punishing those who do not drink fresh milk due to the presence of lactose in the milk.

That meant denying such people the opportunity to partake in the goodies of fresh milk, which promotes sound nutrition among people. It was as if the current administration was dictating what should be going into people’s stomachs.

As a result of the government’s failure to specify that lactose-free fresh milk products would be exempted from the ban, people and firms who were trying to import lactose-free fresh milk were watching helplessly as their products [lactose-free fresh milk] were being impounded and denied entry into the country.

By June 1, 2025, up to four trucks that ferried lactose-free fresh milk had been turned back at the borders since the ban was imposed. This meant imposing punishment on people who have health issues simply because, I guess, most government officials drink ‘normal’ fresh milk without any health complication.

The good thing is, the current administration has shown that it has people’s interests at heart because, guess what, lactose-free fresh milk products are, once again, being allowed entry into the country. As at now, the shelves of the only retail store that imports and sales lactose-free fresh milk products are flooded with the products in Lilongwe and Blantyre cities.

This is the way to go and kudos should go to President Lazarus Chakwera, who has just proven, once again, that he is a servant leader.

You have saved lives, Mr President.

Addendum

Before I call it a day, let me republish what World Population Review has published on lactose-intolerance. This is taken from a report titled “Lactose Intolerance by Country 2025”. Here is the report, verbatim:

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose. Those with lactose intolerance don’t make enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose. Lactose is the main carbohydrate in dairy products. Lactose intolerance can start at birth or can develop suddenly later in life, even if the individual has never had a problem with dairy before. Lactose intolerance in infants is caused by a mutation of the LCT gene, resulting in life-long intolerance. In adults, the disorder is caused by decreasing activity of the LCT gene, resulting in an increasing inability to digest lactose as an individual ages. About 65% of the adult human population has this type of lactose intolerance.

The disorder is relatively very common, affecting millions of people in the U.S. alone. Lactose intolerance is generally harmless but its symptoms can cause extreme discomfort. Symptoms of lactose intolerance appear after consuming lactose or dairy and include bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and gas. Lactose malabsorption causes the digestive symptoms of lactose intolerance. Not everyone with lactose malabsorption has digestive symptoms after consuming lactose. Only those who have symptoms have lactose intolerance.

Treatment for the disorder includes avoiding dairy, the use of lactase supplements (such as Lactaid), and the use of lactose-free products. While treatment can help prevent symptoms, there is no cure for this condition. Those who have lactose intolerance and need to avoid consuming dairy products run the risk of not receiving enough nutrients, specifically calcium and vitamin D. A lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which one’s bones become brittle and more likely to break. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has guidelines on how to eat with lactose intolerance without sacrificing your nutritional needs.