INVITATION REQUEST FOR PEPFAR HEADQUARTERS CORE TEAM MEMBER JOHN CROWLEY, USAID

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000171



SIPDIS



SIPDIS



DEPT PASS USAID

USAID FOR GH/OHA/IS/JOHN CROWLEY



E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: KHIV, OTRA, SOCI, EAID, MI

SUBJ: INVITATION REQUEST FOR PEPFAR HEADQUARTERS CORE TEAM MEMBER

JOHN CROWLEY, USAID



1. American Embassy Lilongwe welcomes the visit of Mr. John Crowley

at the invitation of the USG PEPFAR Country team from April 20th,

2008 to April 25th, 2008, to participate in an assessment of the

Malawi PEPFAR program in anticipation of the next phase of PEPFAR,

and to plan for the FY 2009 Country Operational Plan. Mr. Crowley

will be a member a six person team of representatives of the five

federal agencies implementing PEPFAR in Malawi. His participation

is crucial to the entire USG team, including USAID/Malawi.

The Control Officer for the visit will be Dr. Mamadi Yilla, PEPFAR

Country Coordinator; office telephone number 265-1-773-166, ext.

3462; home telephone number 265-1-794-442; cell phone number

265-9-960-179; and e-mail YillaM@state.gov.



2. The Embassy has provided assistance in making hotel and

transportation reservations for Mr. Crowley. A car will meet him at

the airport to transfer him to the Cresta Hotel.



3. Airport Departure Tax

Regardless of diplomatic or other official status, all

departing air travelers are subject to an airport departure

tax of thirty U.S. dollars, which must be paid in U.S.

dollars (today's exchange rate is USD 1.00 to 142.00 Malawi

Kwacha.)



4. Foreign Exchange

Banking services are very limited throughout Malawi and there are no

ATM machines. Further, the country is experiencing a shortage of

hard currency and it is particularly difficult to obtain U.S.

dollars even via accommodation exchanges with the embassy cashier.

Whereas the Embassy Cashier will cash traveler's checks (usually for

Malawi Kwacha only) at the current exchange rate posted by

RAMC-Paris, the local money changers normally charge a 10% fee. For

all of these reasons, travelers are advised to consider bringing a

small (whatever is reasonable) amount of U.S. dollars if they are

planning any personal in-country travel.



5. Cellular Telephones

Cellular telephones are available for rent at the airport for

travelers requiring such capability. The cost is

approximately $2.50 per day plus a refundable deposit of

$200. Calling cards may be purchased in denominations of

$10, $20, and $50.



6. Climate

Malawi's climate is generally subtropical. There is little

to no rainfall throughout most of the country from May to

October. It is hot and humid from October to April along the lake

and in the Lower Shire Valley. Lilongwe is also hot and humid during

these months, albeit far less than in the south. The rest of the

country is warm during those months. From June through August, the

lake areas and far south are comfortably warm, but the rest of

Malawi can be chilly at night, with temperatures ranging from

5o-14oC (41o-57oF).



7. What to wear

Visitors are particularly requested to observe local dress

customs, which used to strongly emphasize modesty under the

former president. While attitudes and customs have changed,

so that wearing trousers for women and shorts for both men

and women is acceptable in urban and tourist areas, in

villages it is inappropriate for women to appear without

wearing a skirt or long dress. This can be accomplished

easily by tying a wrap around the waist, locally called

chitenjes or khangas and available inexpensively in markets. The

wrap can be worn over trousers or shorts. It is well to remember

that Malawian's are very conventional, even conservative, people and

to respect local customs and

traditions when visiting villages and markets. The older

generation and particularly in the rural areas, expect to see

visitors dressed conservatively, respect always works.



8. Excess Baggage

Officials at Lilongwe International Airport can be very

strict concerning excess baggage; and because fees for excess

baggage are not posted, travelers run the risk of incurring

excessive charges. Therefore, when appropriate for reasons of

official business, post recommends that visitors have an excess

baggage allowance added to their tickets at the time of purchase.



9. Flight Reconfirmation

Because flights from Lilongwe are frequently overbooked,

travelers are encouraged to visit the embassy's travel

section early in their visit in order to reconfirm onward

travel.



10. Health

Travelers to Malawi should check with their agency's medical unit

several weeks before arrival in Lilongwe to receive recommended

immunizations and to begin malaria prophylaxis (malaria is a

significant health problem in Malawi).







Swimmers should be aware of the risk of contracting

schistosomiasis. Although tap water is treated in the major cities,

quality varies and it is not always safe for

drinking. Do not drink water outside of the cities; bottled water

is readily available in stores and in restaurants. HIV/AIDS is

prevalent in Malawi and visitors should exercise extreme caution at

all times to avoid contact that might result in HIV/AIDS

transmission.



A yellow fever vaccination received within the last ten years and

evidenced with a World Health Organization International Certificate

of Vaccinations may be required for entry into

Malawi.



11. Security

During your visit to Malawi, you should use the same security

precautions you would exercise in any urban area of the developing

world. Carjacking and robberies occur throughout Malawi and all

visitors should use caution. You should not carry personal

valuables or large amounts of currency when visiting the downtown

areas of Lilongwe or Blantyre. We recommend that you not venture

out alone at night. Given the high rate of vehicular accidents, use

of USG vehicles outside

urban areas after dark are prohibited and the mission strongly

discourages individuals from driving their private vehicles outside

urban areas after dark.



12. Threat Assessment

Malawi is rated critical for crime. Porous borders, easily

acquired small arms, and an under-resourced police service

provide an easy environment for criminals. Besides petty

thefts, the majority of reported crimes are car-jacking and

burglaries. Even though there are no known terrorist

organizations operating in Malawi, the conditions noted above also

allow for a possible, undetected terrorist presence. The current

government was democratically elected in 1994, then re-elected in

1999. Malawi currently enjoys political stability with few

instances of civil unrest or public demonstrations.



13. Travel

Malawi is a long and narrow country, covering more than 1000 km from

North to South. The geography is dominated by the tranquil waters

of Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, bordering the

east of the country. It is the greatest attraction for visitors to

this peaceful place well known for its friendly people, golden

shores, and stunning natural scenery. Malawi also has eleven

national parks and game reserves where everything from elephants to

orchids is protected. The three national parks of Lengwe, Liwonde,

and Lake Malawi National Park are located in the south; Kasungu

National Park is in the central region; and Nyika National Park is

in the north. Additionally, game reserves are accessible from all

parts of the country.



14. Visas

U.S. citizens bearing diplomatic, official or tourist

passports do not require visas when entering Malawi for

business or vacation. For longer-term stays that require a

residency visa, the embassy's Consular Section will assist

you.



15. TAKULANDIRANI/MWALANDILIDWA! Welcome to Malawi, the warm heart

of Africa.

EASTHAM