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