Nkhokwe :: Browsing by Author "Malawi Government: Ministry of Health"

Browsing by Author "Malawi Government: Ministry of Health"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

Open Access
Clinical Management of HIV in Children and Adults
(Malawi Government, 2019-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
This addendum includes detailed policy updates for the 2018 Clinical Management of HIV in Children and Adults guidelines. The updates apply from April 2019 until publication of the next guideline edition which is scheduled for late 2020. This addendum does not fully replace the 4th edition of Clinical Management of HIV in Children and Adults guidelines for Malawi of 2018, but it should be used side-by-side with the 2018 guidelines. Updated content is shown using the same section numbering as in the main guideline document and this replaces the respective section. Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) has been included as it relates to the prescription and monitoring of ARVs in Malawi. However, a detailed PrEP implementation guideline will be published as a separate document.
Open Access
Draft National Environmental Health Policy
(Malawi Government, 2010-05-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The Malawi Government is concerned about the high disease burden the country is experiencing. Most of these diseases are attributable to avoidable environmental risk factors. Malaria accounts for about 48% of all causes of morbidity followed by Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and diarrheal diseases at 17% and 8.7% respectively (HMIS08). The Ministry of Health has set out most of these as priority diseases in the Essential Health Care Package. The challenge therefore is how to reduce the disease burden through environmental health interventions. Environmental health encompasses the assessment and control of all physical, chemical and biological factors that can potentially affect the health of individuals. It is targeted towards preventing diseases and creating a health supportive environment. The Malawi Government adopted a National Environmental Health policy in 2011 in order to provide guidance on implementation of environmental health interventions. The policy ought to achieve the following: To increase the coverage of environmental health interventions in Malawi. To increase public awareness of environmental health issues in Malawi. To improve coordination and collaboration between various stakeholders in the implementation of environmental health interventions. The policy has been developed in line with international declarations which Malawi is a signatory and these are: Libreville Declaration on Health and Environment, held in Libreville in 2008, Ethekwini Declaration on Hygiene and Sanitation, 2008, Africa Health Strategy (of the African Union), 2007-2015, UN Millennium Declaration and subsequent Millennium Development Goals, 2000, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992 and the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care, 1972. Environmental health activities are being implemented in the country by different partners. The activities have been implemented without proper guidance and direction. This even affected monitoring of the services since there was no standard for implementation of the activities. The policy has set out the core functions of environmental health which should guide every institution: Governmental or Non governmental that is implementing such services at all levels. It is my sincere hope that all stakeholders in the country will use this policy in order to contribute to the reduction of disease burden thereby improving MDGs 4, 6 and 7 and also the poverty levels and economic development in the country.
Open Access
Environmental and Social Management Framework for Malawi
(Malawi Government, 2016-03-14) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The World Bank is supporting the Southern Africa Tb and Health Systems Support Project. Malawi is one of the four participating countries and the others are Lesotho, Mozambique and Zambia. The project is important for the region as Southern Africa contributes significantly to the global burden of TB. A highly preventable and curable disease, the communicable disease is claiming a lot of lives. Southern Africa also has some of the highest TB/HIV co-infection rates in the world, which is tricky to treat; and there is an increasing threat of the Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) to the sub-region’s health and development gains. In addition the region faces the challenges of a disease burden tied to movement within and across borders among miners. Drivers of TB in mining among others include poor accommodation facilities, poor nutrition, poor ventilation and dust in the mines.
Open Access
Health sector strategic plan II 2017-2022
(Government of Malawi, 2017-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The Government of Malawi is committed to ensuring that people in Malawi attain the highest possible level of health and quality of life. This will be achieved by addressing social risk factors and ensuring universal coverage of basic health care, which is the constitutional obligation of Government. Health is also an important area for investment by development partners, private institutions and other organisations due to its catalytic effect to the economic sector. HSSP II development started at an opportune time when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had just ended and the Sustainable Development Goals were launched. The HSSP II, therefore, incorporates the SDG agenda and builds on the attainment of MDGs 4 and 6, reducing child mortality and combating HIV and AIDS, Malaria and other diseases respectively; reduction in maternal mortality; and high coverage of certain key interventions such as skilled attendance at birth and immunisation. The HSSP II has used latest evidence and methods to revise the Essential Health Package that is more realistic than its predecessor packages and helps the public health sector to achieve higher total population health, increase financial risk protection and client satisfaction with health care. It is well known that health care provision in Malawi is highly dependent on external financing. The HSSP II has, therefore, focussed on strengthening governance of the health sector in order to improve efficiency and get the maximum out of existing resources i.e. human, financial and material. The HSSP II has also put to the fore exploration of domestic financing mechanisms, although it is still envisaged that development aid to the health sector will be critical to sustain the gains made. We, therefore, look forward to continued support from our development partners. As a strategic document that we have jointly formulated, it is my sincere hope that it will henceforth become the single most important point of reference for design of service delivery programmes, addressing social determinants, resource mobilization and health financing, as it embodies our dream for a better health care delivery system for all the people of Malawi.
Open Access
Health Sector Strategic Plan II Policy
(Malawi Government, 2017-07-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The Government of Malawi is committed to ensuring that people in Malawi attain the highest possible level of health and quality of life. This will be achieved by addressing social risk factors and ensuring universal coverage of basic health care, which is the constitutional obligation of Government. Health is also an important area for investment by development partners, private institutions and other organisations due to its catalytic effect to the economic sector HSSP II development started at an opportune time when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had just ended and the Sustainable Development Goals were launched. The HSSP II, therefore, incorporates the SDG agenda and builds on the attainment of MDGs 4 and 6, reducing child mortality and combating HIV and AIDS, Malaria and other diseases respectively; reduction in maternal mortality; and high coverage of certain key interventions such as skilled attendance at birth and immunisation. The HSSP II has used latest evidence and methods to revise the Essential Health Package that is more realistic than its predecessor packages and helps the public health sector to achieve higher total population health, increase financial risk protection and client satisfaction with health care. It is well known that health care provision in Malawi is highly dependent on external financing. The HSSP II has, therefore, focussed on strengthening governance of the health sector in order to improve efficiency and get the maximum out of existing resources i.e. human, financial and material. The HSSP II has also put to the fore exploration of domestic financing mechanisms, although it is still envisaged that development aid to the health sector will be critical to sustain the gains made. We, therefore, look forward to continued support from our development partners. As a strategic document that we have jointly formulated, it is my sincere hope that it will henceforth become the single most important point of reference for design of service delivery programmes, addressing social determinants, resource mobilization and health financing, as it embodies our dream for a better health care delivery system for all the people of Malawi.
Open Access
Human Resource Development Policy for the Public Health Sector
(Malawi Government, 2010-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The Human Resource Development Policy is aimed at putting in place systems to ensure that training is well organised, transparent, fair and cost effective. The policy will serve as a planning reference and management tool for all investments in training and staff development. The development of the HRD policy is therefore a clear testimony of the Ministry’s commitment to training and staff development. The Ministry will create a conducive environment that will provide an opportunity to all health workers to continuously learn so as to equip them with the requisite skills to effective implement the Essential Health Package. The policy will also be used as a lens of continuous learning and an integral part of change in the Ministry particularly now when the Ministry is going through a number of reforms under the Sector Wide Approach. It is expected that the implementation of this policy will promote a culture of continuous learning and development. At the same time, building a professionally competent workforce in the public health sector in Malawi. The end result is a health sector that is continuously supplied with the appropriate skills mix and capacity to develop, support and implements targeted service delivery interventions at every level of the health care system. My Ministry therefore considers the development of this policy as big milestone and a catalyst for effective implementation of the Essential Health Package in the context of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy.
Open Access
Human Resource for Health Strategic Plan
(Malawi Government, 2012-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The public health sector has an obligation to contribute to the overall developmental goal of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy and, from an international perspective, the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs). The attainment of both of these development agendas is dependent on the health status and productivity of the people of Malawi. This is in line with what US Secretary of State said recently Oslo Conference on “Charting a New Path in Global Health” that the stability of any nation is tied up to the well-being of its people. It is pleasing to note that as a country, Malawi continues to register positive strides in a number of health indicators since the inception of the 6-Year Program of Work (2004-2010) through the Sector Wide Approach. However, some of our vital indicators like the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) are unacceptably high and must be tackled aggressively if we are to sustain the nation’s stability. This will entail continued enhancement of the quality and access to health services for all segments of the population. The Ministry also recognizes that utilization of health services is critically dependent on what services are provided at each delivery point and the number and skills mix of human resources health that is available. Like the first strategic plan, the major focus of this plan is to increase the level of training outputs and also consolidate and sustain gains made from the implementation of a 6_year Emergency Human Resources Plan based on an equitable availability of competent and motivated health workforce that is effectively contributing to improvement of health services accessed by the people of Malawi. The Ministry Health recognizes that this is only possible under a framework of pursuing common vision and priorities for all partners in the health sector to pull together in planning, development, deployment and utilization of human resources for complementarity and synergy. Successful implementation of this HRH Strategy rests on true and honest partnerships, both within and outside the health sector including, but not limited to for- and not for-profit organizations, co-operating partners, etc. and that there is shared vision, mutual respect, transparency and recognition of contribution by all stakeholders. I call upon everybody from the government, co-operating partners down to the community to work together and amicably implement the plan. I am aware of the many challenges that be there during the implementation phase, but I am confident that with the concerted efforts and sustained commitment from government and all of us, the needs of the population and those of the service providers can be addressed.
Open Access
Human Resources Development (HRD) Policy for the Public Health Sector
(Malawi Government, 2010-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
In most cases, Human Resource Development (HRD) interventions in the Ministry are ad-hoc and not in light of ongoing work on the human resource requirements. Consequently the current HRD interventions have had limited impact in improving the quantity and quality of personnel needed to implement the Essential Health Package (EHP). In particular, the identification of training needs, the development of training priorities and plans lack systematic analysis and are not linked to public health service goals and objectives. In addition, the human resource planning system is extremely weak and the selection of candidates for training is often haphazard, with focus primarily centered towards the training of professional workers. Furthermore, the relevance of the training programs is not validated by informed monitoring and evaluation systems. To effectively address this situation and at the same time respond comprehensively to the changes and current challenges, the Ministry and its partners view continuous training and staff development as a powerful tool to respond to the problem. Hence, the development of this HRD Policy. The ultimate aim of this policy therefore is to improve staff performance and productivity by maintaining experienced, well trained, motivated and committed personnel with leading-edge skills at all times.
Open Access
Infection Control and Waste Management Plan for Malawi Policy
(Malawi Government, 2016-03-14) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Malawi context and objectives of the Infection Control and Waste Management Plan Malawi, one of the sub-Saharan countries, continues to face high prevalence rates of preventable diseases such as HIV and TB1. While considerable success has been made in the health sector (Health Sector Annual Report, 2010; NSP, 2011-2016), there are imminent public health concerns such as emergence of Multi Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB), Extremely Drug Resistant TB (XDR-TB), and TB/HIV co-infection rates. According to recent WHO reports2, Southern Africa has some of the highest TB/HIV co-infection rates in the world, ranging from 50% to 77% of the estimated burden. The mining sector is one of the sectors with potential risk factors such as: occupational and surrounding communities’ exposure to silica dust; confined, poorly ventilated working environment; cramped living quarters; and high HIV prevalence. On the other hand, potential risk factors for health-care centres or hospitals (including laboratories) include: occupational exposure to TB and HIV (ibid). Since the SADC declaration on Tuberculosis (TB) in the mining sector (2012), the Government of the Republic of Malawi has not moved significantly in its commitment to elimination of TB and improvement of environmental, health and safety practices and standards in the mining sector (National TB Programme, 2015, personal communication). It is against this background that the Government of Malawi, just like other SADC member states, has embarked on a Regional TB in Mining Project (five years project), which will involve three main components namely: 1) prevention, detection and treatment of TB; 2) disease surveillance; and 3) learning knowledge and innovation. The project further involves expansion and renovations of existing health facilities including laboratories. Due to the possible impacts (which include increased infection risks and waste management challenges) of project activities, an Infection Control and Waste Management Plan is deemed necessary. Thus, this Infection Control and Waste Management Plan (ICWMP) is prepared to facilitate implementation of appropriate infection control and waste management practices across the three relevant sectors of Health, Mining and Labour, (which include work practice and administrative measures, environmental/engineering control, and use of appropriate personal respiratory protection, and improved waste collection, storage, treatment and disposal practices) to avoid infection and environmental pollution. Specifically, the objectives of this ICWMP were to 1) develop Standard Operating Procedures and Waste Management Plans for laboratories based on a quick situation assessment and 2) review and update existing documentation on health-care waste management plans under bank funded health projects. Other objectives of the assignment were to undertake gap analysis of existing situation (environmental health control aspects) within the mines and medical waste management aspects within health facilities.
Open Access
Malaria Communication Strategy for Malawi Policy
(Malawi Government, 2009-11-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Malaria is a major public health problem in Malawi. It is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age and pregnant women. It is the most common cause of outpatient visits, hospitalization and death. Malaria is also a developmental problem as it has a serious socioeconomic impact on families and the nation, through loss of work, school absenteeism and high levels of expenditures on treatment. The government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health and its partners are committed to controlling malaria in the country. As part of malaria control strategies, the Ministry has developed several guiding malaria documents one of which is the Malaria Communication Strategy for Malawi for 2009 to 2015. Using the strategy as a guide, behaviour change communication will lead to improved community uptake of malaria control interventions. The main malaria behaviours that need to be adopted and maintained by individuals, families and communities, include, among others, Malaria Case Management, Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of pregnant women with SP and malaria prevention with special emphasis on Insecticide Treated Nets/ Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs / LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). I am hopeful that concerted efforts to implement this malaria communication strategy with support of global, regional and national partners will enable Malawi to significantly reduce the health and socioeconomic burden of malaria.
Open Access
Malaria Policy
(Malawi Government, 2002-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Maiaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children under five years of age and pregnant women. It is the commonest cause of outpatient visits, hospitalisation and death. Malaria is also a development problem as it has a serious socio economic impact on families and the nation,, through loss of work, school absenteeism and high levels of expenditure on malaria treatment, especially by poor households, This policy marks an important milestone in malaria control and prevention in Malawi. Organised malaria control efforts started in 1984 with the establishment of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to spearhead the struggle against malaria as part of the response to the emergence of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The NMCP led a systematic study of the efficacy of chloroquine and other antimalarial drugs. This resulted in the development of editions of guidelines for the management of malaria in ; vS5, 1936, 1994 and 1997. In the absence of a policy to guide activities, efforts and resources by the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) and partners nationwide, malaria control and prevention strategies and activities have been uncoordinated and incomplete. The launching of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) movement through the Abuja Declaration, which was signed bv Alncan Heads of State and Government ;n April 2000, gave malaria a high profile globally, regionally and nationally. To achieve the Abuj a targets, RBM calls for concerted efforts through the development of partnerships. The expected increased number of stake holders in malaria makes a policy essential. The policy covers the main areas of malaria control and prevention, namely effective case management, especially in children under five years of age, use of insecticide-treated nets and other vector control measures as well as operational research and information, educa tion and communication. The policy also addresses crosscutting issues such as manage ment, financing and human resources; without improvement in these areas, enhanced nitiana control and prevention efforts will not succeed. The fourth National Health Plan emphasises the need to improve the health status of all people in Malawi by "strengthening coordination and collaboration between all health partners in supporting the district health care delivery structure as the main health care delivery system". The policy has been developed within the context of essential health care peekage and sector-wide approaches.
Open Access
Malaria Strategic Plan
(Malawi Government, 2005-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Malaria is a major public health problem in Malawi. It is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age and pregnant women. It is the most common cause of outpatient visits, hospitalization and death. Malaria is also a development problem as it has a serious socio-economic impact on families and the nation, through loss of work, school absenteeism and high levels of expenditure on treatment. The government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health and its partners are committed to controlling malaria in the country. As part of the malaria control strategies, the Ministry has developed several guiding malaria documents one of which is the National Malaria Strategic Plan for 2005 to 2010. Using the Strategic Plan as a guide, Annual Action Plans will be developed every year. While the purpose of the Malaria Strategic Plan for 2001 to 2005 encompassed renewed efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality in the context of multi-sectoral implementation of malaria control activities, the Malaria Strategic plan for 2005 to 2010 will focus on “scaling up” of malaria control activities in the context of the Essential Healthcare Package (EHP) and sector-wide approaches. The main strategic areas that have been identified for the scale-up of malaria control activities, include, among others, Malaria Case Management, Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of pregnant women with SP and malaria prevention with special emphasis on the use of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs). I am hopeful that concerted efforts to implement this Malaria Strategic Plan with the support of global, regional and national partners will enable Malawi to significantly reduce the health and socioeconomic burden of malaria.
Open Access
Malaria Strategic Plan towards Universal Access Policy
(Malawi Government, 2011-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is pleased to present the new Malaria Strategic Plan for 2011-2015. Malaria continues to be the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in our country, with an estimated six million cases each year representing about 40% of the burden of illness in our health facilities. It is not selective, and all of us are at risk. However, malaria is a disease that can be prevented and treated effectively. This new Strategic Plan covering the next five years will provide the leadership and evidence-based direction needed to move confidently toward elimination of malaria as a public health threat in Malawi. The primary goal of this new plan will be the achievement of Universal Coverage in the prevention and treatment of malaria, reducing by half the 2010 levels of malaria morbidity and mortality in Malawi by the year 2015. This means every citizen of Malawi will be reached with all malaria interventions including care and effective cure. Over the period of the previous Malaria Strategic Plan (MSP) 2005-2010, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and its partners achieved significant improvements in addressing this dread disease, which has challenged not only the lives of our citizens but also the economic development of Malawi as a nation. As just one example, in the last two years, the government and its partners distributed 3.7 million long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) for prevention. And in the next five years ahead, we will distribute millions more of these bed nets with the goal of having one net for every two people, in line with international best practices. In addition we will introduce the nationwide use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests so that every suspected case of malaria will be properly and promptly diagnosed and treated. In addition, malaria program management, drug procurement, distribution, monitoring and evaluation, and service delivery will be strengthened so that all malaria interventions will be provided in an integrated manner at all levels of the delivery system, including in communities and homes. We have a particular problem with malaria in Malawi, which is our belief about the nature of this disease. We are very worried about a death from AIDS or TB, but when it comes to malaria, we have become too accepting of its presence in our lives. Our perception of this disease must change to the point that everyone understands that malaria is not inevitable: it can be prevented and controlled if we all know how and when to take action. Accordingly, we will deliver widespread behavior change messages and education campaigns to empower communities to take charge of their own health by increasing use of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs), speeding up the seeking of treatment at a facility for malarial symptoms, and encouraging a health-supportive and timely response to malaria at the community and household level. We have been paying a heavy price for malaria in illness, death, malnutrition, and losses of economic and social well-being. I therefore challenge all Malawians - parents, children, leaders, civil servants, health workers, all - to learn about this disease and take up the fight to prevent it and treat it when it occurs. We can defeat this disease only when we all play our parts.
Open Access
Malawi Health Sector Strategic Plan
(Ministry of Health, 2011-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
It is the desire of the Government of Malawi to have the highest possible level of health and quality of life for its citizens. Improving the health of the nation through the combined efforts of individuals, communities, organizations, our co-operating partners and the Government is therefore one of the key priorities. The formulation and launch of the national Health Sector Strategic Plan (2011-2016) build on the sustained gains made under the Program of Work (2004-2010). Considerable improvements in the delivery of an Essential Health Package (EHP) have been registered in reducing infant and child mortality rates, pneumonia case fatality and maternal mortality, and in maintaining high immunization coverage, among other areas. Unlike the Program of Work, this Plan has taken further measures to address the burden of disease by delivering an expanded EHP through public health interventions including but not limited to health promotion, disease prevention and increasing community participation. The Plan provides the framework that will guide the efforts of the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders over the next 5 years in contributing to the attainment of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS-II) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In cognizance of this, therefore, the emphasis will be on increasing coverage of high quality EHP services; strengthening performance of the health system to support delivery of EHP services; reducing risk factors to health and improving equity and efficiency in the delivery of free, quality EHP services in Malawi, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and the socio economic development of the nation. The successful implementation of this plan will depend on the continued dedication of staff in the Ministry of Health and those of its partner organizations. We welcome the support of our co-operating partners, we gratefully acknowledge their contribution towards the development of the HSSP and look forward to their continued support in its implementation. As a policy document that we have jointly formulated, it is my sincere hope that it will henceforth become the single most important point of reference for design of service delivery programmes, resource mobilization and health financing framework, as it embodies our dream for a better health care delivery system for all the people of Malawi.
Open Access
Malawi Malaria Communication Strategy
(Malawi Government, 2015-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Malawi majorly affecting children below five years of age and pregnant women. While this remains the case, the Government of Malawi is scaling up interventions aimed at controlling this situation through increasing access to malaria control intervention that include: the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide treated Nets (LLINs), scaling up indoor residual house spraying (IRS) in selected districts, promoting the prevention of malaria during pregnancy through Intermittent Presumptive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) and increasing access to prompt diagnosis and effective malaria treatment at facility level. Recent studies have gathered evidence that despite the provision of these services, utilization of the same has not been optimum hence malaria continues to remain a problem in the country. It is in recognition of this that the Malawi’s Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Program has continued to invest in public information and education through the development of the Malaria Communication Strategy. The first generation of the communication strategy ended in 2014 giving rise to the review and re-writing of this second generation of the communication strategy for the period 2015 – 2020. The communication strategy is a guiding document for all partners to implement a unified and cohesive communication plan and allow for complementing programs among partners. The main focus of the strategy is to create social and behaviour change by examining barriers as to why individuals and communities are not adopting actions and behaviour that contribute to the prevention and treatment of malaria. Through this approach, we are able to devise innovative communication approaches to tackle the barriers. I am honoured that the Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Program recognized the need for consistency and coordination among partners implementing malaria behaviour change communication programs and involved them in the process of review and re-writing of this communication strategy. It is my belief that the strategy will play a critical role in increasing knowledge, attitude and practices towards malaria prevention and treatment and supporting our vision where “All people in Malawi are free from the burden of malaria”.
Open Access
Malawi National Health Information System Policy
(Malawi Government, 2015-09) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
A culture of evidence-based management decisions would help us achieve highest level of efficiency in the provision of basic essential health care to all Malawians. To establish such a culture the health sector needs a robust Health Information System that provides reliable information as solid evidence for making rational decisions. The transition from Millennium Development Goals to the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals within the context of Universal Health Coverage have emphasis on measurement and accountability which can only be achieved through a vibrant National Health Information System aligned to the Five-Point Call to Action in Measurement and Accountability for Results in Health endorsed at the Washington Summit of June 2015. However, our existing Health Information Systems are unnecessarily fragmented and are not capable of generating quality information at the time they are needed. Efforts have been underway, in collaboration with our partners, for harmonizing and synthesizing various data-management systems in the entire health sector. Despite those concerted efforts of key stakeholders, we continue to face challenges in the areas of data collection, data analysis, information dissemination, and information use. The problems with regard to data accuracy, timelines of reporting, analysis, and completeness continue to exist. The MOH and its partners have realized that our existing policies related to the management of health information systems are inadequate to address these issues and problems. As a way forward, the existing policies have been revised into a complete new policy that will guide the implementation of Health information systems in the country.
Open Access
The Malawi National eHealth Strategy
(Malawi Government, 2014-04-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
In order to strengthen the implementation of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), the Ministry of Health completed the development of the Health Information Systems (HIS) Strategy in 2013. The aim of the strategy was to address HMIS weakness in support of the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP). Recognizing that addressing these weaknesses in the information age required a comprehensive computerization process, the HIS strategy recommended, as one of its strategies, to have an eHealth Strategy developed. This eHealth Strategy is therefore a fulfillment of the HIS Strategy action item. The eHealth Strategy aims at building the foundations for ICT infrastructure, implementation of ehealth solutions, facilitating adoption of new ehealth solutions and enhancing governance in the implementation of this strategy. The strategy identifies national ehealth information standards, computing infrastructure, national connectivity services, identification and authentication, reliable power supply and information protection as foundations for ICT infrastructure. The ehealth solutions, which represent the tangible means to interact with the health system electronically, include national priority ehealth solutions, telehealthcare, individual electronic health records and continuous professional development using e-learning. The MoH is thankful to the team that developed the strategy. The team comprised representatives from Ministry of Health, I-TECH Malawi, Baobab Health Trust, Luke International Norway, the CDC and the eGovernment department. Special thanks to WHO which substantially financed the strategy development process, the CDC and I-TECH Malawi also for their financial support.
Open Access
Malawi National Health Indicators
(Malawi Government, 2017-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It relies on careful interpretation to control for biases inherent in data collection and information systems. This General Interpretation Guide gives an overview of some of the most common biases and guidelines for interpreting data drawn from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) system. Further, for each indicator within the full document, additional interpretation guidance is given.
Open Access
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines
(Malawi Government, 2009-01-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
Medicine is a dynamic science and therefore it is important that publications such as the Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines (MSTG) be revised at short intervals. Revision of the 3rd edition of the MSTG started with a consultative meeting of stakeholders followed by editorial meetings and finally the approval process by members of the National Medicines and Medical Supplies Committee. The MSTG includes key information on the selection, prescribing, dispensing and administration of medicines. It is designed as a digest for rapid reference and it may not always include all the information necessary for prescribing and dispensing. It should therefore be interpreted in the light of professional knowledge and supplemented as necessary by specialised publication and by reference to product literature. Pursuant to the African Union Assembly Abuja Declaration of 2005, Malawi like other member states of the Union aims at putting 15% of the National budget towards towards the health budget. Resources, particularly financial resources for health service delivery are often scarce. Prudent use of these resources through improved diagnosis, rational prescribing, dispensing and use of medicines is paramount. The MSTG aims at standardizing prescribing and dispensing practices. The 4th edition MSTG provides prescribers and dispensers with the currently recommended treatment as well as preventative schedules for most common disease states found in the country. I would like to thank all those who took time to review the previous edition. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. I look forward to your continued support and contributions to future reviews of the MSTG and other relevant publications.
Open Access
National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Policy
(Ministry of Health, 2009-04-01) Malawi Government: Ministry of Health
The Malawi Government is committed to providing comprehensive and integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) services in line with the recommendations of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt, 1994. Malawi is also a signatory of the AU Maputo Plan of Action which advocates for integrated SRHR Plan. The Ministry of Health through the Re productive Health Unit has since 1997 coordinated the integration, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of SRHR services at all levels. The Malawi National Re productive Health Programme is the framework through which the Ministry of Health manages SRHR services. The National RH programme goal is to promote through informed choice, safer reproductive health practices by men, women, and youth including use of quality and accessible reproductive health services. In 2002, The Reproductive Health Unit (RHU) developed the Reproductive Health (RH) Policy to guide implementation of SRHR services. The SRHR policy has facili tated coordination between all stakeholders, guided decision makers, protected clients and providers, and provided a justification for allocation of resources. The revision of the SRHR Policy came about due to the need to incorporate emerg ing issues in various components of SRHR and these include Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC); Community Based Maternal and Neonatal Care; Cervical Cancer Screening; Youth Friendly health Services, Anti Retroviral Therapy, and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT). The emerging issues are in line with both national and international recommendations on SRHR services. These include the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS); African Union SRHR policy guidelines; The Malawi Reproductive Health Strategy 2006 -2010; Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); The Road Map for Accelerat ing the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in Malawi; and Malawi Gender Policy. Revision of the SRHR Policy involved consultations with organizations implementing RH services, individual health experts, programme managers, health regulatory bodies, training institutions and implementers. The whole exercise would have not been possible without technical and financial support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Ministry of Health would like to thank all individuals and institu tions for their contributions towards successful revision of this document. The Ministry of Health urges all public and private institutions to make maximum use of this policy for proper guidance during implementation of SRHR services.