Strengthening Monitoring and Coordinated Implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS): Orientation Workshop on the NAPHS Implementation Tracker for Technical Area Leads
The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), in collaboration with WHO and MOH, convened Technical Area Leads in Salima for a 4-day orientation workshop on the NAPHS Implementation Tracker to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and multi-sectoral health security governance.
Strengthening Monitoring and Coordinated Implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS): Orientation Workshop on the NAPHS Implementation Tracker for Technical Area Leads
Operationalizing Health Security Monitoring
Technical Area Leads across government ministries, defense, and specialized agencies gather at Sigelege Beach Resort to align national health security priorities and master the NAPHS Implementation Tracker.
SALIMA — In a significant step toward bolstering national health security accountability and multi-sectoral performance tracking, the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, convened a four-day intensive orientation workshop from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Sigelege Beach Resort in Salima.
The four-day session brought together Technical Area Leads and multi-disciplinary health security cadres to orient them on the newly adopted NAPHS Implementation Tracker, enhance routine monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and conduct a comprehensive review of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) Narrative Document.
Core Workshop Objective
“To orient Technical Area Leads on the NAPHS Implementation Tracker, strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and coordinated execution across all 19 technical areas of the National Action Plan for Health Security, and ensure the NAPHS Narrative Document strictly aligns with national priorities.”
Broad Multi-Sectoral Cadres & Institutional Representation
Effective health security operationalization relies on rigorous cross-sectoral engagement. The workshop assembled 22 dedicated participants (14 male and 8 female) representing core government sectors, security services, academic partners, and technical leadership:
Participating Institutions
- Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM)
- Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Department of Animal Health & Livestock Development (DAHLD)
- Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Health Services
- Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme (TDDAP)
- Quality Management Division (QMD)
- Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability & Social Welfare (MOGLDS)
- Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development (MOLA)
Technical Cadres & Support Team
- NAPHS Technical Area Leads
- Programme & Epidemiology Officers
- Laboratory & Nursing Specialists
- Quality Management & Gender Officers
- Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Officers
- Senior Leadership (Deputy Director, Consultant, Financial Officers)
- WHO & PHIM Technical Coordination Staff
Workshop Methodology & Hands-On Tracker Orientation
Facilitated by technical experts including Mark Mwalabu (PHIM), Dr. Chapotera, Dr. Nelly, Blessings Likoswe, and Khwima Esther Mkalira (PHIM), the workshop provided structured balance between theoretical orientation and hands-on application. Opening and closing ceremonies were jointly anchored by PHIM/MOH and WHO leadership.
During plenary and practical working groups, participants conducted a line-by-line review of the NAPHS narrative document to confirm narrative accuracy and technical precision. Subsequently, Technical Area Leads completed direct practical group exercises using the NAPHS Implementation Tracker. These exercises built practical skills, allowed leads to finalize baseline tracker entries, and created consensus on immediate implementation actions.
Key Expected Outcomes & Strategic Gains
DeliverablesKey Recommendations & Lessons Learned
To ensure long-term sustainability and streamline ongoing monitoring, participants agreed on key actionable recommendations:
- Incorporate M&E Refreshers: Embed concise M&E and tracker refresher sessions supported by simplified user guides at the beginning of all future orientation workshops.
- Senior Leadership Endorsement: Timely submission of the reviewed NAPHS Narrative document to PHIM senior management for formal endorsement.
- Provide Tailored Technical Support: Schedule continuous target-coaching sessions for technical teams requiring additional support on tracker data entry.
Future Plans & Next Steps
Following the successful completion of the Salima orientation, PHIM will roll out the routine use of the NAPHS Tracker across all 19 technical areas, enforcing quarterly reporting cycles. Dedicated technical support and coaching sessions will be scheduled for technical areas requiring further guidance to ensure full operational capacity nationwide.