Public Health Institute of Malawi

Author: Moses Nyambalo Phiri

  • The Training of Trainers on the Integrated Gene-Xpert Testing Program for Malawi at Dedza Pottery  Lodge

    The Training of Trainers on the Integrated Gene-Xpert Testing Program for Malawi at Dedza Pottery  Lodge

    The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), a leading institution in healthcare, through the Division of National Public Health Laboratory Services, with financial support from the World Bank, has organised a refresher training with a vital purpose of promoting integrated laboratory testing using the Gene-Xpert.

    The training of trainers took place at Dedza Pottery Lodge from the 13th –  17th of May, 2024. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Director of the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) responsible for the laboratory, Mr Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh.

    IntegratedvGene-Xpert Trainees attentively listened to opening remarks by the Deputy Director of the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) responsible for the Laboratory, Mr Jospeh Bitilinyu Bangoh.

    GeneXpert is a PCR machine that amplifies DNA or RNA for viral particles and organisms. In Malawi, the machine was mainly used for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and its associated resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid, HIV Viral Load (VL) and Early Infant Diagnostic (EID) and later, with the coming of SARS-CoV 2, the tests were added to the machine to detect viruses.

    It is of late that the machine, with the advancing technology, is now used to detect MTB in children’s stool, following the principle that children could shed MTB in their stool after swallowing the sputum at night. Another platform was added in the detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in women for early detection of the virus before advancing to advanced cervical cancer. 

    This detection of multiple human infections shall trigger the laboratory to have several integrated testing activities targeting GeneXPert.

    The trainees getting clarified on a point.
  • World Bank Pandemic Proposal writing

    World Bank Pandemic Proposal writing

    World Bank Pandemic Proposal writing using One-Health approach 2nd working session at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel Blantyre  1st – 5th April 2024.

  • Training – Proficiency Testing (PT)

    Training – Proficiency Testing (PT)

     

    The provision of Proficiency Testing (PT) samples is one of the quality assurance activities that the Ministry of Health through the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) is implementing to continuously monitor the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results to support clinical and epidemiological decisions. To build local capacity, the PHIM has established a quality management system concerning the ISO 17043, 17034 and ISO 13528 requirements as part of the National Quality Assurance Program Continuous production of accurate and reliable laboratories can only be achieved if laboratory personnel are competent in monitoring factors that affect test method performance and timely address risks and opportunities identified.


     The unit is mandated to champion biomedical research in response to the health problems of the country, and making it accessible to all intended users for evidence-based decision making.

    lab class
    Participants are being drawn from all laboratories participating in quality assurance programs.

    Hence the Ministry of Health through the PHIM with funding from the Global Fund in Quality Assurance Trainings-PT Processes has organised a two-session pilot training starting from 1st April 2024 to 25th April 2024 as part of enhancing capacity in testing laboratories to continuously monitor the quality of results and conformity to ISO 15189 requirements at Linde Hotel in Mponela.