Category: Latest News and Events

Malawi Public Health Institute Conducts Monitoring Exercise for COVID-19 Response Project.
MERHSP National Monitoring.
Nthisi Distirct Hospital, Malawi – May 12th, 2025.
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Regina Mankhamba and Settie Kanyanda.

The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) is currently undertaking a nationwide assessment across all districts to evaluate the implementation of the Malawi COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness (MERHSP) project, the World Bank.

This exercise aims to assess the project’s progress, achievements, and challenges, while identifying key lessons learned throughout its execution to strengthen future public health responses.

The findings from this comprehensive monitoring exercise will play a crucial role in refining Malawi’s public health strategies, addressing gaps, and fortifying healthcare infrastructure to respond effectively to future health emergencies. By monitoring operational successes and challenges, PHIM aims to enhance national preparedness and resilience against infectious diseases, improving overall health outcomes for the population.

South West team conducting interviews at Chiradzulu district hospital.
The monitoring exercise categorically aims to:

(a) To Strengthen District Community Health Initiatives

PHIM has facilitated the distribution of bicycles and motorcycles to support Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in reaching remote areas more efficiently. This effort enhances healthcare accessibility, particularly for communities in hard-to-reach locations. In addition, districts are hosting monthly community dialogues focused on COVID-19 vaccination and prevention measures, promoting informed health choices among residents and fostering trust in the healthcare system.

(b) Promoting Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures

The monitoring exercise shall identify notable improvements in infection prevention and control practices. Districts have established IPC guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring consistent and effective infection control protocols. Healthcare staff across district and health center levels have undergone training in IPC guidelines, and these guidelines have been widely disseminated among healthcare workers. This initiative strengthens the capacity of healthcare facilities to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

(c) Strengthening District Administration capacity in responding to medical emergencies

A significant development in healthcare logistics has been the provision of ambulances and Rapid Response Team (RRT) utility vehicles. These were secured through the World Bank COVID-19 Project, enabling districts to respond swiftly to medical emergencies and improving patient transport systems. The deployment of these vehicles enhances emergency care and enables healthcare workers to offer timely interventions in urgent cases.

(d) To Build District Capacity in Case Management Efforts

To enhance the healthcare system’s ability to manage COVID-19 cases, clinical staff have been trained in case management protocols. The establishment of patient referral systems and guidelines has improved the coordination of healthcare services, ensuring efficient care for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, clinical and support staff working in District Cholera Isolation Wards have undergone mentoring in cholera case management over the past year, strengthening their ability to handle outbreaks effectively.

(e) To Strengthen the Capabilities of the National Reference Laboratories

At the national level, genomic sequencing has emerged as a crucial area of focus. The monitoring identified that genomic sequencers are available, and personnel have been trained to conduct genomic sequencing. This progress enhances Malawi’s ability to track variants of COVID-19 and other pathogens, supporting more informed public health decisions.

(f) To Strengthen Reporting from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)

Districts report an adequate supply of COVID-19 vaccines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support ongoing immunization efforts. Ensuring that vaccines and protective gear remain available is essential for maintaining the momentum of the country’s vaccination program and safeguarding frontline workers.

(g) Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure and Capacity

Beyond operational improvements, the exercise scrutinises healthcare infrastructure and capacity at district facilities. Specific areas under review included:

Essential Equipment Availability: The exercise examined the presence of critical medical equipment and trained personnel. A key focus is the capacity of facilities to administer oxygen to patients without facing accessory-related challenges.

Surgical SOP Implementation: The presence and application of Surgical SOPs for COVID-19 patients are being reviewed to determine their effectiveness in patient management. Healthcare providers are assessing how these SOPs have contributed to improving clinical outcomes.

(h) Improve Logistical and Infrastructure Developments

The exercise also explored the progress of logistical and infrastructural improvements under the Malawi COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness project. This includes:

Hospital Rehabilitation Efforts: Central hospitals designated for COVID-19 case management have undergone rehabilitation, and the monitoring exercise is tracking the completion of these efforts and any ongoing construction projects.

Supply and Resource Distribution: The availability and distribution of critical resources—such as motorcycles for healthcare workers and the consistent supply of COVID-19 vaccines and PPEs are being assessed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare service delivery.

As the monitoring of the project continues, PHIM encourages stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the general public to remain engaged in supporting these initiatives. Updated reports and insights will be shared in subsequent briefings to ensure transparency and collective action in strengthening Malawi’s health systems.
May 12, 2025
PHIM Enhances Chitipa and Karonga Preparedness and response capability for Cholera, Mpox, and Marburg.

Cholera, Mpox, and Marburg Training.
Chitipa, Malawi – March 7th, 2025.
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Chriswell Nkoloma and Settie Kanyanda.

In a proactive approach to enhance the country’s response to public health emergencies, the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), with support from AMREF, conducted crucial training sessions in Karonga and Chitipa districts. These sessions focused on cholera, Mpox, and Marburg.

These activities aim to ensure that healthcare workers can effectively manage cases, strengthen surveillance and contact tracing, improve laboratory diagnostics, and educate communities on preventive measures for Mpox, Marburg, and Cholera.

From May 6th to 7th, 2025, Public Health Emergency Management Committees and District Rapid Response Teams in the two districts were refreshed on their roles and responsibilities. Subsequently, from May 8th to 14th, frontline healthcare workers, including clinicians, nurses, health surveillance assistants, laboratory staff, and data clerks, received specialized training on sample collection, clinical case management, data reporting etc.

Mr. Chriwell Nkoloma presenting on Mpox Global Overview and Malawi Situation to the Chitipa DRRT.

Officers from the national level, comprising experts from various pillars such as Case Management, Surveillance, Laboratory, IPC, Vaccination, RCCE, and Points of Entry, facilitated the PHEMC and DRRT meetings. District-level staff then conducted further orientations for healthcare workers at the facility level, with participation from the Department of Animal Health and Livestock development personnel.

The training of frontline health care workers was conducted in 5 sessions for Karonga and 4 sessions for Chitipa, with 181 and 125 participants, respectively.

Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu, Amref Country Director – Malawi.

“Karonga and Chitipa districts are the first ever districts to have their frontline health workers trained on Mpox and Marburg, so the future plan is to reach out to all the districts in Malawi with this training.” Remarks from Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu, Amref Country Director – Malawi.

May 11, 2025
Mpox Situation in Malawi.

MPOX SITUATION.
National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (NPHEOC), Lilongwe, Malawi, 2025.
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Grace Funsani, Chriswell Nkoloma and Settie Kanyanda.

Malawi has recorded two new laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases as of October 6, 2025, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 128 since the first case was recorded on April 17, 2025. These cases exclude two cross-border cases. The update comes from the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) in its Mpox Spot Report, Issue 62, published on October 6, 2025.

Both new cases are young female children who reported to health facilities on September 30, 2025.
An 11-year-old female child from Area 25, who reported at the Area 25 Health Facility and a 9-year-old female child from Chilinde 1, who reported at the Chilinde Health Facility.

The patients presented with common symptoms, including fever, cough, and a skin rash, and reportedly had no underlying health conditions. Lesion swab samples were collected and sent to the laboratory on the same day they visited the facilities, and Mpox infection was confirmed through testing on September 30, 2025. Neither of the confirmed cases has a history of travel outside of Malawi.

Mpox Outbreak Report – Malawi

Malawi’s Coordinated Public Health Response

The Public Health Institute of Malawi has implemented a multi-faceted strategy using a One-Health approach to contain the outbreak, protect public health, and provide care.

🚨

Activation

Incident Management System (IMS) Activated

🤝

Collaboration

Multi-sectoral One-Health Surveillance

🏃

Action

Rapid Response Teams Deployed

📚

Engagement

Risk Communication & Community Engagement

Total Confirmed Cases

141

(138 Domestic, 3 Cross-Border)

Total Deaths

(CFR ~0.7%)

Contacts Traced

1,412

(1,383 Discharged, 29 Follow-up)

Active Cases

(Zero (0) Domestic Cases Active)

Live Mpox Situation Dashboard

View the real-time epidemiological and response data directly from the national surveillance system in this interactive dashboard. (Scroll horizontally if necessary.)

Temporal Trend: Outbreak Progression (Interactive)

This chart shows the epidemic curve of confirmed cases over time. Monitoring this trend helps determine the effectiveness of containment strategies and predict future resource needs. (Scroll horizontally if necessary.)

Demographic Profile (Interactive)

This chart provides a breakdown of the case demographics. Current data shows that females account for 46% of cases and children represent a significant portion of the total case load, emphasizing the widespread transmission and the need for specialized pediatric and community-wide public health messaging. (Scroll horizontally if necessary.)

Geographical Distribution: Outbreak Epicenter & Spread (Interactive)

The outbreak has affected 12 districts, but Lilongwe remains the clear epicenter, accounting for over 80% of all confirmed domestic cases. This concentration guides the targeted public health and vaccination response. This map/chart provides a detailed view of the spread across the country. (Scroll horizontally if necessary.)

Age Distribution (Static)

Children represent a significant portion of cases, accounting for 25% of all infections. This necessitates specialized pediatric care and targeted IPC measures in schools.

Clinical Insights: High-Risk Links & Features

A preliminary audit of 34 inpatients from KCH and Lilongwe DHO provided critical insights. The findings revealed a high prevalence of severe disease and a significant correlation with HIV status, informing high-risk prioritization.

Clinical Manifestations Audit (Interactive)

This chart details the specific clinical features observed in the audited patient cohort. It highlights the frequency of severe symptoms like genital ulcers and bacterial superinfection, which informs case management protocols. (Scroll horizontally if necessary.)

The Critical HIV Correlation

HIV-positive patients were significantly more likely to develop severe complications. 10 of 12 (83%) HIV-positive patients had severe features, compared to only 5 of 12 (42%) HIV-negative patients.

Malawi’s Multi-Pillar National Response

Surveillance

Rigorous case finding and contact tracing protocols. District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) are trained and deployed to interrupt transmission chains.

→ 1,412 contacts traced to date
→ Active case search ongoing

Case Management

Development and dissemination of protocols for Home-Based Care (HBC) for mild cases, reserving ETUs for severe cases.

→ Zero (0) active domestic cases
→ 132 cases discharged from care

IPC & WASH

Focused on minimizing transmission in homes, communities, and health facilities. Preparing for safe school environments.

→ Home-based IPC package developed
→ IPC/WASH assessment ongoing

Vaccination

PMRA has approved the MVA-BN vaccine. Strategic allocation to high-risk groups has achieved significant coverage.

→ 80% of Target Population Vaccinated
→ Targeted vaccination for high-risk groups

Ongoing Challenges & Commitment

Non-Disclosure of Contacts

Non-disclosure of contacts by some clients remains a barrier to rapid containment, complicating tracing and follow-up efforts.

Incomplete Data Capturing

Incomplete data in registers and forms hinders retrospective analysis and makes tracing of potentially missed cases identified through active search challenging.