Tag: E&Surveillance

  • PHIM and Partners Strengthens National Public Health Emergency Response Capacity Through PHEOC Training.

    PHIM and Partners Strengthens National Public Health Emergency Response Capacity Through PHEOC Training.

    NPHEOC TRAINING 2025.

    Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe, Malawi – March 18th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Ella Chamanga, Francis Chimphanje and Settie Kanyanda.

    The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) with funding from the World Bank is currently conducting a critical Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) training for national-level staff and subject matter experts. Technical support has been provided by WHO, and the US-CDC Malawi Country Office. The PHEOC serves as the central hub for cordinating preparedness, prevention, detection, response, and mitigation efforts for public health emergencies at all levels. This intensive training program, held from March 18th to 24th, 2025, aims to significantly enhance Malawi’s preparedness and response capabilities to public health emergencies.

    The training was officially opened by Mr. Jospeh Bitilinyu Bango, Deputy Director for PHIM responsible for the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) on behalf of Dr. Mathew Kagoli, the Director. In his speech, he emphasized the crucial role this training exercise will render. He said “The knowledge and skills acquired during this training will be instrumental in equipping our district-level teams (DPHEOCs) in the coming weeks,” by highlighting the cascade effect of this national-level effort.

    Team of facilitators organising session materials

    This PHEOC training builds upon the foundation laid by the inaugural session held about two years ago by WHO and Africa CDC experts. The on coming follow up District PHEOC (DPHEOC) trainings shall ensure a comprehensive and robust emergency response network across the country.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of a well-coordinated multi-agency approach in mitigating public health threats, PHIM has organized this training to equip officers from the National PHEOC – including the ICT, Surveillance, EPR, Crossreference, IHR, and the Public Health Research Division and National Public Health Labolatory officers.

    Dr. Chitsa Banda, PHIM and Dr. Chapotera, WHO giving a lecture to trainees.

    In attendance also are experts from various response stakeholders including Central Veterinary Lab, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Case Management, Operations Supplies and Logistics, Public Health Division, DODMA, EPI, Health Promotions Division, and the International partners WHO, and the US-CDC Malawi Country Office.

    Session in Progress ~ Group Discussions.

    This training has enhanced understanding of the operational procedures within the National PHEOC, strengthening inter-agency coordination during emergency responses and it has improved the application of expert knowledge across key response pillars.
  • PHIM Assesses District PHEOCs Nationwide.

    PHIM Assesses District PHEOCs Nationwide.

    February 11, 2025 – The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) with support from The Global Fund, is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of District Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) across the country.

    This exercise aims to determine the operational readiness and capacity of these centres to effectively manage public health emergencies within their geographical reach.


    The assessments involve a thorough evaluation of several key areas of PHEOC functionality, including: Infrastructure and Equipment – a review of the adequacy of facilities, communication-systems, and essential equipment, Staffing and Training – Assessment of the availability of trained personnel and their preparedness to respond to emergency situations, Plans and Protocols: An examination of the existence and efficacy of emergency response plans and standard operating procedures, and Coordination and Communication: An evaluation of the mechanisms for inter-agency collaboration and information sharing.

    These assessments are critical for strengthening our national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. By identifying any gaps and areas for improvement, we can ensure that our PHEOCs are adequately equipped to safeguard the health of all Malawians.


    The PHIM team is collaborating closely with district health officials throughout the assessment process and will provide support for any necessary enhancements. The findings from this exercise will inform the development of targeted interventions and training programs to reinforce the preparedness and responsiveness of District PHEOCs nationwide.

  • Solar power improves preparedness at PHIM

    Solar power improves preparedness at PHIM

    In a significant step towards sustainable development, the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre of the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) now has sustainable power solutions. This initiative aims to improve preparedness of PHIM, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical health services and surveillance data management systems.

    Solar panel for seamless power supply for the NPHEOC

    The introduction of solar power is expected to mitigate the challenges posed by frequent power outages, thereby improving the overall health service delivery in the region. The investment was supported by the Norwegian Institute of Public health who has a long standing collaboration with PHIM focusing on strengthening public health infrastructure and disease surveillance systems in Malawi. The procurement process of the solar panels was supported by a technical team from the Ministry of Energy.

    Dr. Trude Arnesen

    Dr. Trude Arnesen, a senior doctor at NIPH seconded to PHIM, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Reliable energy is crucial for the effective functioning of the emergency operating center. By providing solar power solutions, we aim to support PHIM in its mission to deliver quality health services to the people of Malawi.“
    This project underscores the potential of renewable energy in transforming healthcare systems in developing countries.

    Officers from Ministry of Energy, MERA and Inspecting the solar project.

    How do you feel about this initiative? Do you think renewable energy could be a game-changer for other health sectors in Malawi as well?