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  • WHO Strengthens Malawi’s Disease Surveillance with Key Donation.

    WHO Strengthens Malawi’s Disease Surveillance with Key Donation.

    THE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO NPHL

    NPHL, Lilongwe, Malawi – May 15th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Happy Abraham Manda, Mr. Henry Limula and Settie Kanyanda.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), with support from UK Aid (UKAID), has made a significant donation delivery of essential laboratory items to the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) to the National Public Health Laboratory, PHIM. This timely contribution will aid Malawi’s capacity to monitor and respond to various public health threats, including the ongoing Mpox outbreak

    The NPHRL plays a pivotal role in Malawi’s health surveillance systems, tracking a range of diseases. Currently, a key focus is the surveillance of Mpox, a viral disease that has affected several African nations, with Malawi reporting six confirmed cases by May 15th, 2025.

    NPHL receiving the donations.

    To ensure the safety of frontline health workers during critical activities such as outbreak investigations, sample collection, and the implementation of control measures, the WHO generously donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The consignment included vital items such as gloves, aprons, and gumboots.

    THE WHO and NPHL Team

    Receiving the donations on behalf of the NPHRL, Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh expressed his sincere appreciation to the WHO for their prompt response citing the current response activities NPHL – PHIM is undertaking to contain Mpox. He further acknowledged the WHO’s consistent support to PHIM during the Mpox pandemic and in the surveillance of other significant diseases, including conjunctivitis, cholera, and influenza.

    He earnestly appealed to the WHO to maintain their invaluable assistance, even in the face of potential financial constraints affecting international organizations. Dr. Nelly Yatich, representing the WHO during the donation, warmly assured the PHIM staff of the WHO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Malawi, particularly during health crises like the current Mpox outbreaks. She emphasized the WHO’s proactive approach in providing the necessary equipment swiftly to aid in the effective management of Mpox cases.

    Mr. Ishmael Bashir, Second from left.

    During the event, Mr. Bangoh also formally welcomed Mr. Ishmael Bashir, a resident delegated from the (WHO) to work at PHIM, NPHRL. He reiterated his gratitude to the WHO for this additional support, highlighting that Mr. Bashir’s presence will provide valuable insight into Malawi’s needs and facilitate targeted assistance.

    This has indicated the robust collaboration that exists between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM). Their joint efforts are crucial for enhancing Malawi’s public health systems and protecting its citizens. This partnership is expected to continue with future collaborations.

    Special Thanks to:

    Mr. Happy Abraham Manda, Content Creator, NPHL

    Mr Henry Stanley Limula, Content Reviewer, NPHL

    Mr. Settiel Kanyanda, Content Reviewer, PHIM

  • Mpox Situation in Malawi.

    Mpox Situation in Malawi.

    Mpox Situation in Malawi – Comprehensive Analysis
    Mpox Issue 73 | Current Status

    Epidemiological
    Intelligence

    Surveillance Update: 20th January, 2026

    PUBLISHED BY

    Moses Nyambalo Phiri

    Executive Case Briefing

    On 18th January 2026, the Public Health Institute of Malawi confirmed a new case in Salima District involving an 18-year-old female. This diagnostic confirmation, occurring 12 days after the initial hospital presentation, underscores the vital importance of molecular validation in managing the current outbreak, which has now accumulated 148 confirmed cases.

    148

    National Total

    01

    New Salima Case

    Clinical presentation of suspected Mpox lesions
    Primary Symptom: Characteristic Cutaneous Lesions

    Fig A: Typical clinical presentation observed in recent Central Region cases.

    Operational Response & Data Insights

    District Sentinel Analysis

    The notification from Salima District hospital on January 6th, followed by PCR confirmation on the 18th, highlights a critical window for containment. The Salima District Rapid Response Team (DRRT) has prioritized contact tracing around this 18-year-old female, who represents a significant demographic shift as younger populations increasingly become points of entry for the virus in rural settings.

    Operationally, the focus is now on “Ring Surveillance.” By mapping the patient’s interactions within the 21-day incubation period, the DRRT is effectively creating a safety perimeter. This prevents the transition from a sporadic case to a localized cluster, which is essential given Salima’s role as a transit and tourism hub that could easily facilitate cross-district transmission.

    One Health Surveillance Matrix

    The activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) signifies a transition to high-alert status. This multisectoral One Health approach is critical because it integrates human clinical data with animal health monitoring. Understanding the zoonotic potential of Mpox in Malawi is key to identifying the environmental reservoirs that might be driving these persistent “sporadic” infections across different districts.

    Furthermore, the IMS structure allows for real-time resource reallocation. As shown in the surveillance matrix, deployment of functional Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) is not static; it follows the trajectory of new confirmations. The training of National Emergency Medical Teams ensures that the surge capacity is prepared for any sudden spikes in severity or volume that may arise as the virus moves through the lake-shore communities.

    Diagnostic Efficiency Trends

    Diagnostic integrity is the cornerstone of the Malawi Mpox response. The PCR-based testing of lesion swabs provides the definitive evidence needed to trigger public health interventions. While the turnaround time for the Salima case reflects the logistical challenges of sample transport from district to central labs, the successful confirmation demonstrates a robust end-to-end diagnostic pipeline that can handle highly infectious specimens.

    Looking forward, the focus is on reducing the “symptom-to-confirmation” latency. By empowering district-level human and animal health workers through advanced training, PHIM aims to improve early suspicion and immediate sample collection. This diagnostic intelligence ensures that clinical management, including isolation and symptomatic treatment, begins at the earliest possible stage, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing secondary attack rates.

    Specialized Mpox Isolation Units

    Containment Strategy: Infrastructure & Resilience

    The strategic deployment of dedicated Mpox Isolation Units is a vital component of Malawi’s health system resilience. By physically separating Mpox management from general medical wards, PHIM effectively mitigates the risk of nosocomial transmission. These units are not merely physical structures; they represent a specialized clinical ecosystem equipped with advanced waste management protocols and high-frequency disinfection cycles, ensuring that healthcare workers remain protected while delivering intensive supportive care.

    Beyond the immediate benefit of containment, these facilities foster clinical excellence through specialization. Staff assigned to these units are trained in specific lesion care, pain management, and the identification of secondary bacterial infections. This concentrated expertise is particularly crucial for younger patients, such as the 18-year-old from Salima, ensuring they receive evidence-based care in a dignifying and safe environment that prioritizes both physical recovery and community protection.

    Macro-Level Data Analysis

    1. Cumulative Geographic Burden (n=148)

    The distribution of 148 laboratory-confirmed cases reveals a persistent, low-intensity spread that spans across multiple regions. While large urban centers initially dominated the statistics, the recent case in Salima demonstrates that the virus is successfully exploiting mobility corridors. This geographic burden analysis suggests that surveillance cannot be localized; rather, a nationwide “blanket” surveillance approach is necessary to capture infections in districts that may not have high healthcare-seeking behavior but are nonetheless at risk.

    Strategically, this data indicates that the 148 cases represent only the “tip of the iceberg.” For every confirmed case, there is a statistical likelihood of sub-clinical or asymptomatic cases within the community. Public health efforts are therefore prioritizing districts with high population density and frequent transit, using this geographic data to allocate diagnostic kits and protective equipment where they are most likely to encounter the next “sentinel” case.

    2. National Epicurve & Temporal Dynamics

    The national epicurve illustrates the temporal progression of the outbreak since April 2025. Unlike explosive outbreaks, Mpox in Malawi exhibits a “smoldering” pattern, with sporadic cases occurring regularly over several months. The confirmation of Case 148 in late January 2026 confirms that the transmission cycle has not been broken. This trend analysis is vital for predicting seasonal peaks and ensuring that the healthcare system is prepared for sustained engagement rather than a short-term emergency response.

    Mathematically, the presence of the Salima case on the tail end of this curve suggests that the virus remains endemic in certain reservoirs. The epicurve analysis informs our Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies—shifting from high-volume general awareness to targeted, behavior-change messaging in districts showing new activity. Constant vigilance is required to ensure that this smoldering trend does not ignite into a large-scale resurgence as environmental and social conditions fluctuate.

    Preventative Clinical Directives

    Public Safety Protocols

    • Zero Contact: Avoid all skin-to-skin contact with individuals presenting unexplained rashes or blisters.
    • Sanitization: Mandatory hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers in all public transit hubs.
    • Immediate Reporting: Any individual with fever and rash must report to the nearest health facility within 24 hours.

    Surveillance Mandate

    Following the Salima case, PHIM has mandated enhanced surveillance for all district hospitals. Health workers are directed to treat all “Fever + Rash” presentations as suspected Mpox until PCR results prove otherwise. This high-index of suspicion is our primary defense against widespread community transmission.

  • PHIM Strategic and Operation Plans Dissemination

    PHIM Strategic and Operation Plans Dissemination

    PHIM-Documents Dissemination.

    Amarylis Hotel – Blantyre, Malawi – March 26th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri and Settie Kanyanda

    The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) has successfully executed a nationwide dissemination initiative, distributing critical strategic documents aimed at reinforcing the nation’s capacity to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.

    PHIM disseminated the newly developed National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Handbook, the Malawi Multi-sector Cholera Control Plan, the PHIM Strategic Plan, Priority Areas for Multi-Sectoral Interventions (PAMI) Booklet, National Public Health Research Strategic Plan, and the Malawi Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan among others. These documents represent a significant advancement in Malawi’s public health infrastructure, providing essential frameworks for coordinated and effective emergency response.

    This comprehensive Multi-Sectoral and Multi-Disciplinary effort as it was during the development is as the same with during dissemination highlighting Malawi’s commitment to proactive public health management.

    The development of these documents involved extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, acknowledging the intricate and multisectoral nature of public health emergencies.

    The PHEOC Handbook, in particular, serves as a cornerstone for our emergency response efforts. It equips our national and district teams with the necessary guidelines to ensure timely and adequate responses to public health crises. By aligning our efforts through these strategic documents, we are significantly enhancing our national resilience and promoting a unified approach to safeguarding the health of all Malawians.

    This collaborative process ensured that the resulting resources are comprehensive, practical, and tailored to Malawi’s specific needs. PHIM focused on in-depth discussions with stakeholders present ensuring that all are thoroughly familiar with the content of the disseminated documents and their respective roles in emergency response protocols. Key emphasis was placed on the importance of interagency collaboration and coordinated action, recognizing that effective public health crisis management requires a cohesive and unified approach as emphasized by Dr. Evelyn Chitsa Banda, Deputy Director of PHIM responsible for the National Public Health Research and Development during the dissemination in Blantyre.

    By equipping national and district officers with these vital documents and knowledge, PHIM is taking a decisive step towards building a robust, responsive, and resilient public health system in Malawi. This initiative signifies a strong commitment to proactive public health management and the protection of not only citizens of Malawi, but every person living in Malawi.

    The dissemination events, held concurrently in Zomba in the south, Mponela in the center, and Mzuzu in the north, facilitated in-depth discussions and training sessions for a diverse group of stakeholders. Participants included representatives, from relevant ministries, agencies, and departments nationwide like, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) the Malawi Defense Force, The Ministry of Agriculture (Animal Health) and The Malawi Police, reflecting the multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach integral to effective public health management.

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    Mzuzu, Mzimba-North
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    Mponela, Dowa.
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    Mponela, Dowa.
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    Zomba
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    Blantyre

    By equipping national and district officers with these vital documents and knowledge, PHIM is taking a decisive step towards building a robust, responsive, and resilient public health system in Malawi.