Tag: May 2025

  • Malawi Association Of Medical Labolatory Scientist 8th Annual General Conference.

    Malawi Association Of Medical Labolatory Scientist 8th Annual General Conference.

    MAMLS ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE.

    Blantyre, Malawi –May 8th , 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Happy Abraham Manda, Henry Limula and Settie Kanyanda.

    On May 8, 2025, the Malawi Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MAMLS) convened its 8th Annual General Conference at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre. The central theme of this year’s conference was “Enhancing Access to Diagnostics for All Malawians.“

    Conference Highlights and Key Discussions
    The conference emphasized the critical need for increased innovation and investment in diagnostic services, with a strong focus on expanding access to rural and underserved areas. MAMLS advocated for bringing high quality laboratory services closer to communities to ensure accurate diagnoses and improve healthcare delivery across Malawi. The conference was officially opened by Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh, Deputy Director of the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), responsible for the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL).

    About MAMLS
    Founded on February 11, 1998, MAMLS is a non-profit association dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the interests of medical laboratory science professionals and patients in Malawi. The organization operates independently, free from political, religious, ethnic, or sub regional influences. MAMLS plays a vital role in promoting cooperation among medical laboratory scientists, standardizing professional practices, and facilitating capacity development, all aimed at improving the quality of medical laboratory services, training, and education in the country.

    MAMLS Technical Team

    PHIM’s Participation and Presentations
    The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) was a key participant in the conference. Dr. Godfrey Kadewere, former Director of Health Technical Services, and Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh of PHIM both delivered speeches encouraging laboratory personnel to collaborate in disease diagnostics and surveillance. Mr. Bangoh specifically urged laboratory professionals to be proactive during disease outbreaks, citing the recent Mpox pandemic in Malawi as an example.

    Mrs. Dorothy Donata Moyo Kalata from the NPHL delivered a presentation detailing PHIM’s development, vision, and mission, as well as the current activities of the NPHL. She highlighted the NPHL’s comprehensive functions, asserting that Malawi will soon no longer need to send samples abroad for testing.

    Mr. J.B. Bango.
    Mrs. Dorothy Donata Moyo Kalata
    Dr. Godfrey Kadewere (centre)

    Remarks from MAMLS Leadership and Other Dignitaries
    Mr. Confidence Banda, President of MAMLS, echoed the sentiments of previous speakers, emphasizing the laboratory’s foundational role in various health pillars and its indispensable contribution to disease surveillance. He also acknowledged the presence of Professor Kondwani Jambo, the keynote speaker, as an inspiring example for the laboratory science community.

    Other notable attendees included Mr. Reuben Mwenda, former Deputy Director of Health Technical Services, and representatives from organizations supporting laboratory services in Malawi, such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Malawi University of Maryland School of Medicine – Ciheb, and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES).

    Mr Reuben Mwenda and Dr Godfrey Kadewere
    Professor Kondwani Jambo
    MAMLS president, Mr. Confidence Banda.

    Exhibitions and Networking
    The conference provided a dynamic environment for participants to interact and exchange ideas. Companies supplying laboratory products in Malawi also had the opportunity to exhibit their offerings, fostering connections within the industry.

    Special Thanks to:

    Mr. Happy Abraham Manda, Content Creator, NPHL

    Mr. Henry Stanley Limula, Content Reviewer, NPHL

    Mr. Settiel Kanyanda, Content Reviewer, PHIM

    Special recognition is given to the contributors whose efforts brought this content to fruition.
  • 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

    Special recognition is given to the contributors whose efforts brought this content to fruition.
  • Malawi Public Health Institute Conducts Monitoring Exercise for COVID-19 Response Project.

    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.