Tag: PHIM National Event

  • NAPHS Development, 2025.

    NAPHS Development, 2025.

    NAPHS 2025.

    Lilongwe, Malawi – May 28th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration withGrace Choo and Settie Kanyanda.

    On 26th May, a crucial workshop kicked off in Mponera, Dowa district, marking a significant step forward in Malawi’s health security. The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), with support from the World Bank and the Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Program (TDDAP), hosted a fundamental workshop focused on developing the nation’s National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).

    A Unified Approach to Public Health, The NAPHS is a strategic framework that ensures a unified and comprehensive approach to public health, directly aligning with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This current workshop built upon insights gained from a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) conducted in December 2024, which assessed Malawi’s health security across 19 technical areas, including prevention, detection, response, and other hazard management. Dr. Wilfred Chalamira on behalf of the Director for PHIM welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of the event as it will have overall impact of the nations health.

    Multi-Sectoral Collaboration for “One Health”
    A diverse group of representatives from key government ministries and departments participated in the four-day orientation. Officials from the Ministries of Justice, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Treasury, and the Malawi Police Service, among others, highlighted the essential multisectoral nature of health security. This wide-ranging engagement directly addresses the identified need to strengthen coordination structures across different sectors at national and sub-national levels to implement a “One Health” framework.

    Deep Dive into Health Security
    On the first day, participants were introduced to the NAPHS processes, tools, and overall context. Dr. Gertrude Chapotera from WHO provided an introduction to the NAPHS, while Dr. Herbert Bakiika from the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Uganda, demonstrated the application of NAPHS development templates. The afternoon was dedicated to the critical task of selecting and identifying priority activities, informed by various assessment reports, including the JEE and COVID-19 reports.
    The JEE from December 2024 praised Malawi’s strengths, such as the establishment of PHIM and the operationalization of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs). Strong capacities in disease surveillance, laboratory services, and multi-sectoral collaboration were also noted. However, the JEE also pinpointed critical areas needing immediate attention, including strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring sustainable financing, and expanding training and capacity-building. This workshop directly aimed to address the recommendation to develop a costed NAPHS to outline national IHR gaps and priorities and facilitate resource mobilization.

    Addressing Climate Change and Prioritizing Actions
    The second day saw participants continue to identify and prioritize activities based on comprehensive assessment reports. A significant session integrated Climate Change and Health into the National Action Plan for Health Security, led by Halcycon from Uganda. This integration acknowledges Malawi’s high vulnerability to climate threats, being ranked 5th on the Global Climate Risk Index (2021) and having faced numerous climate-related disasters in recent years. The majority of the day was spent in group work, prioritizing NAPHS activities by technical area, taking into account recommendations from the JEE. For instance, the need to develop and implement a national multi-sectoral strategic plan for Points of Entry (PoEs) was discussed, and efforts to fast-track the enactment of the Public Health Act were highlighted as crucial for strengthening legal instruments.

    Synergies, Coordination, and Costing
    The third day was primarily dedicated to extensive group work, where participants aligned priority actions to identify synergies, prevent duplication, and efficiently compile detailed NAPHS activities. This is especially relevant given the JEE’s findings on fragmented legal instruments for biosafety and biosecurity and the need for a consolidated inventory of high-consequence pathogens. Strengthening multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms was identified as a key priority to promote effective collaboration across different sectors, including developing and formalizing a One Health platform structure.

    On the final day, participants compiled detailed cost assumptions per technical area for each detailed NAPHS activity. The workshop officially concluded with the submission of completed NAPHS templates to the NAPHS Secretariat. This directly addresses the urgent need for a costed NAPHS to facilitate resource mobilization and ensure various sectors mainstream and leverage their resources to address identified gaps. Looking ahead, strategic actions for “Legal Instruments” include engagement meetings with stakeholders and lobbying parliamentary committees for the enactment of the Public Health Act. Further plans include conducting Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Vaccination & Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) trainings, extending training for early warning surveillance functions, and increasing national coverage for electronic laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

    Efforts in Biosafety and Biosecurity will focus on consolidating the inventory of high-consequence pathogens and finalizing legal frameworks, ultimately aiming to strengthen the linkage between public health and security authorities for a rapid multisectoral response to suspected or confirmed biological, chemical, or radiological events.

  • 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.

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

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

    DISTRICT PHEOC TRAINING

    Dowa, Malawi – April 7th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Ella Chamanga, Shaibu Safali, James Jere and Settie Kanyanda.

    With significant efforts to enhance the nation’s preparedness and response framework through rolling out comprehensive Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) training targeted at district level public health officials, the Public Health Instittute of Malawi (PHIM) with funding from the World Bank has rolled out the first district training sessions.

    This crucial initiative stems from the recently rolled out National-PHEOC Training of Trainers (ToT) conducted weeks ago fulfilling the PHIM’s core mandate, to effectively prepare for, prevent, detect, respond to, and mitigate public health emergencies (PHEs) and threats across all levels of the Malawian health system, now focusing on district level. The training program has been designed to strengthen coordination and operational efficiency within the multi-sectoral multi-disciplinary response architecture managed by the PHEOC.

    In an era where public health threats, from infectious disease outbreaks like Cholera, Mpox and Measles arising from potential impacts of climate change, demand robust and rapid responses, the presence of highly skilled Health Care Workers (HCWs) at the district level is paramount. All twenty nine districts often represent the front lines of public health surveillance and initial response. Therefore, according to this critical need, PHIM has launched the first phase of this districts-focused training program, initially encompassing officers from seven key districts: Lilongwe, Dedza, Salima, Karonga, Nkhotakota, Balaka, and Phalombe.

    Group work during training session in Mponela.

    The District-PHEOC serves as the central nervous system for coordinating all activities during a public health emergency within the district. It functions as a hub for information gathering and analysis, resource mobilization and allocation, strategic decision-making, and communication among various responding agencies supporting the district, including government MDAs, NGOs, and international partners.

    By equipping district officers who are often the first responders and key data sources with indepth knowledge of PHEOC protocols, Incident Management Systems (IMS), risk communication strategies, and data reporting mechanisms, PHIM aims to significantly improve interagency synergy and streamline communication channels, clearer roles and responsibilities, and ultimately, a more timely, coherent, and effective response to diverse public health threats, ranging from disease outbreaks to natural disasters with health consequences.
    Dr. Mike Chisema, EPI Manager.
    Dr. Chitsa Banda, Deputy Director Rensiponsible for Research Division.

    dr. Mike chisema and dr. chitsa Banda lecturing.

    Participants in the training include District Environmental Health Officers, Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), DODMA officers, clinicians, and other key personnel involved in public health surveillance and response. The curriculum covers essential modules on the PHEOC structure and functions, roles within an Incident Management System, emergency coordination principles, information management, and effective communication during crises.

    Dr. Annie Chauma Mwale-PHIM, led the team of facilitators.

    This training represents a vital investment in our human resources available at the district, stated Dr. Annie Chauma Mwale – PHIM. She said “Empowering our district teams with standardized PHEOC operational skills is fundamental to building a truly resilient national public health system. When the districts are strong and coordinated, the entire national response mechanism functions more effectively, safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation.”

    PHIM plans to extend this vital training to cover all districts in subsequent phases, ensuring nationwide competency in PHEOC operations. This first phase of District – PHEOC training portrays PHIM’s unwavering commitment to proactively strengthening Malawi’s health security architecture. The skills and knowledge imparted during these sessions are expected to be instrumental in ensuring a more coordinated, rapid, and impactful response to any future public health challenges the nation may face.