Tag: Research

PHIM and WHO Strengthen National One Health Observatory for Enhanced Public Health Monitoring.

One Health Observatory Worksop.
Salima, Malawi June-2025..
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Dr. Bernard Mvula, Hamdan Saidi and Settie Kanyanda.

PHIM has conducted its National One Health Observatory (NOHO) Workshop, a significant step towards strengthened its public health infrastructure.This workshop held at Sigelege, Salima, that brought together approx 72 officers across different directorates and programs including Interagency coordination office situated under the Office of the President and Cabinet, and was technically and financially supported by WHO.

The NOHO integrates data from key sectors including health, agriculture, water, and the environment. This multi-sectoral approach aligns with the national One Health strategy, aiming to improve evidence-based decision-making, as indicated by a 2019 study by Vesterinen Id et al.

Key objectives included strengthening capacity for generating actionable knowledge products (e.g., policy briefs, infographics, blogs), validating national indicator data, identifying gaps, proposing new indicators, and fostering collaboration in data governance and dissemination. A national roadmap for sustained observatory use was
also developed. The NOHO holds significant implications for Malawi as it is expected to increase the country’s global visibility through centralized, quality data for policymaking.

Furthermore, it will facilitate indicator harmonization, reinforce multisectoral collaboration via the One Health Approach, and improve data quality and dissemination. This initiative also aligns Malawi’s systems with the WHO-supported African Health Observatory framework, enabling effective tracking of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) progress.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu Bango, Deputy Director rensiponsible for PHL, PHIM emphasized “This initiative is set to transform how Malawi gathers, analyzes, and utilizes health-related data, leading to more informed policy decisions and a healthier future for its citizens.”

June 28, 2025
PHIM Gears Up for Inaugural National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference.

FIRST RDC PREPARATORY MEETING.
Lilongwe, Malawi – May 22, 2025.
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Dr. Bernard Mvula , Mr. Hamdan Saidi and Settie Kanyanda.

The Research Division of the Public Health Institute of Malawi is set to host its first-ever National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference (RDC) in October 2025, a landmark event aimed at showcasing health research findings, fostering collaboration, and promoting the practical application of knowledge to inform policy and practice.

The conference is a collaborative effort between the Research Division of the Ministry of Health – Public Health Institute of Malawi (MoH-PHIM) and the Clinical Research Education and Management Services (CREAMS), Malawi. The primary objective is to maximize the impact of health research within the nation.

The National RDC is anticipated to convene a broad and influential spectrum of stakeholders. This includes representatives from diverse local and international organizations, key industries, government ministries, esteemed academic and non-academic institutions, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) Malawi and the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST).

WHO, CREAMS and MoH-Research officers present

WHO, CREAMS and MoH-Research officers present

Recognizing the substantial audience expected, the Coordinating Task Force has methodically developed a range of sponsorship packages to facilitate robust resource mobilization for the conference’s comprehensive activities.

As such, organizations and individuals are invited to support the conference through monetary contributions, provision of technical members for sub-committees, or other forms of resource assistance. Sponsorship packages, ranging from Bronze to Platinum, offer a variety of benefits, including prominent branding, speaking opportunities, complimentary attendance, and the chance to host workshops or roundtables.

PLATNUM

Platinum Sponsors will receive a 10-minute promotional speaking slot before a keynote speaker, plus a 30-minute workshop or roundtable slot on a conference-relevant topic. (N.B prices may be revised).

GOLD

Gold Sponsors will have a 10-minute promotional speaking slot before a parallel session and an individual 15-minute presentation slot in a concurrent session.(N.B prices may be revised).

SILVER

Silver Sponsors are offered a 10-minute promotional speaking slot before a parallel session or an individual 15-minute presentation in a concurrent session. (N.B prices may be revised).

DR. EVELY CHITSA BANDA

Dr. Evelyn Chitsa Banda, the esteemed Guest of Honor, encouraged participants to engage in thorough brainstorming and capitalize on all available opportunities. She concluded the event by expressing her gratitude for the dynamic participation, stating, “Your collective efforts and innovative thinking here today are vital steps that will undeniably put Malawi on the map and secure the well-being of our beloved nation.”

For further information regarding sponsorship or participation, interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Bernard Mvula at +265999877398 / bernardmvula@yahoo.com or Dr. Adriano F. Lubanga at +265992744497 / adriano.lubanga@creamsmw.com.

May 23, 2025
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.

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

March 27, 2025