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

    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.”

  •  PHIM Gears Up for Inaugural National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference.

     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.

  • 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