Tag: WHO

  •  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

    Special recognition is given to the contributors whose efforts brought this content to fruition.
  • Mpox Situation in Malawi

    Mpox Situation in Malawi

    MPOX – Malawi Situation.

    National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Lilongwe, Malawi – May 17th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Grace Funsani, Noel Khunga, Chriswell Nkoloma and Settie Kanyanda.

    Malawi has confirmed two new Mpox cases on May 29, 2025, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 17 since the initial declaration on April 17, 2025. Both new cases are from Lilongwe district: a 21-year-old male from Area 23, Traditional Authority (TA) Tsabango, and a 44-year-old male from Area 25A, TA Chitukula.

    Both individuals presented at Bwaila Hospital on May 28, 2025, with symptoms including fever and skin rash. No underlying conditions were reported for either case. Samples were collected on the same day and tested positive for Mpox in the laboratory. The 21-year-old is a student, while the 44-year-old is a driver. Neither case has a history of international travel

    The Lilongwe district Rapid Response Team (DRRT) has collected samples, and the confirmed cases are currently on home isolation. The DRRT also plans to conduct contact tracing and further investigations to establish the possible source of infection. These new cases add to the 12 previously confirmed infections. As it was of May 27, 2025, six of the earlier confirmed cases had recovered and been discharged. The confirmed cases are predominantly male and range in age from 2 to 41 years. Lilongwe accounts for the majority of cases, with single cases in Mangochi and Ntcheu districts.

    “The first case was recorded in Lilongwe district on April 16, 2025. Later additional cases were registered.  All the cases are males within the age range of 2 to 38 years: a 30-year-old from Phwetekere- Area 36, a 33-year-old from Kawale 2, 38 year-old from Chilinde, a 35 year-old from Area 36, Kandikole, an 18 year-old from Area 36, Tumbwe, Traditional Authority (TA) Tsabango, Lilongwe district, and a two year-old child from Michesi 1 village, TA Mponda, Mangochi district.Three cases from Lilongwe have recovered and have been discharged from clinical care, while the other three are still under clinical care . No death has been reported.”

    Grace Fusani – Mpox Incident Manager, PHIM.

    What response activities have so far been undertaken ?

    Cases
    Malawi Mpox Outbreak

    PHIM has activated its Incident Management System (IMS) for Mpox and is working with various sectors, including animal health, civic education, and disaster management, using One Health Approach

    Mpox Suspect in Lilongwe

    1. Surveillance.

    Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to conduct contact tracing and investigate cases. Surveillance systems have been enhanced at the community level, health facilities, and points of entry (PoEs).

    The district team are being trained on Mpox through a collaborative effort involving Amref Health Africa, the US CDC, and the World Bank, which have provided the necessary resources. Initial training, supported by Amref Health Africa, has been conducted in the Chitipa and Karonga districts. This district level training will be extended to all districts to ensure comprehensive staff preparedness covering critical areas such as Mpox Etiology and Virology, Transmission Pathways, Prevention and Control Measures, and Clinical Management etc.

    Chitipa -Mpox District Training 7/May/2025.

    2. Case Management.

    Case management guidelines have been developed and distributed, and isolation facilities have been identified.

    Kamuzu Central Hospital – Toilets Supported by Amref
    Kamuzu Central Hospital – Isolation Unit Supported by WHO
    Kamuzu Central Hospital – Toilets Supported by Amref

    3. Labolatory.

    Samples from suspected cases are being tested using PCR, and genomic sequencing of the Mpox virus is underway.

    Mpox sample testing in the national laboratory

    Essential medicines and PPEs have been distributed to districts and Messages about Mpox prevention are being disseminated in local languages through various channels, including posters, social media, leaflets, and audio recordings. PHIM is working to address these challenges and will continue to provide updates on the situation.