Japanese Embassy donates portable X-ray machine to Neno DHO

Neno, December 5, Mana: Japanese Embassy in collaboration with Partners in Health (PIH) also known locally as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo has donated a portable digital X-ray machine to Neno District Health Office (DHO) with the aim of improving tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis services to the communities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday at the DHO’s office, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s medical sector as well as other critical areas such as education, agriculture and infrastructure.

“This instrument manufactured by the Japanese Company, FUJI FILM is of guaranteed quality. However, it is crucial that the hospital staff conduct proper maintenance to ensure the machine’s longevity,” Oya said.

The donation was made possible through a US$72,000 (approximately MK120 million) grant from the Japanese Embassy under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

Partners in Health and Neno District Council through the DHO secured the funding to enhance TB screening services both at health facility level and within communities.

PIH Executive Director, Basimenye Nhlema expressed gratitude to the Japanese Embassy and FUJI FILM for the timely support, noting that the machine will revolutionize TB diagnosis and treatment in the district.

“This innovative equipment strengthens our diagnostic capacity, not just for TB but also for respiratory and cardiac conditions both in outpatient settings and mobile Integrated Chronic Care Clinics,” Nhlema said.

Nhlema added that decentralizing TB diagnosis to the community level will bridge gaps in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for drug-resistant strains.

However, Nhlema observed that the digital and computer-aided functionalities of the machine align with Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan III, which emphasizes patient-centered care.

She, therefore, pledged to maintain the equipment and explore further partnerships to address healthcare infrastructure challenges, including providing nutritional support to TB patients.

“This portable X-ray machine brings TB screening services closer to the community, significantly reducing travel distances to district hospitals and it will improve early detection and treatment rates in Neno District, contributing to Malawi’s goal of eliminating TB by 2030 as outlined in the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme Strategy,” she said.

District Commissioner for Neno, Rosemary Nawasha said the machine would reduce travel distances and minimize the hardship faced by communities navigating the district challenging terrain.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan and PIH for their unwavering support as this machine will enable our hospital provide swift and accurate TB screening, ensuring timely treatment for our communities,” Nawasha said.

Nawasha, however, appealed to people in the district to embrace the equipment and spread awareness about TB. She also urged continued collaboration to enhance health outcomes, particularly in TB services.

The grant was awarded on February 29, 2024 during a signing ceremony at the Embassy’s offices in Lilongwe, attended by PIH and Neno District Council officials, including the District Commissioner and the District Health Support (DHS) leadership.

The portable X-ray machine, procured from FUJI FILM South Africa was accompanied by technical training for healthcare personnel conducted in October at Lisungwi Community Hospital. The training attracted participants from the Ministry of Health and PIH to ensure proper utilization of the machine.