Government reaffirms commitment to strengthening Malawi's health system

Neno, December 13, Mana: Government has reiterated its dedication to improving the health system to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by constructing health facilities national wide by 2030 among others.

Chief of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, responsible for reforms, Samson Mndolo, said this Thursday at Ligowe community ground during commemoration of 2024 Universal Health Coverage Day held under the theme, Health: It’s on the Government.

He said government plans to construct over 900 health posts nationwide by 2030 to ensure every Malawian has access to a health facility within five kilometers radius.

“Government has developed standards and guidelines in accordance with international benchmarks as we move toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. We are ensuring these are implemented effectively to provide quality health care to communities.,” said Mndolo.

The Chief of Health Services added that there was need to partner with organizations such as Global Fund and Partners in Health, while urging communities to actively monitor these initiatives for accountability.

He added that government was committed to work in line with World Health Organization (WHO) s six building blocks for health, including human resource, infrastructure and service delivery.

“To ensure sufficient human resource, the government has recruited a significant number of nurses, doctors, and community health workers. This is critical for providing services efficiently and meeting international standards,” Mndolo said.

Chairperson of the Universal Health Coverage Coalition in Malawi, George Jobe, commended government for recruiting healthcare workers, constructing medical facilities and acquiring advanced medical equipment such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.

“We have witnessed significant progress, but challenges remain including shortages of drugs, inadequate health workers, and limited access to health facilities,” Jobe said.

He also said there was need for good investment in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are becoming more prevalent.

WHO Country Representative in Malawi, Dr. Kibambo Neema, acknowledged progress under Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan III (2023–2030) which aims at improving health outcomes, enhance client satisfaction and reduce financial hardships among Malawians in accessing medical care.

“Universal Health Coverage ensures all people can access quality health services without financial hardship. This is essential for economic productivity, social cohesion, and resilience,” added Neema

Parliamentary Health Committee, Vice Chairperson, Eurita Mtiza Valera, lauded Malawi’s progress toward meeting Abuja Declaration on Health's target of allocating 15 per cent of national budgets to health.

“Malawi’s health sector allocations are currently at 12 per cent which is commendable compared to many African countries still allocating as little as 6 per cent,” said Valera observing that the parliamentary health committee continues to advocate for full adherence to the African Union’s Abuja Declaration of 2001.

Since its establishment in 2016, the UHC2030 initiative has been instrumental in supporting global efforts to promote universal health coverage, working collaboratively with multilateral organizations, civil society, academia and governments worldwide.