Malawi: Government of Malawi has announced that they are dedicated to improving the health system of he country. The Ministries and healthcare stakeholders are relentless in pursuing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
They are working towards this mandate by constructing health facilities national wide by 2030 among others. Chief of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, responsible for reforms, Samson Mndolo made this announcement on Thursday.
At the time, he was attending the commemoration of 2024 Universal Health Coverage Day at Ligowe community ground. The event was organized under the theme, Health: Its on the Government.
He said government plans to construct over 900 health posts nationwide by 2030. This will ensure that every Malawian has access to a health facility within five kilometer 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 organisations 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 Malawis progress toward meeting Abuja Declaration on Healths target of allocating 15 per cent of national budgets to health.
“Malawis 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 Unions Abuja Declaration of 2001.
UHC2030 was established in 2016 and ever since, the initiative has been instrumental in supporting global efforts to promote universal health coverage. The initiative entails working collaboratively with multilateral organizations, civil society, academia and governments worldwide.