PIH Launches Health Systems Strengthening Project for NCDs in Malawi
Partners In Health (PIH) is set to implement a two-year project titled “Health Systems Strengthening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Malawi”, building on the existing WHO-PEN (Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Interventions) program under the Ministry of Health.
Funded by Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, the project aims to create sustainable impact by improving access to care for patients with NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and selected cancers.
The initiative will be rolled out in the districts of Lilongwe, Dowa, and Mchinji, focusing on innovative community awareness campaigns, case-finding initiatives, healthcare worker capacity building, and defaulter tracing.
Presenting the project to the Dowa District Executive Committee (DEC), Noel Kasomekera, PIH’s Technical Assistant for NCDs and Mental Health, said the project will enhance access to care for NCD patients in all three districts.
Kasomekera explained that the project will incorporate robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track implementation outcomes and will use local radio stations to support community-based advocacy and information dissemination.
He further noted that the initiative will develop and implement a sustainability plan centered on advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and the dissemination of project results. Sanofi’s financial contribution will be acknowledged in all external communications related to the project.
Key priority areas will include stakeholder engagement at the national level, strengthening the health workforce’s capacity, improving client identification and referral systems for NCDs and cancer, and enhancing service delivery through better access to medications.
“In terms of budget allocation,” said Kasomekera, “there will be funding for support group advocacy, training of clinicians and nurses in NCD and cancer care, community training in early detection, and support for health facilities to deliver NCD and cancer services.”
In her remarks, Mercy Mpakule, Director of Planning and Development at Dowa District Council, urged all health sector stakeholders to collaborate closely with PIH/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo to ensure the project achieves its intended impact.
With a total budget of K156 million, the project will allocate K52 million to Dowa District. PIH/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo will promote local ownership by providing financial support, technical expertise, and alignment with donor requirements and project deliverables.
