Malawi Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Healthcare at 2024 National Trauma Summit
Malawi’s Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP, has reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Malawians.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2024 National Trauma Summit at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, the Minister emphasized that delivering healthcare services remains a top priority under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera.
Hon. Chiponda underscored the importance of the Health Sector Strategic Plan III (2023–2030), which was developed to comprehensively reform the healthcare system, including the management of trauma cases:
“The Malawi Government is dedicated to safeguarding and providing quality healthcare services to every citizen. Our Health Sector Strategic Plan III outlines a roadmap to transform healthcare delivery, with a particular focus on trauma care,” she stated.
The Minister also mentioned recent efforts to tackle trauma-related injuries, such as the national Kabaza Safety Awareness Campaign, which was launched to address the growing number of accidents caused by Kabaza (motorbike taxi) riders. This campaign aims to raise public awareness about the dangers posed by reckless driving and improve community safety.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has recently recruited various cadres of healthcare workers, including those specializing in emergency and trauma care, to improve service delivery in health facilities across the country.
Maureen Sabawo, President of the Orthopedic Association of Malawi, commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership in addressing trauma-related issues and pledged continued collaboration with the government:
“We are committed to working closely with the Ministry to ensure that quality healthcare services are available to all Malawians, particularly in the area of trauma care,” said Sabawo.
Dr. Neema Kimambo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Malawi, also pledged ongoing support to the Ministry of Health. She noted that WHO has been actively involved in capacity-building exercises for emergency care and will continue to provide technical assistance:
“With support from WHO, the Ministry has conducted various emergency care training sessions, and we will sustain this effort to strengthen healthcare delivery in Malawi,” Dr. Kimambo remarked.
The two-day National Trauma Summit, running from 17th to 18th October, is themed “Strengthening a Collaborative Approach to Advancing Comprehensive Emergency and Injury Care in Malawi.” The summit brings together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving trauma and emergency care services across the country.
