Speaking on behalf of Malawi Government, Minister of Health Dr Peter Kumpalume who was the Guest of Honour during the celebrations said government and PIH partnership has borne many fruits that are there for everyone to see. He said PIH has positively changed the face of Neno. The Minister therefore appealed to people of Neno to take full advantage of the resources provided by PIH that are available to them.

“Government notes the massive health infrastructural developments that have taken place through this partnership over the last 10 years. These among others are the complete and now accredited district hospital. Over the years our other health facilities have received and continue to receive significant face-lifts and renovations,” said Kumpalume adding that PIH has also created jobs for many Malawians.

The Minister further acknowledged various programs that are being implemented by PIH in Neno one of which is HIV/AIDS care. On this, Kumpalume said 10 years ago few people could have the access to medications and care that they needed.

“People in Neno have received attention, not just for their suffering from diseases but also for their nutritional and social economic needs including housing, education and capacity building so that they can improve their livelihoods,” he added acknowledging the academic work the organization is doing with College of Medicine as well as other international academic and research institutions in the health sector.

Taking his turn, PIH Executive Director Dr Luckson Dullie said the organization's mission is to make a preferential option for the poor in health care. He said the organization strives towards delivery as well as improvement of health care and the lessening of risks for ill health through efforts to promoting the right not only to health care but also other basic services.

“As the work is far from being called over, we look forward to continued partnership and collaborative investments in health care that will translate into better health for our communities in a way that is efficient and provides adequate financial risk protection. At Partners In Health we say: we go, we make house calls, we build health systems, we stay,” said Dullie.

Partners in Health – PIH is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. The organization headquarters is in Boston, United States of America.

Apart from Malawi, Partners In Health currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation.

The organization has been working in Neno district since 2007 known locally as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo.

The celebrations were held under the theme Celebrating 10 years of Health Accompaniment and Solidarity.