Government has re-emphasised its dedication towards sustaining the gains made in the health sector by implementing strategic measures that promote effective financing.
Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Responsible for Reforms, Dr Martias Joshua, said this during the National Dialogue on Malawi Health Response held on Thursday in Lilongwe.
He stressed the importance of encouraging society to contribute to healthcare through health insurance, as part of the viable and timely ways that will help sustain the progress made.
“We have started with the employees in the civil service, parastatals and other private institutions. As we move forward, we will be engaging the informal sector to be on health insurance,” said Dr. Joshua.
Additionally, Dr Joshua said it is high time society starts thinking of prioritising health through health insurance, just like they do with other properties.
“Malawi has made significant progress in the health sector over the years, with support from the government, non-governmental organisations and development partners, which should be maintained,” he added.
Chairperson of the Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organisations (MANASO), Maziko Matemba, said the purpose of the dialogue was to bring together stakeholders in the health sector to discuss ways to sustain the achievements made thus far in healthcare.
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Councillor, Byson Mkhomaanthu, said they are committed to helping the government in maintaining the gains through innovative contributions that align with the government’s goals.
While acknowledging the progress, United Nations AIDS Country Director, David Chipanta, underscored the importance of strengthening community-led solutions and the need to create enough space for community organisations to function as part of sustaining the progress.
By Catherine Banda, Lilongwe
