The Ministry of Health has hailed the graduation of Malawi’s first cohort of Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) trained under a one-year certificate programme in community health. Speaking at the graduation of the HSAs, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, described the event as a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in rural areas.
“We are delighted to witness the fruits of this initiative. These HSAs now possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality healthcare services within their communities,” said Daud.
“There is still much work to be done, as many HSAs remain untrained. However, this programme sets a strong foundation for achieving universal healthcare coverage,” added Daud.
She also outlined the government’s progress in enhancing healthcare infrastructure saying, “Our target is to construct 900 health posts to bring services closer to rural communities. Thus far, 35 have been completed, and we are committed to accelerating this effort. These facilities will address the challenges faced by many Malawians who must travel long distances to access healthcare, in line with the President’s vision for accessible healthcare.”
In his remarks, Director of Regulatory Enforcement at the Medical Council of Malawi, Richard Ndovie, commended the initiative for strengthening healthcare regulation.
“This programme enables us to effectively monitor and regulate the work of HSAs, ensuring they adhere to professional standards and provide quality care,” said Ndovie.
“Previously, we faced challenges in addressing public complaints about unregistered practitioners. With this framework, we can enforce accountability and professionalism, ensuring that HSAs operate within their scope of practice,” Ndovie emphasised.
He further stressed the importance of fostering a stronger relationship between practitioners and regulators.
“This approach not only benefits employers but also enhances patient safety and care quality across the healthcare system,” he added.
Commenting on the sidelines of the graduation, Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu, Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Malawi, expressed excitement at the programme’s achievements and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting community healthcare initiatives.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of this first cohort. HSAs are the frontline of healthcare system in rural areas, often seen as the ‘doctor’ by local communities. This programme equips them to respond effectively to community health needs,” said Nyasulu.
He highlighted the support provided by Amref Health Africa and its partners, including a donation of 120 bicycles to enhance HSA mobility.
“Our partners at Global Bicycles have donated 100 bicycles, while Amref has done 20. These will ensure HSAs reach even the most remote areas. We will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to train more HSAs and explore further educational opportunities for them,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Health, the graduation of the HSAs underscores a collective commitment to improving healthcare access and equity in Malawi, with government and partners working together to deliver on the promise of better health services for all.
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