By George Mkandawire
Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to construct an operating theatre at Mapale Urban Health Centre, a facility currently functioning more like a community hospital due to high demand.
Mapale Urban Health Centre, which is under the Mzimba North District Health Office, serves part of a population of nearly 600,000 people, yet it has no operating theatre and relies heavily on referrals using its only three functional ambulances.
Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr Wamaka Msopole, noted that the absence of a theatre continues to compromise timely access to surgical care for residents of Mzuzu and surrounding areas.
Minister of Health, Madalitso Baloyi, said the government recognises these challenges and will prioritise the construction of an operating theatre at Mapale.
She then commended partners like the Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organisations (MANASO) for stepping in with support, including the recently procured ambulance for the district.
Baloyi said strengthening facilities like Mapale is essential for reducing congestion at Mzuzu Central Hospital and improving health outcomes for communities in the northern region.
Meanwhile, MANASO has transitioned its Liu Lathu project to the Ministry of Health, which was helping the fight against HIV, TB and malaria in some selected districts.
Speaking at the Handover, UNAIDS Country Director, Dr David Chipanta, called for sustained community participation even after the project phases out.
The project has supported community groups, strengthened treatment literacy and helped people living with HIV come together to express real issues affecting them.
According to MANASO representative Yon Antonio, Liu Lathu’s project has been crucial in elevating community voices.
During the ceremony, the Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organisations (MANASO) procured and handed over an ambulance to ease referral challenges. MANASO also donated 60 pushbikes to community structures to improve outreach activities.
