By Chrissie Mainjeni, Chiradzulu
Health authorities in Chradzulu say community dialogue platforms are contributing to improved service provision in public health facilities in the district.
Environmental Health Officer at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Chipiliro Elliott, said the engagements have empowered young women to demand transparency and accountability from duty bearers on issues affecting health service delivery.
Elliott was speaking in reference to Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (CAVWOC)’s Local Rights Programme (LRP), a project aimed at promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the district.
He acknowledged that during the first dialogue meeting held in November 2024, people raised several concerns, such as poor attitude by some health workers, lack of drugs and absence of a suggestion box at health centres.
However, he said a follow-up meeting convened two weeks ago showed progress.
“As service providers, we need such forums because they provide checks and balances which we might tend to overlook,” he said. “A healthy relationship is crucial in delivering health services.”
CAVWOC Programme Coordinator, Virginia Lozo Nyirenda, told MBC Digital that in previous years the relationship between health workers and service users had been strained, largely due to complaints of poor attitudes, drug shortages, and lack of medical supplies.
Nyirenda said young women are now able to demand availability, accessibility, quality and inclusiveness of the services.
“Empowering women and girls who are primary users of health services like Sexual Reproductive Health helps to expose gaps like stigma, discrimination and neglect that demand attention,” she said.
Chairperson of Kadewere Women Forum, Mumderanji Chanunkha, who is participating in the project, said conditions at Ndunde Health Centre have improved.
She recalled that in the past, health workers at the hospital reported late for duty and delayed treatment for emergency cases, and women giving birth sometimes failed to receive timely anaesthesia when stitching was required.
With funding from Action Aid Malawi, CAVWOC is implementing the project to create safe platforms for women, young women and girls to voice their concerns on health service delivery.
Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 calls for Universal Health Coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and vaccines for all.
