Strengthening Malawi’s health system: Priorities & innovations for 2025

Malawi is making significant strides to bolster its healthcare system by focusing on key areas such as workforce capacity, rural healthcare access, and digital health integration. The government is also working towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Samson Mndolo, Principal Secretary for Health in Malawi, elaborated on the country's efforts to enhance its healthcare system. Mndolo highlighted the importance of prevention over cure, emphasizing that it is more cost-effective and sustainable. He mentioned that primary healthcare and community health workers play a crucial role in Malawi's healthcare landscape, with the country having a robust system in place. The community health workers, who are government employees, are instrumental in disease surveillance, patient follow-up, and health education. Malawi's goal is to have one community health worker per 1,000 people, with a focus on gender equality by ensuring a substantial number of female health workers. Mndolo underscored the vital role of community health workers in disease prevention, stating that it is more economical to prevent diseases than to treat them. Despite facing challenges such as high vacancy rates in various healthcare professions, Malawi remains committed to strengthening its workforce across all cadres. The country is also dedicated to improving access to healthcare in rural areas by constructing 900 health posts to ensure that no individual has to travel more than five kilometers to reach a health facility. These health posts serve as bases for community health workers to conduct mobile clinics and provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities. In terms of digital solutions, Malawi is focusing on integrating various health information systems to enhance care delivery and efficiency. The country has developed specifications to ensure that digital applications align with the goal of interconnected healthcare systems. At the community level, Malawi has implemented an integrated community health information system, allowing community health workers to use tablets for streamlined data collection and decision-making processes. By leveraging digital solutions and prioritizing preventive measures, Malawi aims to build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system that caters to the needs of its population. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, capacity building, and technological innovation, Malawi is paving the way for a healthier future.