Success Stories

Human Resources

• The number of graduates from university medical faculties trebled between 2002 and 2008.
• There were 17% more appointments to the public service in 2008 than in the previous year.

Service Delivery

• 66 Service Level Agreements have been created to date, delivering Mother and Child Health care free of charge. Consequently skilled birth attendance rate rose to 52 % in 2009.
• With 1.2 million insecticide treated bed nets (ITBNs) distributed in 2008, 54.3 % of pregnant women and 43.8% of under five children are sleeping under ITBNs. Malaria attacks have decreased among the under fives to 27.9%, and among pregnant women to 3.5%.
• Financial contributions support the extension and rehabilitation of hospitals, e.g. Zomba Central Hospital, the construction of under five clinics, and the purchase of technical equipment for hospitals.

Health Systems Strengthening

• The TWG on Hospital Reform is tackling urgently needed reforms for hospital care of the seriously ill.
• The five Zonal Health Support Offices enhance quality assurance in district health institutions and help to close the gap between ministry and districts.