Health ministry committs to develop the Emergency and Injury Policy

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has said the ministry is committed in developing the Emergency and Injury Policy, which will help in fostering stakeholder collaboration to address emergency and injury care challenges in Malawi.

She made the remarks in Lilongwe on Thursday, when she presided over the 2024 National Trauma Summit organised by the Malawi Orthopedic Association.

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The Minister stated that emergency and trauma services in the country, require collective action to improve pre and hospital-based trauma care, infrastructure enhancements and rehabilitation services to help those affected reclaim their lives.

“The recent surge in road traffic accidents, particularly motorcycle-related accidents, underscores the need for immediate response focusing on enhancing road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists who rely on our road networks on daily basis.

My ministry recently supported the Kabaza Safety Awareness Campaign as an initiative that sensitised the community on the burden of trauma,” she said

Chiponda stated that the challenges in addressing injuries, including the shortage of specialist and diagnostic equipment in the country, underline the urgency of strengthening medical infrastructure, and the health workforce.

“In the last twelve months, my ministry has recruited and promoted different cadres of health workers including those working in emergency and trauma sections to improve service delivery,” she added

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative Dr Neema Kimambo applauded the efforts by the Malawi Government and its partners’ investments in the Emergency Medical Services and the Lilongwe Institute for Orthopedics and Neurosurgery (LION) Hospital towards improvements in care provision to trauma victims.

“Malawi is a prime example of this precarious situation, showing both high numbers of annual Road Traffic Crashes, and a sub-optimal emergency response system, including pre-hospital care,” she said

Malawi Orthopedic Association President Maureen Sabawo said trauma remains a leading cause of death and disability in Malawi, with road traffic accidents, workplace injuries and motor cycle accidents being major contributors.

She said the Summit serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration to develop actionable strategies to improve trauma and emergency care in Malawi.

The two-day National Trauma Summit 2024 is being held under the theme “Strengthening a collaborative approach to advancing comprehensive emergency and injury care in Malawi.