Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, has called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to invest in local health professionals, strengthening community resilience and ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer to achieve the long term goals outlined in Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III).
Daud was speaking in Blantyre on Thursday during a three-day sectoral workshop for NGOs organised by NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) in collaboration with Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi and the Ministry of Gender.
“As we gather under the theme: “Strengthening partnership and capacity in the NGO sector, it is important that we reflect on how to deepen our collaboration and ensure that our actions are aligned with the aspirations of HSSP III,” she said.
Daud said the HSSP III represents the shared vision for transforming Malawis health system and outlines several key aspirations including achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by ensuring that every Malawian regardless of their status has access to basic package of health services.
She added that the ministry strives at improving the quality of health by strengthening human resources, upgrading infrastructure and leveraging technology for more efficient service delivery, enhancing equity and inclusivity by addressing inequalities especially for women, children and underserved populations.
Daud observed that NGOs play a pivotal role in supporting aspirations of the health sector by aligning with national priorities and strategic objectives, building capacity and strengthening health systems and enhancing partnership and collaboration.
“While each NGO may have unique areas of focus, it is critical that your programmes align with national priorities. HSSP III provides a clear roadmap for addressing health challenges in Malawi. By harmonizing your work with this plan, will ensure that all partners, public and private pull in the same direction,” she said.
Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network, George Jobe, was grateful for the engagement with NGORA saying it would help in outlining some of the health issues ahead of the commemoration of NGO Day slated for October 16.
“There are many NGOs in Malawi and people do not know what these NGOs do on the ground. We want people to understand activities of these organisations,” Jobe said.
He added that the workshops provide a platform to discuss critical health issues and solutions to some challenges facing the sector.
“We are also suggesting solutions to improve delivery of health services in the country. We will also come up with a way forward on what NGOs can do to work in close collaboration with the government,” he said.
