Shortage of workforce, health facilities worry WHO

Malawi still has a long way to attain Universal Health Coverage and ensure citizens are enjoying their right to health, World Health Organization (WHO) observes.

WHO country representative to Malawi Neema Kimambo says currently, the health work force has a shortage of about 50 percent adding that 80 percent of Malawians cover over 10 kilometres to access a health facility.

She said this on Friday during the commemoration of World Health Day which is initially commemorated on April 7 but in Malawi was commemorated on April 12 in Lilongwe.

“Health is a fundamental right. Let us ensure that people have access to health and quality life. WHO recommends in terms of distance that people should have at least 5 kilometres to a health facility, but in Malawi, it is not like that.

There is also a big gap in human resource in the sector. So, all these issues need to be addressed,” said Kimambo.

She is however optimistic that the ministry of health will implement its ambitious Health Sector Strategic Plan by 2030 to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, deputy minister of health Halima Daudi says the government is already doing enough to address the problems.

“We are trying our best to address all these challenges observed by the WHO. Currently, we are constructing 900 health posts to bridge the gap,” she said.

This year’s World Health Day has been commemorated under the theme “My Health My Right,” and in Malawi the event started with a 3-kilometer health walk.