Malawi strengthens collaborative efforts to enhance emergency and injury care

The Ministry of Health is committed to developing an Emergency and Injury Policy to improve collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing challenges in trauma and emergency care across Malawi.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda highlighted this during the 2024 National Trauma Summit held in Lilongwe on Thursday, organized by the Malawi Orthopaedic Association. She stressed the need for collective efforts to enhance pre-hospital trauma care, improve healthcare infrastructure, and strengthen rehabilitation services for individuals affected by trauma.

With the rise in road traffic accidents, especially motorcycle-related incidents, Chiponda emphasized the importance of immediate action to improve road safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. She pointed out the ministry’s recent support for the Kabaza Safety Awareness Campaign, aimed at raising awareness of trauma risks in communities.

Chiponda also acknowledged the challenges posed by the shortage of medical specialists and diagnostic equipment, underscoring the need to enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure and workforce. She noted the ministry’s efforts over the past year, including the recruitment and promotion of healthcare workers in emergency and trauma care, to improve service delivery.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Neema Kimambo praised the government and its partners for investing in emergency medical services and the Lilongwe Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (LION) Hospital, which are crucial in advancing trauma care. Kimambo highlighted that Malawi, with its high rate of road traffic accidents, faces significant challenges due to its underdeveloped emergency response systems.

Maureen Sabawo, President of the Malawi Orthopaedic Association, noted that trauma remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country, with road accidents and workplace injuries being major contributors. She emphasized that the summit offers a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on actionable strategies to improve trauma and emergency care.

The two-day summit is being held under the theme “Strengthening a Collaborative Approach to Advancing Comprehensive Emergency and Injury Care in Malawi.”

Source: Malawi Government Facebook Page