Health Ministry Unveils Multi-Hazard Public Health Strategy
The multi-hazard strategy aims to proactively manage public health challenges in a region increasingly vulnerable to health and environmental risks.
SALIMA, Malawi— The Malawi Ministry of Health on Tuesday launched a novel strategy to simultaneously address multiple public health emergencies, a senior official said, writes Tionge Hara.
Alvin Chidothi Phiri, Principal Health Promotion Officer, described the risk communication and community engagement (RCC) strategy as potentially the first of its kind in Malawi and Africa.
The approach targets comprehensive management of public health emergencies from prevention through recovery.
"During the past years, we've had a number of public health emergencies, including COVID-19, cholera, and polio, which at times occurred concurrently," Phiri told media practitioners and health officials during a two-day workshop in Salima.
The strategy addresses health challenges alongside climate change impacts, with Phiri emphasising the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The ministry acknowledges its limited expertise in climate change mitigation.
"Climate change over the years has had a very big impact on the health of people across the globe, including Malawi," Phiri said.
Joyce Mvula, a participant from Radio Tigababe, called the workshop significant.
"We have learnt a lot of things, and we hope to improve in our writings to inform the public very well," she said.
The workshop united national and community media representatives to discuss ministerial activities and public health communication strategies.
Phiri stressed collaborative approaches in addressing complex challenges.
"If we involve different stakeholders, including media houses, we'll make sure that everybody is on board and takes their part," he said.
The multi-hazard strategy aims to proactively manage public health challenges in a region increasingly vulnerable to health and environmental risks.