Malawi Health Official Pushes Single-Project Focus for District Development

KARONGA, Malawi— Deputy Health Minister Noel Chimpeni urged local officials Tuesday to concentrate resources on individual high-impact projects rather than divide funding across multiple initiatives, writes Lusekero Mhango.

Chimpeni delivered his message while touring a World Bank-funded oxygen gas plant under construction at Karonga District Hospital in northern Malawi.

"We need to see a lasting impact through these projects rather than spreading the resources across multiple projects that do not bring the desired impact," Chimpeni said.

Belliam Msukwa, chairperson for Karonga District Council, said officials would consider the recommendation in future planning sessions.

District Planning Director Khumbo Mkandawire reported that most Governance to Enable Service Delivery projects are 70% complete, while hospital rehabilitation work is 50% complete. Officials expect to meet the March 31, 2025, completion deadline.

Once operational, the oxygen plant aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve medical services in Malawi's northern region.

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