Malawi Launches Health Evaluation to Identify Gaps, Boost Emergency Response
The JEE follows Malawi's first evaluation in 2019 and is part of the International Health Regulations Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi will conduct its second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) from December 2-6, 2024, to assess and strengthen its public health systems, Deputy Health Minister Halima Daudi announced Monday, writes Ireen Kayira
The World Health Organization-supported assessment will provide an objective review of the country's health security capacities, enabling more targeted resource allocation and emergency preparedness.
"This evaluation will help us understand where we stand as a country," Daudi told officials during the opening session in Lilongwe.
By comparing external evaluators' findings with internal reports, the government aims to identify and address critical health system vulnerabilities.
The JEE follows Malawi's first evaluation in 2019 and is part of the International Health Regulations Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
It combines self-assessments and peer reviews to evaluate the nation's ability to detect, report, and respond to public health emergencies.
Dr. Issa Makumbi, team lead for the evaluation, highlighted the critical timing of the assessment.
"Recent challenges like COVID-19, Wild Polio Virus outbreak, Cyclone Freddy, and recurring cholera outbreaks have tested our health systems," he said.
The evaluation will focus on measuring progress since the 2019 recommendations and identifying areas requiring further investment.
Daudi expressed confidence that the process would not only strengthen health systems but also deepen cross-sector partnerships.
External experts will assess Malawi's capacities across multiple health security domains, with findings expected to guide future public health strategies and resource mobilisation efforts.