Context
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, which severely limits resources for its health system. As a result, the country faces major challenges in providing high-quality sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, including prenatal and neonatal care as well as contraceptives. Women and young people struggle to exercise their reproductive choices, leading to high maternal and newborn mortality, frequent teenage pregnancies, and rapid population growth. Addressing these issues requires health managers and professionals to use data and research to improve planning, coordination, and service quality.
Goal
The Government of Malawi and district councils are able to provide evidence-based, high-quality sexual and reproductive health services for women and young people, including those with disabilities.
Approach
In line with Malawi’s National Health Sector Strategic Plan III, the project supports the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), and district councils in the following priority areas:
· Enhancing PHIM’s ability to provide evidence-based policy advice through regional cooperation, research projects, and improved monitoring of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health data;
· Establishing harmonised continuous professional development structures linked to performance management system and facility planning processes;
· Developing the skills of managers and health professionals to deliver gender-sensitive, youth-friendly, and respectful SRHR services, guided by quality standards and patient feedback mechanisms.
