Building a Future of Care in Malawi

Posted on Apr 14, 2016

Building a Future of Care in Malawi
Patients wait to be seen in the current outpatient department of Neno District Hospital in Neno, Malawi, on March 8, 2016. Jeanel Drake / Partners In Health

For nearly 30 years, Partners In Health has delivered health care to some of the world’s poorest communities by partnering with local governments, training local health professionals, and building health systems.

When we started work in the rural district of Neno, Malawi, in 2007, the district had no hospital and 10 existing clinics had fallen into disrepair. Since then, PIH has built Neno District Hospital, which serves about 150,000 people, and a community hospital. We’ve also revitalized those 10 clinics, and built two more.

Now, we’re about to embark on a new, major improvement to Neno District Hospital. With the help of partners the 30/30 Project, Plus One, and Construction for Change, we plan to rebuild the outpatient department to significantly improve and expand the level of care we’re able to provide people in Neno District.

The new single-story building will include a larger patient registration area with sufficient seating, and additional, larger consultation rooms with better ventilation and infection control features. The expanded waiting area and adjacent rooms will allow staff to screen patients for conditions such as malnutrition, HIV, and cervical cancer, and discuss topics such as family planning options. The exam rooms will also allow for on-the-job training through bedside teaching for medical students and other staff members.

Patients also will be connected during their visits to community health workers and a program that addresses their financial and nutrition needs.

We’re already working with an architectural firm to design the facility and plan to begin construction in June 2016. Our goal is to begin seeing patients in late 2017.

Please join us in making this vision a reality—your support will provide a lasting contribution to the people of Neno District.

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Read about our newest clinic in Malawi.

PIH also works in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Peru, Mexico, Russia, and the Navajo Nation. See our principles to learn more about us.

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