Malawi's Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, has commended the Ntcheu District Health Office for its remarkable progress in reducing maternal and infant deaths. During a visit to Ntcheu District Hospital, Baloyi assessed health service delivery and met with council officials and duty-bearers. She acknowledged the district's achievements despite facing numerous challenges in the health sector. The minister's visit was an opportunity to evaluate the district's healthcare services and identify areas for improvement. Ntcheu District has been working to address various healthcare concerns. The district's efforts have been recognized by the Ministry of Health.
According to Ntcheu district director of health and sanitation services, Innocent Mhango, the district has made significant strides in reducing maternal and infant deaths over the past three years. The institutional maternal mortality ratio decreased from 122 to 36 per 100,000 live births. Additionally, the institutional neonatal death rate declined from 12.5 to 9.9 per 100,000 live births. In-patient death rates also decreased from 9.9 to 6.4 per 1,000 during the same period. These improvements are attributed to effective staff allocation and improved sanitation. The district has implemented various initiatives to enhance healthcare services.
Mhango cited several factors contributing to the district's progress, including effective staff allocation, improved sanitation, and strict adherence to sterilization routines. The district has also installed a solar electricity backup system to mitigate persistent power outages. These efforts align with the Malawi Health Sector Plan 2023-2030, which aims to improve healthcare services nationwide. The plan focuses on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services. The district's initiatives have been successful in reducing maternal and infant deaths.
Baloyi expressed her satisfaction with the district's achievements, acknowledging the efforts of healthcare workers. She noted that the Ntcheu District Hospital was recognized as a three-star facility by the Ministry of Health in the Stepwise Quality of Care Programme in 2025. The facility also received recognition as the best in neonatal care in the Central West Zone. The minister's visit highlighted the importance of recognizing and encouraging healthcare workers for their efforts. The district's achievements demonstrate the impact of effective healthcare initiatives.
However, concerns have been raised about public health service delivery in Ntcheu District. Ntcheu Central legislator Paul Ng'oma wrote a letter expressing concerns over reported challenges in referring patients to higher-level facilities. He also highlighted issues with poor water and sanitation and high health-worker vacancy rates. These concerns were raised against the backdrop of the minister's visit to the district. The legislator's concerns emphasize the need for continued improvement in healthcare services.
Despite the challenges, Baloyi emphasized the importance of recognizing and encouraging healthcare workers for their efforts. She acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement. The minister's visit aimed to assess health service delivery and identify areas for improvement. The district will continue to work towards enhancing healthcare services and addressing existing challenges. The Ministry of Health will support the district's efforts to improve healthcare.
The Ntcheu District Health Office will continue to work towards reducing maternal and infant deaths. The district's progress demonstrates the impact of effective healthcare initiatives and staff allocation. The Ministry of Health will continue to support the district's efforts to improve healthcare services. The district's achievements serve as a model for other districts to follow. The government will continue to prioritize healthcare and work towards improving services nationwide.
Key points
- The Ntcheu District Health Office reduced its institutional maternal mortality ratio from 122 to 36 per 100,000 live births over three years.
- The district's institutional neonatal death rate declined from 12.5 to 9.9 per 100,000 live births during the same period.
- The Ntcheu District Hospital was recognized as a three-star facility by the Ministry of Health in 2025.
