For Immediate Release: April 1, 2008

Decrease in Childhood Deaths and Illnesses Cited in Four-Year Public Health Project in Malawi

CAMBRIDGE, MA (APRIL 1, 2008)—Fewer children are dying in Malawi, more programs are in place ensuring better health, and stronger policies and systems are now alleviating the pandemics of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. From 2003–2007, The Reducing Child Morbidity and Strengthening Health Care Systems Program in Malawi accomplished these goals, reporting a marked reduction in childhood mortality and illness, and a strengthened health system with proven sustainability.

Results include:

• strengthening the Pediatric Hospital Initiative (PHI) to improve emergency care and treatment of children admitted to hospitals, lowering the number of child deaths significantly;
• expanding HIV testing and counseling, reaching nearly one-quarter of a million people and establishing 48 sites for services to prevent mother-to-child transmission;
• training more than 300 tutors, health care providers, and facilitators in Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), allowing more caregivers to recognize common childhood illnesses and take action;
• renovating hospital wards to improve infection prevention; and
• developing and introducing sustainable national health policies.

Download the results - [PDF - 6MB]

In 2005, UNICEF reported that one out of every eight children in Malawi would not live past their fifth birthday. It was a nation where maternal mortality was exceptionally high, where HIV & AIDS claimed nearly 80,000 people every year, and where essential health services were not only uncommon, but relatively unseen.

The Malawi Program, funded by USAID, met these challenges by focusing on preventing and managing childhood illnesses, increasing malaria prevention, building local management of health systems, and facilitating the autonomy of two central hospitals.

MSH partnered with the American National Red Cross, the Malawi Red Cross, Health Partners of Southern Africa, and Satellife on this program.