Malawi Secures Gains Against Polio, Strengthens Health Systems for the Future

Malawi Secures Gains Against Polio, Strengthens Health Systems for the Future

As Malawi celebrates its first anniversary after officially closing its reimported wild poliovirus (WPV1) outbreak, the country is taking strategic steps to sustain hard-won gains and strengthen its broader health system. On 24 April 2025, health leaders, partners, and stakeholders gathered for the National Polio Transition Planning meeting, an important milestone in ensuring that the infrastructure built to eradicate polio continues to serve Malawi’s communities for years to come.

Monitoring health system availability in fragile settings: HeRAMS deployment in western Oromia, Ethiopia

Monitoring health system availability in fragile settings: HeRAMS deployment in western Oromia, Ethiopia

Disruptions to health systems, particularly in crisis-affected settings, significantly hinder access to essential health services. These challenges are compounded when decision-makers lack timely, accurate, and actionable data to assess needs and allocate resources effectively. The Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS)—a World Health Organization (WHO) led initiative—addresses this critical gap by providing dynamic, real-time information on the availability and functionality of health services and infrastructure.

Mpox patients helping to drive awareness in Sierra Leone

MPOX

Freetown, Sierra Leone - While Sierra Leone is stepping up its mpox response effort, the stories behind the outbreak highlight the virus’s impact and the determination of those affected to protect themselves and their communities.

Promoting safety through clean hands: PMH marks World Hand Hygiene Day

In the middle; WHO Botswana Technical Officer, Boingotlo Ramontshonyana next to PMH Superintendent Dr Machacha (right)

Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) joined the global health community in commemorating World Hand Hygiene Day, underscoring the importance of hand hygiene in saving lives and preventing infections in healthcare settings. The event, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together health professionals, administrators, and the public under the banner of this year’s theme: “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene.”