Partners In Health Malawi

#What do you know about stroke? Did you know stroke carries a high risk of death and the survivors can experience loss of vision, speech, paralysis or confusion? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 15 million people worldwide have stroke, 5 million of them die whilst another 5 million are left permanently disabled. This places a burden on families and communities. Stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, and eventually brain cells beginning to die. Although stroke is uncommon in individuals under the age of 40, but it can occur. The primary cause is often high blood pressure. However, statistics from WHO (2024) reveals that four out of ten stroke-related deaths could have been prevented through effective blood pressure management. This aligns well with this year's World Stroke Day theme, which emphasizes the importance of blood pressure control in stroke prevention. Today, Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi joins the world in commemorating World Stroke Day under the theme "#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge," channeling the emotional power of sport to drive stroke awareness and motivate us all to take action every day to reduce our stroke risks. Regular physical activity helps reduce blood pressure and regulates blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, a major risk factor for stroke. Physical exercises also improve cholesterol levels and reduce the chances of plaques building up in the arteries. Note that the risk of further stroke episodes is significantly high for people having experienced a previous stroke. So, join us in raising awareness about stroke to prevent avoidable deaths. At PIH Malawi, we encourage all our clients, staff, and community members at large to check their blood pressure regularly at their nearest health facility, but also seek medical attention where needed. We conduct targeted and untargeted awareness campaigns and outreach clinics in Neno and other districts where we provide NCD services that include monitoring blood pressure. Internally, we introduced a Wellness Wednesday where staff are given an hour every week to participate in different sporting activities to help regulate their blood pressure. We also utilize these days to offer outreach clinic services to our staff because we believe that you only give what you have, and to us, the staff can serve the communities better if they are also physically fit themselves. Get involved: https://lnkd.in/dkJ72PVB #GreaterThanStroke #Malawi #apzu #PIH #Neno #stroke #bloodPressure #greaterThanChallenge #NCD

Today, Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi joins the world in commemorating Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Harassment (PSEAH) Day of Action. We would like to take this opportunity to call for everyone in the society and organizations to help create safe spaces everywhere that are free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH). As we commemorate this day, we look back at our achievements and reinforce our pledge to strengthen our safeguarding systems in order to improve the prevention and response to SEAH cases among our staff, partners and beneficiaries. Among others, We will continue creating a culture that does not condone SEAH within and outside the organization. Join us in raising awareness and empowering people to report any suspected case of SEAH related to PIH to this toll-free line 0884502020 or meet our Safeguarding Manager. #PSEAR #apzu #Malawi #PIH #APZU #SEAH

At PIH, we understand that it takes more than medical care to treat a patient better. This is why we offer social support through basic resources like food, housing, and transportation to help patients have access and benefit from health care. Following this, PIH Malawi conducted a five-day Social Medicine in Action workshop from 23 to 27 September 2024 to refresh and train its leaders & managers in social medicine so that they deeply understand why the organization provides social support to patients. Among others, the participants went through a comprehensive approach to patient care that goes beyond clinical and biological findings, focusing on social determinants of health, how to apply social medicine in all we do, the impact of structural violence on health outcomes, but also learnt how to break down the social barriers that continue to limit access to equitable health services, particularly for the poor. Before receiving certificate of attendance, the participants had a series of practical experiences of how social barriers and structural violence affect the health of community members and individuals through what it was called a monsoon game and a privilege march. They also went for home visits to witness the reality of the impact. APZU plans to trickle down the training to all its staff. The APZU Human Resource and Administration Director, Mpezenji Gonani, echoes this saying the content of the training is essential to each and every position in the organization so that we provide our health care holistically. In her concluding remarks, the PIH Malawi Executive Director, Basimenye Nhlema encouraged the participants to always prioritize our patients and quality health care, but also get concerned when we have not met our expectation despite having all resources needed. “We are not like any other NGO! We are PIH. We stand for a specific mission, vision, values and principles that guide our behavior, conduct, decision making and actions. We are leaders and decision makers and all we do starts with us,” said Nhlema. The workshop was facilitated by PIH staff from the Headquarters in the US who have been with PIH including the Chief Health & Policy Advisor, Social Medicine & Health Systems, Dr. Fernet Leandre, Fr. Eddy Eustache and the Chief Medical Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Joia Mukherjee. #PIH #APZU #Malawi #socialmedicine #health #NGO #clinical

Partners In Health Malawi is looking for qualified persons to fill the following job openings: (i) Finance Manager (ii) Program Officer (iii) Electrical Engineer (iv) Facilities Administration Officer (v) Infrastructure Procurement Officer The application should include a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, and a curriculum vitae indicating three names of traceable referees with valid telephone numbers and email addresses by Friday, October 25th, 2024. The document below provides more details. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. #hiring #jobopening #joinourteam #wearehiring #careers #jobsearch #employment #work #opportunity

It is that day again when we celebrate all mothers and mother figures in the world for their unquantifiable and selfless contributions towards their children's success.   At Partners In Health (PIH), we acknowledge that mothers play a crucial role in the life of their children from conception until their death. They provide unconditional love, emotional support, a listening ear and advice to their children without judgement or criticism. No matter how old we are in our lives, we encounter situations that makes us remember our mothers, just because they are unique.   Today, we cerebrate all mothers; professional, business or stay-home, for their hard work and multitasking to transforms their houses into homes as they shape the character of their children and significantly leaving long lasting impact on the generations to come.   To mothers at PIH Malawi, we are inspired by your hard work and commitment towards the work that you do to attain the organization’s mission. You work tirelessly to provide preferential option for the poor in health care. We do not take this for granted.   Dear Mothers, wherever you are, we at Partners In Health Malawi, wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!

The Neno District Health Office (DHO) and Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi have been commended for their significant progress in combating HIV and AIDS. During this week’s trip to Neno, a delegation from the National AIDS Commission (NAC), let by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Beatrice Matanje, assessed the progress of current initiatives in the management of HIV and AIDS. This evaluation encompassed a comprehensive review of the various interventions being implemented by PIH in collaboration with Neno (DHO). Among other, the officials reviewed statistics on individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and discussed mortality rates among ART recipients. #apzu #hivprevention #HIV #Neno #ART #PIH #Malawi @Malawi National AIDS Commission

Our mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being as it affects our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Just like our physical health, mental health is not static and can change over time. It's important to recognize that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness, regardless of whether it is at school, work, or home. This year's theme for World Mental Health Day, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the growing importance of mental health as a universal human right. As one of the non-governmental organizations that champion mental health, Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi joins the world in commemorating World Mental Health Day today. At PIH, we will continue ensuring our workspace provides a safe and conducive environment for every staff's mental well-being. #PIH #APZU #Malawi #health #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #worldmentalhealthday #wellbeing #staff

What happens when our medicines no longer work? When infections become resistant to antibiotics, they can become life-threatening. Patients may die from illnesses that were once easily treatable. Resistant infections often require more expensive and complex treatments, increasing healthcare costs. As more microorganisms develop resistance, fewer treatment options remain, making infections harder to control. This phenomenon is called Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR is a global health crisis that occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to the drugs meant to eliminate them, leading to higher rates of illness and death. Therefore, always take or purchase medication only with a valid prescription from qualified healthcare professionals, such as doctors, clinical officers, or clinical technicians. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dgPHSV3Y  #health #Malawi #pih #APZU #AntimicrobialResistance

It's a Wrap! Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi this week joined science researchers from around the world in Blantyre to share their studies' findings at the Research Dissemination Conference (RDC) hosted by Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES). The 3-day event held from the 2nd of October to 4th October, 2024, graced by Malawi's Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Kandodo, MP was held at #Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre under the theme “Research and Innovation Driving Health Towards #Mw2063". PIH Malawi team consisting of Moses Banda Aron, Sitalire Kapira, Myrrah Kamwino, Stellar Chibvunde and Daniel Maweu were among numerous other researchers who presented findings of their studies during the event. During the event, KUHES presented Research Excellence Awards to a number of researchers and attendance were treated to a number of entertaining activities including traditional dances, poems and many more others. #PIH #apzu #research #Malawi #health #KUHES

In Neno, PIH Malawi is determined to support people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to thrive in their communities and reach their full potential. From awareness campaigns at household, facility, and community level, the organization seeks to ensure that community members are aware of different types of NCDs, how to manage and prevent them, but also they should always do routine check-ups of their vital signs. Among others, PIH Malawi constructed an integrated chronic care clinic at Neno District Hospital to help manage NCD cases such as hypertension, diabetes type 1 and 2, asthma, sickle cell, Stroke, heart failure, peripheral artery diseases (PAD), coronary artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational lung disease. Initially, patients with these conditions were supposed to travel to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre often for medical support. Nevertheless, PIH Malawi facilitates home visits for patients who are chronically ill and can hardly make it to the hospital due to their physical challenges. As an organization that believes in social medicine, PIH Malawi provides care for the most vulnerable clients living with NCDs in Neno district according to their needs after a thorough assessment. The support includes transport to and from the hospital, food, and housing among others. Mr. James Willow is one of the clients that PIH Malawi has supported. Since, 2012 when he was diagnosed with TB meningitis, PIH has supported his transportation from Nyakoko village to Neno District Hospital but also for three different surgeries at QECH, Machinga and Zomba District Hospital. Every three months, PIH Malawi facilitates a home visit to assess how he is feeling but also refill his medication. He is also a beneficiary of the organization’s Program on Social and Economic Rights (POSER) which constructed a house for him in 2015 after his initial house collapsed after heavy rains. “I feel I am fully supported medically and I will always be grateful to PIH for all the support. I am able to access medical support regardless of distance, and I am sleeping in a better house with a sustainable latrine. I do not think any of my close relatives has such a house,” said Mr. Willow. The TB meningitis affected Mr. Pillow’s legs such that he uses a wheel chair or clutches to move around. Even though he does not manage to go far from his house, with the medical support he gets, Mr. Willow is able to push himself to his farm behind the house to farm and irrigate crops in order to earn a living as a bread winner for himself, his 78-year old mother and two nephews. Sadly, climate change affected his crops during the 2023/2024 rainy season and they are now struggling to survive. #PIH #APZU #Malawi #NCD #noncommunicablediseases #socialmedicine #climatecrisis #climatechangeisreal #climatechange #Neno