Reinforcement of the Healthcare System (Development Phase)

In Malawi there are 26 governmental district hospitals equally spread over the country. Some of them are able to deliver the necessary care. However, 16 of these hospitals are unable to deliver adequate basic obstetrical neonatal and pediatric care on all levels of care including and not limited to basic operation facilities and preceding diagnostic services. The project specifically aims at improving maternity care and screening for tuberculosis thereby addressing two major causes of mortality in Malawi. A side effect of improved medical facilities is that other (surgical) procedures can be carried out more quickly safely and successfully. The project consists of 64 subprojects: 40 village health centres (first level facilities) 16 district hospitals (second level referral facilities) and 8 TB screening units. The facilities are situated in the poorest areas of Malawi. The general output includes:- Rehabilitation of selected hospital departments- Installation of health equipment for the 16 selected hospitals and 40 referral health facilities- Installation of 8 mobile TB screening units for deprived populations and risk groups- Execution of a countrywide awareness programme focusing on the accessibility of the projects maternal and TB screening facilities- A five-year preventive and corrective maintenance programme including a spare part supply system.