In 2018, the palliative Care Association of Malawi (PACAM) procured 100 bicycles and distributed to 7 Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in 4 districts in central and Northern region of Malawi where the STEP UP project is implementing palliative care program. The project is funded by True Colours Trust (TCT) in UK.

Harry and Ida delivering Bicycles to CBOs

Read more: Improving Access to Home Based Palliative Care for Patients in Malawi

In Malawi, The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Palliative Care Association of Malawi (PACAM) joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD); under the Theme: ‘’Universal Health Coverage And Palliative Care - don’t leave those suffering behind’’

The commemoration was done on 17th November 2017 at Nsalula COMMUNITY DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL Ground in Salima District of the central region of Malawi. And was presided over by the deputy chairperson of Salima district council Mrs B. Mbewe.

The event was supported with funding from National AIDS Commission, True colours Trust, Lighthouse Trust and K2 Taso Palliative Care.

Read more: Malawi Joins The World In Celebrating World Hospice And Palliative Care Day

In Malawi, for the first time, palliative care indicators have been integrated into the District Health Information System (DHIS2). While another areas were already in the DHIS2, palliative acre reporting was being done manually.

Thanks to the PACAM STEP UP project which was funded through True Colours Trist since 2011. The Palliative care STEP Project started in 2011 in the Southern region of Malawi for four years. From 2015 to date, the Palliative Care STEP UP Project moved to the central and Northern Regions. However throughout the implementation period, one of the major challenges has been centralized reporting.

Read more: Malawi Ministry Of Health Intergrates Palliative Care Indicators In The District Health...

PACAM in collaboration with Ministry of Health conducted World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 2nd November 2012 at Riverside Hotel in Lilongwe. This was a national event with participants from all the 3 regions of the country. The theme for the year is Palliative Care for the Ageing Population and Malawi organised National prayers.

What problems do you think the ageing population are facing?

The Theme for 2014 WORLD HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE DAY IS WHO CARES? WE DO! And the commemoration was on 24^th October at Ntandire in Lilongwe.Guest of Honour was PS for Health Mr Chris Kang’ombe.

Do you have any comments on the theme?

PACAM, in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Directorate of Nursing organised regional consultative meetings for the North, Centre and South. Participants included District Health Officers, District Nursing Officers, heads of health teaching institutions, heads of CHAM hospitals, central hospitals, directors, Medical council of Malawi, zonal health officers and various others. They were consulted and gave their views, the report shall be coming out soon.

...continuing from previous blog...

Then acting as PACAM board chair – and now its National Coordinator – Thambo and his fellow Malawi delegates realized that the barriers to implementing such a program in Malawi were many. Different stakeholders, such as the Central Medical Stores, the private sector, and the Pharmacy, Medicines, and Poisons Board were not collaborating on the drug’s procurement, supply, and monitoring.

Read more: Advocating for Dignity: PACAM’s Campaign for Liquid Morphine in Malawi - part 2 of 3

For many people in rural Malawi who suffer from AIDS, cancer, or other progressive diseases, palliative care is often the best option for improving their quality of life, according to the Palliative Care Association of Malawi (PACAM).

Read more: Advocating for Dignity: PACAM’s Campaign for Liquid Morphine in Malawi - part 1 of 3