To scale up the national Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) programme through enhanced focus on patients with chronic conditions and expansion of care to primary level.
This project builds on the two preceding phases of direct WDF support towards Malawi’s national diabetes and NCD response, which have been implemented successfully over the past decade and have contributed significantly to the advancements of Malawian MoH national NCD strategic plan. Prioritisation of digital health solutions, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and provision of services at primary level, are noteworthy areas of expansion and refinement. Project to include: 1. National coordination and collaboration: including increased focus on knowledge-sharing among district NCD coordinators and introducing national advocacy with involvement of NCD Alliance and donor mobilisation. 2. Screening and awareness raising at community level: building on successfully proven model of community mobilization through events organised by radio listening clubs (RLC) and linked to mobilization of CHWs trained in NCD screening and referral.3. Improved provision of care based on WHO-PEN model targeting all districts and across all levels of care: a. strengthening of mentorship and clinicalexpertise at central and district hospital level through support to endocrinologist fellowship and specialized out of country training of nurses on T1D, as well as provision of equipment and improvement of protocols for referral and care for patients with T1D, patients with eye and foot complications, and for diabetes in pregnancy;b. decentralisation of care, including provision of equipment, to primary level health centres (piloted under WDF18-1588) to be rolled out by NCD coordinators with support from national mentors. NCD mentors to provide ongoing support and on the job training to all health facilities, while also ensuring linkage to and protocols for community outreach and engagement of CHWs. 4. Patient adherence and retention to care will be supported through continued formation of patients support groups (PSG) at community level
• 28 District Hospitals, 4 Central Hospitals strengthened and sustained• 200 NCD clinics established at primary level, 100 clinics sustained, representing in total 35% of all 859 health centres in Malawi• 6 new T1D (PEN Plus) clinics established, 12 clinics supported in total• 10,000 new NCD patients enrolled in care, 120,000 treated in total, hereof estimated 20,000 diabetes patients and 640 T1D patients• 200 HCPs trained in specialised care of diabetes complications• 400 CHWs trained in NCD screening and referral• 824 HCPs supported through ongoing training and mentorship• 160 PSGs established (total of 290 PSGs), 1,600 members trained• 50,000 people screened for diabetes• 30 new RLC established and 64 sustained, 90 community campaigns convened, 108 radio programs aired• 4 camps for children living with T1D organised• Baseline and endline evaluations conducted which encompass significant outcome measurements.