Strengthening Health Systems in Malawi and Mozambique through Integrated Health Services
Descrizione progetto
Malawi and Mozambique are among the most fragile countries in the world from a health perspective. The prevalence of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is extremely high, while access to healthcare remains limited by significant economic barriers and by an overstretched health system with insufficiently trained staff. These challenges are further exacerbated by extreme climate events, which damage infrastructure and increase the vulnerability of communities.
The Intervention
The project “IHS – Integrated Health Services” was designed to respond to these challenges by strengthening local health services and ensuring quality care for thousands of patients. The project builds on the twenty-year experience of the DREAM Programme in Africa, an internationally recognised model for the integrated treatment of HIV and chronic diseases.
In particular, the project:
-
integrates HIV and TB care with services for NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer, etc.);
-
adopts a holistic approach that includes medical treatment, psychosocial support, health education and nutritional assistance;
-
strengthens healthcare workers’ skills through training and ongoing supervision;
-
promotes community awareness-raising activities to improve access to and continuity of care.
Objectives
Overall objective: to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) in Malawi and Mozambique.
Specific objective: to improve the quality and accessibility of health services for HIV, TB and NCDs for at least 9,850 patients in the two countries.
Main Activities
-
Provision of free healthcare services and quality medicines;
-
Advanced diagnostics and psychological support;
-
Continuous training of approximately 60 healthcare workers and laboratory technicians;
-
Screening and prevention activities for chronic and communicable diseases;
-
Community-based information and patient support activities.
