The Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM), a member association representing 194 health facilities at all levels of care, remains steadfast in its mandate to improve access to quality health services across Malawi.
In 2024, CHAM introduced a Health Services Cluster, a coordination system that brings together management teams from main and community hospitals within its network. This initiative fosters collaboration, mentorship in clinical skills, quality improvement (QI), and the development of specialized clinical networks to address critical gaps in service delivery.
Addressing Gaps in Surgical and Rehabilitative Care
Data from CHAM facilities reveals that surgical and rehabilitative services remain among the least accessible for many Malawians. To bridge this gap, CHAM—with previous support from GIZ successfully piloted clinical networks for physiotherapy, maternal, and pediatric health services across 11 facilities.
Building on this progress, CHAM’s 2025 strategy focuses on ensuring that specialists can provide support to community hospitals, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to district or central hospitals. Through this initiative, facility staff will also receive mentorship to enhance their skills in managing diverse patient conditions.
Collaborative Efforts for Greater Impact
In partnership with PAACS, District Health Offices, and Fount for Nations, the CHAM Secretariat is implementing a clinical network initiative to: Improve access to essential health services and strengthen health worker skills through mentorship and training.
A notable example of this collaboration is the recent free surgical clinic conducted by Nkhoma Mission Hospital at Mlale Community Hospital, Blessings Hospital and Child Legacy Community Hospital where community members from surrounding areas were screened for various surgical conditions. Such outreach programs exemplify CHAM’s commitment to bringing specialized care closer to underserved populations.
A Healthier Malawi Through Partnership and Innovation
CHAM continues to play a pivotal role in Malawi’s health system by fostering partnerships, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. Through clinical networks, mentorship programs, and strategic collaborations, CHAM ensures that quality healthcare reaches every corner of the nation.
Stay connected with CHAM’s initiatives as we work toward a healthier, stronger Malawi!