By Wendy Mkandawire
As Malawi joins the world today, September 17, in commemorating World Patient Safety Day, the Ministry of Health has called on stakeholders to work together in raising awareness of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In a statement signed by Principal Secretary Dan Namarika, the Ministry stressed the need for early screening to prevent and manage NCDs, which continue to burden families and the healthcare system.
According to Namarika, NCDs are increasingly straining households and health facilities in the country, hence the need for joint action from government, health workers, civil society and the general public.
He further emphasized the importance of adherence to clinical guidelines by all health workers, describing it as key to the accurate identification and provision of appropriate treatment to patients.
Meanwhile, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director George Jobe has described the day as important, saying it will serve as an eye-opener for the public to make informed decisions on how to deal with NCDs.
Jobe echoed the Ministry’s call for collaboration among stakeholders in creating awareness and improving safe care.
The commemoration is being held under the theme: “Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases.”
