Africa CDC Assesses Malawi’s Social Behavior Change Capacity in Health Sector

A delegation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is in Malawi for a week-long assessment aimed at strengthening social behavior change (SBC) strategies in the health sector.

The mission seeks to evaluate the capacity of frontline health workers in promoting positive health behaviors—not just during public health emergencies, but as a long-term, sustainable approach to community health.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Dr. Priscilla Madzinga-Kusena, Africa CDC’s Continental Coordinator for Social and Behavior Change, said the assessment will identify skills gaps and support the enhancement of frontline workers’ competencies in key health promotion areas.

“There is a strong need to build resilient systems that promote positive health behaviors even in the absence of emergencies,” she said. “Malawi has made notable efforts, especially in response to outbreaks like cholera, but strengthening systems further is critical to sustaining these gains.”

Dr. Kondwani Mamba, Deputy Director for Community Health Promotion in the Ministry of Health, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for Malawi to reflect, learn, and grow.

“This assessment allows us to identify both our strengths and areas that need improvement,” he said. “It will help shape better policies, programs, and implementation strategies for health promotion.”

Africa CDC, established in 2016, serves as a public health agency for the African Union’s 55 member states, including Malawi. Its mandate is to support member states in strengthening their capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent disease threats while enhancing overall public health systems.