UK provides Malawi with K4bn to expand medical supplies storage
The visiting UK Minister, James Wharton, on Friday visited Mitundu Community Hospital in Lilongwe to highlight UK’s support in strengthening Malawi’s health care system.
During the visit Wharton announced an extra £4 million (approximately MWK 4bn) to further boost essential service delivery and strengthen the health system through the provision of 74 new pre-fabricated pharmacy storage units in Malawi health facilities.
These temperature-controlled storage facilities will reduce the deterioration of medical supplies and help prevent theft.
Minister Wharton said: “I am pleased to announce today that the UK Government will provide an additional £4m for the provision of 74 new pre-fabricated pharmacy storage units for Malawi,
“It’s delightful that we are able to implement this activity in partnership with the US Government. Collaboration of this kind makes our collective efforts go further. On behalf of the UK, I would like to commend the professionalism and collegiality of both the US and Ministry of Health in implementing this activity.”
A 2014 USAID Assessment found that 77% of Malawi health facilities have less than half of the pharmacy storage space required to meet current demands.
The storage units are modular, pharmacy grade structures with temperature control, and can be installed within 1-2 days on a concrete slab. They are low maintenance, last for 15-20 years, and cost approximately 65% of conventional construction.
Under phase 1 of this activity, 115 units were installed in 106 facilities (75 funded by the UK and 40 by the US).
In phase 2, the new UK funding of £4m will supplement US and UK savings from the phase 1 and USAID’s new contribution of $1.2m to install 113 pre-fabricated pharmacy storage units.
UK funds for this activity are managed by USAID on a delegated cooperation basis.
Minister Wharton was the first post-Brexit UK Government minister to visit to Malawi from 9 to 11 November.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :