By Wezzie Gausi:
The government has reiterated its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
State Vice President Michael Usi said this in Lilongwe Sunday, when he emphasised the need for equitable and accessible healthcare for all citizens.
Speaking at the 74th East, Central and Southern Africa Health Ministers Conference (ECSA-HC), Usi said there was a strategic roadmap that was designed to address critical health challenges.
“Achieving Universal Health Coverage must remain a top priority. We must work to ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. By learning from countries like Mauritius, where healthcare is predominantly subsidised, other countries can explore similar strategies,” Usi said.
The Vice President acknowledged that Malawi and other ECSA member states continued to face the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, weak health infrastructure and financial constraints that hinder access to essential health services.
He called for increased investment in local healthcare workforce training, improved manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies, and the integration of health data systems to enhance decision-making.
However, health rights activists say the government’s pledges must be backed by tangible action.
Health rights advocate Maziko Matemba said without significant improvements, Malawi risked failure to meet the Abuja Declaration, which requires African governments to allocate at least 15 percent of their annual budgets to the health sector.
“We receive many reports on how most government hospitals lack essential equipment and drugs. Most people in rural areas still walk long distances to access healthcare services. This needs to change if we are serious about meeting Universal Health Coverage goals,” Matemba said.
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