Minister says partnerships key for universal health coverage

Deputy Minister of Health Enock Phale has stressed the need for collaborative efforts and strengthened partnerships, saying they are key in the attainment of universal health coverage.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday when he presided over the 10th anniversary of Amref Health Africa in Malawi, he said for infrastructure development and service delivery to be enhanced in the health sector, the government needs partners to support its efforts.

Said Phale: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we relied on partners to get back on track. Amref in particular supported us in all aspects, including maternal and neonatal, sexual reproductive health services, among others.”

In his remarks, Amref Health Africa Group chief executive officer Githinji Gitahi said the organisation has spent about $45 million (approximately K45 billion) in 10 years in the country in areas of water and sanitation, education for girls and maternal and neonatal services among others.

He said: “We are helping in building a better Malawi. The partnership we have had with both government and the people of Malawi has been great and we hope to achieve more in the coming years.”

Founded in 1957, Amref Health Africa reaches more than 10 million people in Africa every year with community-based health, water and sanitation, and disease prevention services.

Article first published on https://mwnation.com/minister-says-partnerships-key-for-universal-health-coverage/