NCD

Paediatric NCD Guidelines

Umoyo Wa Ana Athu –

Our Children’s Health

The Malawi - Else Kröner Child Health Programme: Levering Synergies for Prevention and Care

WHAT WE DO

This project aims to achieve the following goals:

Develop a national NCD child health service package: guidelines, training materials and communication tools, including an interactive web app for Malawian healthcare workers.
Roll out the NCD package´s elements nationally, prioritizing geographical areas most in need
Monitor and evaluate the NCD package´s impact on existing child health services

WHY WE DO IT

With over half its population under 18, Malawi anticipates doubling its population by 2050.

While the threat of infectious diseases has diminished, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now constitute a significant portion of the disease burden among children and adolescents in Malawi.

However, healthcare workers are ill-prepared to address the changing health needs due to insufficient training and outdated resources for child NCDs.

HOW WE DO IT

1.Child Health NCD Guidelines

The development of paediatric NCD guidelines involved reviewing existing guidelines and incorporating insights from 30+ senior paediatricians across Malawi´s healthcare facilities. Each chapter combines clinical and public health aspects for a comprehensive approach. The final product undergoes internal and external reviews by project core members, paediatricians, external reviewers and relevant stakeholders.

2. Digital Strategy

We are developing a user-friendly app to deliver guidelines, support interactive training and foster collaboration among healthcare workers. The app is designed to be used offline and to track the app´s utilization. Feedback will be collected from healthcare workers to evaluate the overall acceptance and usability of the app.

3. Guideline implementation – Trainings of Trainers

Under the guidance of PACHA, the guidelines will be implemented initially through group training sessions utilizing the paper-based guidelines and the newly developed app.

4. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials

IEC materials are being developed and deployed to inform patients, including children and their caregivers, about the importance of prevention, early screening and detection of NCDs, and the associated risks, as well as preventive measures. These materials aim to raise awareness and prevent negative consequences stemming from chronic conditions.

5.Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The M&E process, utilizing interrupted time series analysis, will track project progress and success in central and district hospitals, along with designated health centres. Primary data sources include the Health Management Information System, patient mastercards, caretaker exit interviews, and healthcare worker surveys.

Partners

Paediatrics and Child Health Association of Malawi (PACHA)

PACHA, representing Malawi´s paediatric healthcare workers, seeks to enhance children´s health through collaboration, advocacy, research, and education. It promotes disseminating knowledge on paediatrics and child health through scientific meetings and other appropriate fora nationally, regionally and internationally.

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS)

KUHeS is a public institution dedicated to health and allied sciences education. It imparts knowledge and skills through teaching, research, and consultancy to meet professional needs at national and global levels. The university trains health professionals, including nurses, midwives, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and biomedical scientists at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Ministry of Health and Population of Malawi

The Mandate of the Ministry of Health is to set the agenda for healthcare in Malawi. The Minister of Health provides the government’s policy direction on health matters. The Secretary for Health is responsible for the overall functioning of the health sector supported by health professionals, technical, administrative, financial, human resource, procurement and other expert staff.

Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H)

The Friede Springer Endowed Professorship is the first professorship for global child health in Germany and has been active at Witten/Herdecke University since 2017. The professorship contributes to scientific research in child healthcare and comprehensive global child health, opening up international perspectives. UW/H in Germany offers degree programs in medicine, dentistry, psychology, nursing, economics, politics, and society.

Team

Prof Dr Yamikani F.G. Chimalizeni

Head of Department of Paediatrics

and Child Health, Consultant Paediatrician, Paediatric Cardiologist

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi

Dr Emmie Mbale, MBBS, MSc Trop Paediatrics, FC Paed/SA

Consultant Paediatrician

Paediatric and Child Health

Association of Malawi

KUHeS

Chifundo Mchawa, MPH

Project Manager, Paediatrics & Child Health Association (PACHA), Malawi