Building critical health system infrastructure in rural Malawi

For the past seven years, Providence has funded health partners in Mangochi District, Malawi to build critical health system infrastructure for 1.5 million people. In 2023, investments expanded both health care training and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) improvements.   

Providence Global Programs has partnered with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) since 2017 to build a strong physician pipeline by training family medicine residents and students. In 2023, Providence invested in building the new KUHeS “Skills Lab,” a medical training simulation laboratory where up to 200 trainees each year will learn critical clinical techniques.    

“The lab was a long-held dream of our partner, KUHeS,” said Carrie Schonwald, MPA, MSW, Providence’s director of global programs. “Our support made it possible.” 

Program faculty are eager to help students put theory into practice. 

“By training scenarios (in the Skills Lab) of life-threatening conditions, health workers are ready when patients with these conditions are coming in,” said Martha Makwero, M.D., the head of family medicine at KUHeS. 

Providence also funds WASH improvements through Catholic Relief Services. In 2023, a $152,000 investment helped with improvements at two clinics, including developing a reliable water source on-site, installing accessible toilets and ensuring safe medical waste disposal.  

“The upgraded facilities have contributed to a safer and healthier environment for both staff and patients,” said Paul Chirombo, head of the Luwalika Health Center. “We are truly grateful for this invaluable support, as it has greatly improved the overall well-being of our community.”