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However, healthcare workers are ill-prepared to address the changing health needs due to insufficient training and outdated resources for child NCDs. 

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. 

Malawi´s growing population places increasing demands on child healthcare, yet there is a critical shortage of paediatricians and limited access to post-graduate training. Kamuzu University of Health Sciences is the sole provider of Masters in Medicine, but structural and financial barriers hinder training pursuit. In Germany, healthcare professionals face challenges from shifting demographics and globalized diseases, like an increasing number of patients with foreign backgrounds and unfamiliar diseases. German doctors’ hands-on experience in Malawi could reciprocally benefit healthcare services in Germany. 

Central Hospital in Blantyre, covering general paediatrics, infectious diseases, neonatology, cardiology, emergency medicine, and malnutrition. They then receive 15 months of additional training in South Africa, focusing on areas not covered in Malawi.

Simultaneously, six German paediatric trainees and 12 volunteers work at the same hospital for six months each, with their training accredited by the regional medical council in Westphalia Lippe, Germany, contributing to their specialization.