CFPHS Monthly Report – February 2009

The project is implemented by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and focuses on eight districts in Malawi. The main activities of the project include conducting sensitization open days, training community-based distributors of family planning and HIV/AIDS services (CBDAs), and providing training on the administration of injectable contraceptives (DMPA) to health surveillance assistants (HSAs). The project also conducts HIV testing and counseling (HTC) training for selected CBDAs. In February 2009, the project conducted a sensitization open day in Mangochi District, which was attended by 430 people, including 320 females and 110 males. The event aimed to enhance demand creation and inform target groups on the benefits of practicing modern family planning methods and the importance of inter-spousal communication of family planning and HIV/AIDS services. The event also resulted in an increased number of people accessing HIV testing services, with 20 clients tested and given results, and 11 clients found positive and referred to the nearest health center for further attention. The project also conducted CBDA trainings in Kasungu and Salima, and a CBDA update training in Chikwawa. A total of 56 CBDAs and 14 supervisors were trained during the initial training, and 20 old CBDAs and 4 supervisors were updated. The project has trained 724 CBDAs to date, with 276 remaining to reach the target of 1,000. In addition, the project conducted DMPA trainings in six districts, including Phalombe, Nkhotakota, Chikwawa, Karonga, and Mangochi. A total of 120 HSAs and 30 nurses (supervisors) were trained in the administration of injectable contraceptives. The project also conducted HTC training for selected CBDAs, with two trainings conducted with 40 participants, including 8 supervisors and 32 CBDAs. The project has generated a lot of interest in other districts, including Dedza and Ntcheu, who are planning to start CBDA programs using their own allocated funds from the Ministry of Health. The project will make available for them the various materials developed, tested, and validated in the eight districts it covers. The project has also observed some challenges, including the lack of supervisory systems for HSAs at district level, the lack of incinerators to burn waste in some health centers, and the closure of the Central Medical Stores (CMS) which has resulted in some districts running out of DMPA. The project is discussing with the District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) to find ways to ensure safe disposal of sharps and associated materials, and has made special arrangements to supply Salima with 1,000 DMPA for the HSAs who are undergoing training with assistance from USAID DELIVER.