The Patient and Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM) is being supported by the MSD Richard T. Clark (RTC) Fellowship for Global Health Fellows in Chikwawa District as part of an initiative exploring the important intersection between climate change, community resilience and health. During their first week in Malawi, the fellows engaged with traditional and community leaders, government officials and health service providers to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities in Chikwawa. The fellows had the opportunity to meet and interview Senior Chief Maseya, Paramount Chief Lundu, the District Youth Officer and the District Disaster Management Officer. These engagements provided valuable insights into the effects of climate change on communities and the important role of young people in building resilience.
A key message emerging from the engagements was that climate change is also a health issue. Floods, droughts and other extreme weather events can affect food security, access to clean water, livelihoods and, ultimately, the health and wellbeing of communities. The fellows also visited several health facilities in the district, where they witnessed some of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in delivering services in resource-constrained environments. These included limited privacy during childbirth, inadequate beds and mattresses, shortages of essential protective supplies, inconsistent access to running water and electricity, and aging infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the fellows observed the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers who continue to provide essential services to communities. The experience has highlighted the importance of taking a broader approach to improving health one that goes beyond healthcare services to include community empowerment, climate resilience, infrastructure, youth participation and stronger local systems.
The fellowship also provides an opportunity for fellows from diverse professional backgrounds to learn from one another and work alongside local communities and stakeholders to identify opportunities for meaningful and sustainable impact.
PAWEM is grateful to the MSD Richard T. Clark Fellowship for Global Health for supporting this opportunity and for contributing to efforts to strengthen community-led approaches to climate action and health in Chikwawa.
PAWEM looks forward to continued engagement with the fellows, community leaders, government stakeholders and health service providers as the fellowship progresses.
