Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi’s Pharmacy Department plays a vital role in strengthening the healthcare system by ensuring the availability, safety and effective distribution of essential medicines, and medical supplies to PIH-supported facilities in Neno and beyond. The department also supports specialized clinics like Chronic Care Clinics (IC3) and extends services to outreach sites, promoting continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions.
In our 2025 Fiscal Year (July 2024–June 2025), the department managed nearly USD250,000 primarily supporting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) medicines, with significant support directed to Neno District Hospital, Lisungwi Community Hospital, and outreach clinics which received regular supplies. Neno District Hospital alone, for instance, received over USD 7,000 per month. This helped in maintaining a 97% average fill rate. Beyond Neno, PIH also donated over USD 47,000 worth of medicines to hospitals across Malawi, expanding access to critical medicines.
At the Lisungwi warehouse, Kachikunje ensures all medicines are stored at the optimal temperature to maintain their potency and effectiveness for patients.
Janet Mbwadzulu
According to the PIH Malawi Pharmacy Manager, Henry Phiri, PIH also donated Bactec Laboratory Equipment worth USD 18,951.22, carried out maintenance of laboratory equipment such as chemistry analyzer and full blood count (FBC) machine, but also reduced machine downtime by 60% at Neno District Hospital. To further strengthen diagnostic services and support better clinical decision-making, PIH also provided routine laboratory supplies averaging USD 12,456 per month.
A key player in the supply chain, PIH Malawi pharmacy assistant Limbikani Kachikunje conducts stock taking of medications at the Lisungwi warehouse to maintain a consistent stock.
Janet Mbwadzulu
To address the scarcity of reliable local suppliers for laboratory reagents, PIH Malawi strengthened its strategic partnerships with external laboratories and made contractual arrangements with Kamiza Pathology Lab which carried biopsy analysis for 274 patients, Blantyre Diagnostics which processed over 350 advanced laboratory tests including hormone assays and infectious disease markers, and other private providers in Blantyre that conducted endoscopy services to 3 patients from Neno district.
PIH Malawi strengthens the healthcare system by focusing on through the 5s. In the department of pharmacy PIH Malawi focus on the essential pillars of Stuff, Staff, and Systems. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), PIH ensures that patients receive continuous, high-quality care by securing a reliable supply of relevant medication, establishing efficient systems for timely distribution, and supporting a well-trained workforce capable of managing the supply chain. This integrated approach is critical to maintaining high standards of care across the district.
Macdonald Domingo, the Neno District Pharmacist, emphasized PIH’s crucial role in providing healthcare to local patients. “We deeply appreciate the existence of PIH Malawi in Neno because their support is multi-faceted, ranging from supplies to distribution logistics and personnel,” Domingo noted. “Wherever we face a shortage or a gap in our health system, we reach out to PIH Malawi, and they consistently step in to support.” This partnership ensures that vital resources are available when and where they are needed most.
Join us in advocating for quality pharmacy infrastructure and workforce to ensure the continuation of equitable access to essential medicines and medical supplies.