Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital of Malawi and Malawi’s Ministry of Health Renew Partnership

In June, CURE Children’s Hospital of Malawi (CURE Malawi) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) signed an amended memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining both parties’ commitment to expanding and improving access to comprehensive and quality healthcare in the country.

The MoH has identified orthopedic and plastic surgery as priority programs for children with treatable disabilities. It also has acknowledged CURE Malawi’s capacity to perform these specialty services, provide periodic training for national doctors, and help strengthen the country’s health system.

The Ministry of Health and CURE Malawi have enjoyed a cooperative partnership since the hospital was established in 2002 and the first MOU agreement was signed in June 2020–bringing hope for Malawi’s 480,000 children with treatable disabilities.

“Life-altering services [are] being offered here at Beit CURE,” said Minister of Health Honorable Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda. “God bless you abundantly. Be assured of our support.”

The MoU states that CURE Malawi–with support from the Ministry of Health, Malawi Against Physical Disability (MAP), and private donors–will scale up the number of services it currently provides with special focus on orthopedic services, introduction of plastic surgery services, and training of healthcare workers. For its part, the Ministry of Health will commit its own operational knowledge, programming expertise, and other resources.

This means CURE Malawi can reach more kids like Mphatso–a young 5-year-old who loves to play. But a burn to his right leg caused painful scarring that limits his mobility and his future.

A CURE mobile clinic visited Mphatso’s village, and health workers identified him as a good candidate for surgery. At CURE, Dr. Dorothy Bbaale, our new plastic and reconstructive surgeon, operated on Mphatso and was able to straighten his leg–giving him new hope.

Photo caption: Mphatso before surgical intervention and in recovery at CURE Malawi.

The skin on little Mphatso’s right leg fused together after a fire, preventing him from walking and limiting his hope of an independent future. CURE Malawi provided the life-changing surgical care he needed.

“It is truly an honor to serve the children of Malawi here at CURE,” said Elly Chemey, CURE Malawi Executive Director. “We are grateful to have earned the trust of the government and look forward to many more years of positive cooperation with the Ministry of Health.”

Click here to learn about the strategic partners who help CURE Malawi heal more kids.

Click here to learn more about the medical and ministry services CURE Malawi offers.