A Mother Care Group from Dzaleka Refugee Camp showcased its work in promoting childhood immunisation during the launch of Malawi’s Accountability to Affected Populations Strategy at Dowa Community Ground.

The event brought together the Government of Malawi, UNICEF, the Malawi Health Equity Network, development partners, civil society organisations and community members.

The new strategy is intended to improve communication, community participation and accountability during disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadrick Namalomba said the strategy would give affected and marginalised communities a stronger role in decisions that affect their lives.

He said communities should be able to communicate their needs, concerns and feedback, while government departments and humanitarian organisations are expected to listen and respond.

UNICEF Representative Dr Bhattarai said communities should not only receive services but also take part in shaping the decisions behind those services.

The strategy focuses on four areas: information sharing, community participation, feedback and response mechanisms, and learning and adaptation.

During the event, the Malawi Health Equity Network mounted an exhibition pavilion featuring a Mother Care Group from Dzaleka. The group is taking part in a Gavi-funded immunisation project implemented by MHEN in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

The women explained how they mobilise caregivers, share information about childhood immunisation and encourage families to access life-saving vaccines.

Members of the group welcomed the new strategy, saying community participation is important when health programmes and humanitarian interventions are being planned and implemented.

MHEN Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Florence Khomnyongwa said the strategy was particularly important for refugees and other vulnerable communities.

She said it would help ensure that communities are heard during the planning, implementation and evaluation of health and humanitarian programmes.

MHEN was represented at the event by Florence Khomnyongwa, Love Kasonda, Mercy Mndala and Moses Ngoma.

Originally published by the Malawi Health Equity Network. Story and photos by MHEN interns Mercy Mndala and Love Kasonda.