Government has announced that it is scaling up national efforts to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), describing them as an escalating threat to Malawi’s public health and overall development.

Health and Sanitation Minister Madalitso Baloyi made the announcement in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the opening of a three-day Association of Schools of Global Health (ASPHA) Conference, which has brought together health experts, researchers, policymakers, and development partners from across the region.

Baloyi said the conference comes at a crucial time as Malawi continues to experience growing cases of NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases. She emphasized that the evidence and research findings to be shared at the conference will help inform Malawi’s policies and interventions.

“The various research findings to be presented here will greatly help Malawi shape its health-prevention narrative regarding NCDs,” she said. “As a country, we are strengthening our systems to move from reactive measures to proactive, preventive approaches that can reduce long-term health burdens.”

The Minister noted that Malawi has in recent years made significant progress in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. However, she warned that NCDs, often silent and long-term, require a different and sustained strategy.

“NCDs now require sustained, preventive approaches rather than crisis responses. Government is strengthening health systems for early detection, routine screening, and continuous care. This conference allows Malawi to learn from global experience and deepen links with leading NCD researchers,” she added.

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Vice-Chancellor Professor MacPherson Mallewa echoed the Minister’s remarks, calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, universities, civil society, and international partners.

“Collaboration across sectors is vital. Shared research and coordinated strategies lead to better health outcomes,” Mallewa said. He highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making, stressing that research must guide Malawi’s public health priorities.

He added that the ASPHA Conference provides an important platform for Malawi to present its challenges, share innovations, and work with partners on practical, scalable solutions to strengthen the country’s health system.

This year’s conference is being held under the theme “Harnessing Community Health Systems and Technology for Public Health Response.” The theme underscores the critical role of digital tools, community engagement, and grassroots health structures in addressing both emerging and long-standing health threats.

Delegates will over the next three days discuss advancements in disease surveillance, community health interventions, digital health innovations, and strategies for integrating NCD care into primary health services.

The conference is also expected to result in new partnerships and recommendations aimed at strengthening Malawi’s capacity to respond to current and future health challenges.