The World Health Organization (WHO) Malawi Country Office conducts a Staff Retreat for 2022

The 64-member team of World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office Malawi (WCO) staff gathered in the lakeside district of Mangochi from 10-15 August 2022 for a staff withdrawal.

The main purpose of the retreat was to review its performance since the beginning of the year with a focus on its recent interventions in life-threatening emergencies, such as the floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the polio and cholera outbreaks that affected to Malawi.

During the retreat, staff were updated on the WHO Transformation Agenda.

This is in line with the General Program of Work of the Thirteen (GPW 13), which defines the organization’s five-year strategy, 2019-2025.

Speaking at the meeting, the WHO Representative in Malawi, Dr Kimambo, Neema Rusibamayila emphasized that: “The triple billion targets serve to measure the impact of WHO on people’s health.

One billion more people are expected to gain access to universal health coverage, be protected from health emergencies, and enjoy better health and well-being.

Malawi is ready to contribute to this.” Dr Kimambo added that the WHO Transformation Agenda provides an opportunity to engage with the government, other UN agencies and all stakeholders.

“The focus of the transformation agenda is pro-results, ensuring a smart technical approach, responsive strategic operations in line with the health needs and priorities of the people of Malawi.” He explained WHO’s vision of transformation to the staff.

“Our goal is to optimize technical delivery, improve the quality of work and ensure better management of resources and better value for money in our interventions.”

Dr. Nampewo Solome, Health Systems Coordinator, explained the importance of ensuring access to universal health care in Malawi: “We are working to improve access to quality essential health services, regardless of gender, age or background.

disability status, at all levels of the health care delivery system.

We are committed to reducing the number of people experiencing financial hardship, especially now that the country is facing various emergencies.” Participants were also encouraged to improve their personal skills and knowledge using the WHO learning platforms.

Staff were encouraged to use the WHO ilearn platform and maximize the mentoring and training opportunities available at WHO.

The Ombudsman also spoke about the various policies related to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, Harassment and Abuse of Authority.

WHO staff were reminded that they must be ambassadors to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse of authority, everywhere, beyond the work environment always.

The team engaged in an open and constructive exchange of ideas to improve the WHO country office.

Self-awareness moments provided insights into ways to improve the health system.

The open-minded nature of the retreat provoked negative and positive reactions.

Everyone calmly provided remedies to improve WHO teamwork, in a relaxed manner.

The need for effective, responsive and respectful communication was emphasized.

Selamani Ngwira, Nsanje District Data Manager, couldn’t hide his joy after meeting and interacting with his colleagues and supervisors.

“The staff retreat was very interesting.

It brought us together, ensuring teamwork, with our supervisors.

Now I personally know my leaders after this retreat.

We connect and bond beyond exchanging memos and deadlines via email and phone.

This will strengthen our coordinated response, during emergencies, while providing routine health services,” Selaman said.

To encourage teamwork and consistency, the staff retreat was merged with fun activities, drills, and sports activities.

Staff members were encouraged to maintain a work-life balance to be fully productive in a work environment.

The retreat ended on September 15, 2022 with all staff empowered and energized to contribute their best efforts in achieving the goals of the Organization.