Strengthening the Frontlines: Training Community Health Workers to Deliver Life-Saving Services.
Njira Impact recently conducted an intensive training for 37 CHWs from 11 partner District Health Office (DHO) facilities across our program catchment areas.
The training focused on four crucial areas: Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). These thematic areas reflect some of the most pressing health challenges facing rural Malawi, particularly for women, children, and youth.
This training was about equipping CHWs with both the knowledge and the confidence to save lives.They’re more than messengers—they are the heart of our community health system.
The training was theoretical as practical work will be done in the communities and participants learned how to:
- Educate pregnant women on birth preparedness and danger signs in pregnancy
- Promote exclusive breastfeeding and proper child nutrition
- Offer confidential HIV testing and counseling
- Support adolescent SRHR education and safe contraceptive use
- Monitor and follow up on malnourished children
- Record and refer cases to local health facilities efficiently
Beyond the knowledge, the CHWs expressed a renewed sense of purpose.“I used to feel unsure when giving health advice,” said Gladys, a CHW from Ntosa. “But after this training, I understand how to explain things clearly and help people take action. I feel like a true health champion now.”More than just delivering services, they are also breaking down stigma—especially around adolescent sexual health and HIV testing, topics that are often taboo in rural settings.
Njira Impact remains committed to building a strong, community-based health workforce. Through ongoing mentorship, support supervision, and refresher trainings, these CHWs will continue to be empowered to drive change, restore hope, and save lives in the communities they serve.
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