Thousands of residents in Chinsapo and surrounding areas in Lilongwe are set to benefit from improved and more dignified healthcare services following the commissioning of a K1.1 billion health centre extension.
The government has officially commissioned the K1.1 billion extension at Chinsapo Health Centre in Lilongwe on Tuesday, a project aimed at improving healthcare delivery for more than 74,000 people by reducing overcrowding and strengthening services for patients with chronic illnesses.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Malunga Phiri, described the development as a clear example of how decentralization and partnerships can transform public service delivery at community level.
Phiri said the extension reflects the practical impact of empowering local authorities to take a leading role in improving essential services such as healthcare.
“The extension demonstrates the practical benefits of decentralisation and the critical role local authorities play in delivering essential services to communities,” he said.
The Minister said the expansion will ease congestion at one of Lilongwe’s busiest health centres while improving patient flow, privacy, and confidentiality, especially for those receiving long-term care.
“Strong local governments are central to national development. Investments such as this strengthen the capacity of councils to deliver services efficiently and improve the wellbeing of the communities they serve,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation Charles Chilambula praised AHF Malawi for its continued support to the country’s health sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening health systems.
Chilambula said the facility would help improve service delivery, reduce congestion and strengthen confidentiality for clients receiving HIV-related services.
He also highlighted Malawi’s achievement of the global 95-95-95 HIV targets and said continued investment in health infrastructure was necessary to sustain progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The project was funded by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Malawi, which government officials praised for its continued support in strengthening the country’s health system.
AHF Global Board Member Diana Hoorzuk described the extension as a symbol of partnership and a shared commitment to improving healthcare services in Malawi.
She said AHF remained committed to supporting HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes, as well as broader health systems strengthening initiatives across the country.
The new facility will function as a Chronic Care Clinic, providing specialized services for patients suffering from non-communicable diseases including diabetes and hypertension, conditions that continue to put pressure on health facilities across the country.
