Interconnectedness is one of the highly emphasized aspects of Umunthu. With support from the US State Department, we held a workshop for Dedza and Zomba District Health Management Team (DHMT) members from the 27th to the 28th of October 2022, to establish and strengthen inclusive systems in their respective districts. Among the diverse professions in attendance were Accountants, Human Resource Managers, and Public relations committees.
During the conversations, participants freely debated strengthening the understanding of their role in ensuring inclusive systems. Dedza’s District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO) questioned the relevance of accountants: “Of what use is this training to other cadres as an accountant?” He continued to highlight that this cadre does not directly interact with patients hence the workshop is not relevant to them.
“We need them as well so that in times when we need the approval to carry out an activity targeting key populations, they should not delay or ask so many unnecessary questions,” responded Dedza’s DNO.
Upon realizing the vitality of the roles each individual plays as an integral part of the functionality of a whole system, Dedza’s District Nursing Officer (DNO) was quick to respond to the DEHO’s concern. She further added that Umunthu will guide us to be efficient in supporting health service delivery.
The DNO was able to respond in that manner after fully understanding how Umunthu as a concept can and should be streamlined in health service provision for efficiency and, in a way that will promote health access behavior among key populations.
