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Nomn champions inclusive healthcare, sign language - Nation Online

By Wycliffe Njiragoma

Nomn champions inclusive healthcare, sign language - Nation Online

The National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (Nomn) has described the introduction of sign language training and the promotion of bedside research among nurses as critical milestones in advancing inclusive, evidence-based healthcare in the country.

NONM president Shouts Galang'ande Simenza told the Weekend Nation yesterday that the organisation is deliberately investing in initiatives that ensure no one is left behind on access to healthcare, including persons with disabilities.

"As an organisation, we are promoting the notion of universal health coverage, leaving no one behind, including the most vulnerable," he said.

Simenza said 11 nurses and midwives from across the country have completed rigorous sign language training, equipping them to communicate effectively with deaf patients and train others at their respective facilities.

"Imagine a woman in labour who cannot hear, and a nurse or clinician is unable to communicate confidentially. That is why it's vital for all health workers to have at least basic sign language skills," he said.

He added that Nonm is also celebrating nurses who have completed small-scale bedside research studies funded through the Norwegian Nurses Organisation (NNO).

"We invited interested nurses to apply for research grants, and many took part. Their findings will inform policy shifts in the health sector and strengthen evidence-based decision-making," said Simenza,

He said the research briefs will be presented to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, Charles Ntambo, vice-chairperson of the Malawi National Association of the Deaf (Manad), said the initiative will bridge a long-standing communication gap between health workers and deaf patients.

"Deaf persons communicate using sign language, so if health personnel do not know it, they may give a deaf patient the wrong medication or treatment," he said.

One of the graduates, Mwiza Mwenelupembe, a nursing officer at Kamuzu Central Hospital, said the training will make a real difference in patient care.

"There was a time when a deaf patient came during the weekend, and my colleagues struggled to assist because they could not communicate. This training changes that," she said.

Taking her turn, Nomn executive director Dr Chifundo Zimba hailed both the sign language graduates and the junior nurse researchers for setting new benchmarks in professional development.

"These achievements are not just personal milestones; they are cornerstones for advancing nursing and midwifery in Malawi and proof that accessible, research-driven healthcare is possible," she said.

Zimba also thanked the NNO and Manad for their partnership, saying the collaboration reflects Malawi's growing commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

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