Latest news with #SouthernAsia
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Malawi Secures Gains Against Polio, Strengthens Health Systems for the Future
As Malawi celebrates its first anniversary after officially closing its reimported wild poliovirus (WPV1) outbreak, the country is taking strategic steps to sustain hard-won gains and strengthen its broader health system. On 24 April 2025, health leaders, partners, and stakeholders gathered for the National Polio Transition Planning meeting, an important milestone in ensuring that the infrastructure built to eradicate polio continues to serve Malawi's communities for years to come. From Polio Response to Long-Term Resilience Polio resources - from trained personnel to disease surveillance systems-have played a key role in emergency health responses across Malawi. The transition planning process aims to protect these assets and ensure their integration into the national health system. In line with the Polio Transition Strategic Framework, Malawi's plan supports national ownership of essential polio functions, including surveillance, immunization, and outbreak response. 'Transitioning from GPEI support means we must strengthen our ability to manage core functions nationally. This is vital to keep Malawi polio-free and improve our capacity to detect and respond to other vaccine-preventable diseases,' said Dr. Patrick Wataya Chirwa, Chair of the National Certification Committee. In May 2020, Malawi (alongside the rest of the African Region) was certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus. However, the detection of a reimported case from Southern Asia in 2022 served as a powerful reminder that polio remains a global threat. Malawi's health authorities responded swiftly and decisively, successfully interrupting transmission by May 2024. By January 2025, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) had classified the country as low-risk on its global polio watchlist—a testament to Malawi's strong response and surveillance systems. However, maintaining that status means planning for the future. As external polio funding declines, Malawi must close gaps in workforce and financing. The Polio Transition Plan will help secure critical capacities and align them with the Ministry of Health-led Immunization Programme, reinforcing the country's ability to prevent and respond to outbreaks. Sarah Wanyoike, from WHO AFRO's Eastern and Southern Africa inter-country support team, highlighted how lessons from Malawi's recent outbreak response can shape a stronger, more resilient health system. 'We must integrate service delivery and strengthen surveillance across the board—not just for polio, but for all vaccine-preventable diseases,' she said. The plan focuses on optimizing existing systems, integrating surveillance efforts, and building multisectoral collaboration, linking immunization, emergency preparedness, One Health approaches, and community engagement. At the meeting, Dr. Neema Kimambo, WHO Representative to Malawi, emphasized that the transition is not just a health sector responsibility. It requires cross-cutting collaboration among government agencies, local health authorities, partners, and civil society. 'Malawi's success will depend on strong coordination between the Ministry of Health, EPI, the Public Health Institute of Malawi, district councils, health partners, NGOs, and communities themselves,' Dr. Kimambo noted. These efforts aim to ensure that the systems and knowledge built through the polio programme continue to benefit Malawians, supporting everything from emergency response to routine immunization and disease surveillance. Malawi's National Polio Transition Plan is a blueprint not only for sustaining polio eradication efforts but also for advancing universal health coverage and equity. As the country moves from emergency response to long-term resilience, WHO and partners remain committed to supporting a smooth and sustainable transition—helping Malawi stay polio-free and healthier for generations to come. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Malawi.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Global Spotlight on KIIT: Makes First Entry in QS World University Rankings
KIIT-DU has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the top position among all private universities in Odisha in the QS World University Rankings 2026 which was released today. It has also been ranked 9th among India's premier private higher education institutions and earned a respectable global rank, marking its debut in the prestigious global rankings. In its maiden participation, KIIT has not only emerged as a strong contender on the international academic stage but also secured the 55th position in Asian University Rankings – Southern Asia. This feat underscores KIIT's rapid rise in the global higher education landscape and its unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and internationalisation. The QS World University Rankings 2026 evaluated over 1,500 top universities worldwide based on rigorous parameters such as Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Faculty-Student Ratio, Citations per Faculty, International Faculty and Student Ratio, Research Network, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability. Reacting to the achievement, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS, said, 'This recognition is the result of our consistent efforts towards academic excellence, social commitment, and global engagement. KIIT, though only 21 years old, has outperformed many long-established institutions. I congratulate all our teachers, staff, and students who have contributed to this proud moment.' The entire KIIT and KISS community has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Samanta, whose visionary leadership and inclusive approach to education continue to inspire generations and place Odisha prominently on the global academic map. KIIT debuts in QS World University Rankings 2026, evaluated among 1,500 global universities Clinches 55th rank in QS Southern Asia Rankings Commended for strong academic reputation, research output, and global faculty-student ratio Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta attributes success to KIIT's vision and inclusive ethos 'This article is part of sponsored content programme.'
