(Shawn, Kate, Malen and Amy)

I must say, this past week marked some major milestones both historically and personally! First, Malawians and Africans across the continent are elated by Obama’s triumph. In fact, President Bingu wa Mutharika, the President of Malawi, recently wrote a letter to Obama stating, “Dr Martin Luther King had a dream that after the hurdles of slavery that Africa passed through to develop America, one day black people will take a lead in America. Today, you [Obama] have fulfilled that dream. The victory is for Africa.”

(Amy, Alisha and Ann at Oliver Mtukudzi)

For the first time in years, I am proud to say I am American –‘we’ finally did the right thing by voting for the most qualified candidate who is not only intelligent but also delivers messages of hope rather than fear.

(The Nation on November 6, 2008)

And in true Malawian fashion, the “IT’S OBAMA!” headline that appeared in our local paper, The Nation, was coupled with another noteworthy article of national importance, “My Wife Cut My Private Parts.” David, it reminded me of our first day in Cape Town years ago when we picked up the newspaper at one of the finest hotels and read, ‘Enraged hippo rips man’s face off’. Seriously, the local newspapers provide a constant source of entertainment.

(Kristine and Mayke)

Unfortunately, I missed all of the election excitement. As all of my friends huddled around the TV watching CNN election coverage at the Chameleons Pub (from midnight to 6:00 am), I was preparing for my big Standards Workshop – which was a huge success, not to mention a turning point in my career.

(Famed Zimbabwean Musician, Oliver Mtukudzi)

After eight months of experiencing one setback after another, I finally pulled off the 3-day workshop (followed by an all-day GIS Training). Experts from Geneva, Oslo, Atlanta and Washington DC descended upon Lilongwe to participate in these important events.

(Christine, Amy and Carrie)

For a brief background in terms of what I am trying to accomplish, as part of the Paris Declaration, Malawi has agreed to the ‘three ones’ principle, i.e. to establish one agreed National HIV and AIDS Action Framework, one national AIDS coordinating authority, and one agreed country-level monitoring and evaluation system to monitor progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS as well as to allow international comparison between countries.

(Dale Mosier (Peace Corps Country Director), US Ambassador Bodde, His wife, Tanya, and Jeanne Mosier)

Currently, many vertical program-specific systems, such as Antiretroviral (ART) patient monitoring, malaria and tuberculosis surveillance, are being developed. To address the ‘third one’, it is important to understand the different systems being used to collect and to report data to the district and national programs; and to explore potential integration of systems into one, comprehensive system through the use of national standards.

This workshop brought together 60+ key stakeholders representing health program managers, leadership from the Ministry of Health, donor organizations and system developers in order to a) introduce the concept and importance of data standards to a wider audience within the health sector; b) to explore the current Health Information System landscape, including resources and policy; c) to discuss critical issues related to standards and tools, including National IDs, facility IDs, governance structures, confidentiality and security; and d) to organize technical working groups to implement ideas generated from the workshop and to move forward with a strategic plan.

(Peter)

By in large, I feel an amazing sense of accomplishment – I have begun to leave my legacy as I fastidiously work to lay the foundation to achieve an interoperable health system framework. Granted, for now I have only garnered buy-in and support from the Ministry and other development partners – the bulk of the work has yet to begin.

(Cassandra and her brother, Josh, cook up a storm for 75 Malawian co-workers)

On another note, the weekends continue to offer opportunities to appreciate friends and various activities in Lilongwe. Oliver Mtukudzi, a famed Zimbabwean artist, performed last weekend at the golf course (the venue was an odd choice). And this weekend was spent just relaxing and catching my breath from this past week’s events.

(Gwyneth, Amy and Cassandra)

Please continue to keep in touch! I always love hearing from you.

Much love,
Amy