In the quarter October to December 2024, the R4H programs and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) teams conducted visits to 80 health centers across three regions of Malawi: the Southern, Central, and Northern regions. Specifically, they visited health centres in Chikwawa, Zomba, and Blantyre in the Southern Region; Mchinji and Ntchisi in the Central Region; and Rumphi and Karonga in the Northern Region. The primary objective of these visits was to review the sample transport program and engage with key stakeholders. These engagements were aimed at gathering feedback on the program’s successes, identifying areas that are functioning well, and highlighting aspects that require improvement. One of the motivating factors during these visits was hearing positive feedback from partners, including HIV Diagnostic Assistants (HDAs) and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), who are deployed under various partners such as the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Right to Care. These partners work closely with the R4H sample transport couriers at health centers, ensuring that samples are collected and transported on time for diagnosis.

A key testimonial shared during the period from October to December 2024 came from Peter Mpinga, HDA under Right to Care at Malomo health centre. He described a situation that occurred within October to November 2024 in which a client who had difficulty in walking needed to have a viral load sample drawn but could not make it to the health center. In response, the HDAs traveled to Chakulanjala, a village 10 kilometers from Malomo Health Centre, to draw the sample. Fortunately, R4H courier Brino Katchengera arrived at Malomo Health Center to collect the samples but the HDAs were not available. Upon contacting them, he was informed that they were at Chakulanjala, drawing the sample from the client. Brino followed the HDAs to Chakulanjala, successfully collected the dry blood sample, and transported it to the laboratory for diagnosis. Malomo Health Center is located 36 kilometers from Ntchisi District Health Office, and this scenario exemplified the critical role that couriers and HDAs play in ensuring the smooth transportation of samples even under challenging circumstances.

Further, Ernest Manda, Laboratory Technician from Khuwi Health Centre, highlighted how R4H couriers are making a significant contribution to improving patient outcomes. His feedback reflects the importance of the collaborative efforts between HDAs, couriers, and health facility staff in ensuring that diagnostic samples are transported efficiently, leading to better patient care and timely diagnosis.

These testimonies and interactions showcase the impact of the R4H sample transport program and emphasize the ongoing need for improvement in coordination, resources, and logistics to ensure continued success in transporting clinical samples across Malawi’s health centres.

Joining R4H in January 2013 was my best career decision. My name is Blester Mwambira, I am based in Rumphi District, where I serve in two rural hospitals and 15 health centers.

Working with R4H has been an exciting experience, especially witnessing the fast healthcare logistics we provide. I am proud to testify that R4H has helped bring about Global Health Equity by ensuring timely healthcare service delivery reaches everyone, everywhere. Through R4H, I am a story of success in promoting access to quality healthcare across the globe.

From October– December 2023, I successfully executed the scheduled facility visits, maintaining normal turnaround – time (TAT) adherence with no breakdowns or sample rejections. The seamless collaboration between sample transport couriers, healthcare workers, and data clerks enhanced TAT adherence and results management. Despite challenges like riding in muddy roads due to heavy rains and fuel shortages, I am glad I overcame and I managed to serve my community efficiently.