Elias's work in underserved communities has been pivotal. He spearheaded the upgrade of two maternity units in Mchinji district and revitalized the district’s referral system, ensuring safer maternal care. His efforts have significantly improved maternal health outcomes, with institutional maternal mortality in his district dropping from 6.11/100,000 in 2021 to 3.4/100,000 in 2023. He attributes these successes to collaboration with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners, alongside his leadership in maternal and new-born health.

Elias and his team whilst working for Mchinji District Health Office in collaboration with German Agency for International Cooperation-Health program (GIZ), worked on a district activity titled "Experience to Care" initiative, which engaged community members in dialogue about maternal health services. This activity helped foster culturally sensitive solutions, leading to improved trust in healthcare. The activity also contributed to other success such asa rise in Fansidar uptake from 40% to 63% by 2024 with support from the Malaria coordinating team. His relentless efforts have also reduced home deliveries and cut maternal mortality by over 40% within a period of 2 years, 2021-2023.

Recognized as a National Mentor in Maternal and Newborn Health, Elias has trained and mentored over 150 Skilled Birth Attendants across Malawi with much emphasis on management of emergency obstetric conditions. He is also a certified national mentor in Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response and Quality Improvement, contributing significantly to reducing maternal deaths nationwide. Emergency obstetric conditions have also been significantly reduced with their management having been improved as well thanks to his mentorship of the skilled birth attendants on the management of the same.

Elias aspires to influence maternal health policies at the Ministry of Health. He sees a Leadership in Public Management program as an avenue to gain advanced leadership skills and build networks that will further his impact. He calls on partners for funding and support to continue advancing maternal health services in Malawi.

Over half of Malawi’s population are youths under 35 and more than 4.6 million are females/ women of childbearing age, the country faces significant reproductive health challenges which include among others; high maternal mortality of 381/100,000 live births, one of the highest in the world, inadequate access to maternal and new-born health, and high number of abortion cases. with the passion for improving maternal and new-born health, Elias plans to pursue a Master’s in Reproductive Health, having already secured a place at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, but he seeks funding to realize this goal.

Associating with Global Thinkers Forum and matching with a right mentor increased self-confidence, self-awareness, exposure to new and different perspectives, improved goal-setting skills, learning to ask good questions, and being supported by someone outside of family and friends. 

Thank you, Global Thinkers Forum!!