On 14 of March, 2017 Dowa district hosted the Bwalo forum where duty bearers (HEC) interacted with the community members (activists, influential people, youth representatives, CSO network representatives) to act upon evidence in the district relating to reproductive, maternal, Neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH).

The discussion centered around evidence generated in the district on RMNCAH.  The evidence was shared with the district health office and the community on current RMNCAH issues affecting the district. Community members were glad to interact and express their concerns with the District Health Officer.

The DHO was open towards health issues the district is facing which have contributed to poor RMNCAH. However he assured the community to work with citizens to reduce the problems and promote health. The community assured of monitoring development issues on RMNCAH.

The Dowa District Health Officer, gave a brief overview of common problems the hospital has faced such as poor health seeking behaviors by mothers. “Women come to the hospital late to receive care. Usually they come to hospital whilst already delivered without much knowledge of risks during delivery and post-natal care,” Said Dr. Makoza -Dowa DHO

The District Health Officer (DHO) presented a low percentage of women attending antenatal care, and most of them getting to the hospital already delivered. He later explained some interventions being carried out by his office to address some of the challenges from the evidence so as to promote RMNCAH.

Bwalo forums have been considered useful in Dowa , Bwalo is a forum where duty bearers and citizens come together to discuss pertinent issues affecting their livelihood with an aim of improving their quality of life.