The National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM) has officially launched a call for applications for small grants aimed at improving healthcare quality across the country. Funded by the Norwegian Nurses Organisation, this initiative will support nurses and midwives in driving innovative projects that address key challenges within the healthcare sector.

NONM’s Executive Director, Peter Mvuma, stressed the importance of empowering members to conduct research that will directly benefit the healthcare sector.

“This grant initiative is an exciting opportunity for our members to take the lead in improving healthcare quality. We are calling on all nurses and midwives who are passionate about making a tangible difference to come forward with their ideas,” said Mvuma.

He added, “The evidence gathered through these projects will not only inform NONM’s strategic direction but will also play a critical role in shaping national healthcare policy. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where data-driven decisions can lead to better healthcare outcomes for Malawians.”

Mvuma further emphasized that the success of the grant program lies in its potential to bring about systemic change.

“The projects funded through this program will focus on real, actionable solutions, whether that’s improving staffing ratios, ensuring safer work environments, or addressing gaps in healthcare delivery. We want our members to focus on the issues that matter most to their daily practice,” he said.

According to an advert for the call published in the Nation Newspaper of the 4^th of December, successful applicants will be awarded grants ranging from MK500,000 to MK1,000,000 to fund their proposed projects. These projects must align with the following objectives set by NONM:

• Promoting high standards of nursing and midwifery services for the well-being of Malawians.
• Advancing nursing and midwifery practices in areas such as clinical care, management, education, research, and ethics.
• Enhancing the dignity, rights, and welfare of nurses and midwives across the country.
• Supporting equal access to healthcare for all Malawians, in line with the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The advert further states that application is open exclusively to members of NONM in good standing. However, nurses and midwives who are not yet members of NONM are eligible to apply only if they collaborate with current NONM members. Non-members must also commit to joining NONM before the grant disbursement.

“This is a unique chance for nurses and midwives to engage in meaningful research that could transform the way we deliver care,” Mvuma noted.

“We encourage all eligible members to seize this opportunity, as it will not only improve their professional development but also help us collectively advance the nursing and midwifery professions in Malawi.” He added.

Nurses have commended the initiative saying that it will enhance their skills and competencies both on the bedside and in research.

“After seeing the advertisement, I was excited because I had a proposal that lacked sponsorship, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I submitted my application right away,” said one nurse, Dickson Mwenitete of Mzuzu Central Hospital.

“In our field, providing an evidence-based approach is crucial, which is why research or quality improvement projects are so important. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we often struggle to implement them. However, NONM has now provided us with a valuable opportunity, and we do not take this for granted,” he added.