Engendering communicable disease policy and practice: Experiences from Malawi.

Abstract

This paper synthesizes the findings of research in Malawi to explore how gender roles and relations affect the way in which key diseases of poverty are experienced at the community level. The paper also documents strategies for translating gendered research findings into policy and practice. First, it highlights background information on Malawi and gives an overview of the three key diseases of poverty, namely tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Next, it introduces the Research on Equity and Community Health (REACH) Trust and documents its research work on gender and equity in diseases of poverty. This is followed by a conceptual framework on how gender shapes vulnerability to diseases; access and adherence to services; and the impact of being ill on individuals and households. Strategies for facilitating the uptake of gender-sensitive research findings in the design of policy and interventions are then analysed.

Citation

Nhlema Simwaka, B.; Makwiza, I.; Sanudi, L.; Nkhonjera, P.; Theobald, S,. Engendering communicable disease policy and practice: Experiences from Malawi. In: Gender and health: policy and practice. A global sourcebook. KIT Publishers, Oxfam GB, Amsterdam, Oxford, The Netherlands, UK (2006)

Engendering communicable disease policy and practice: Experiences from Malawi.

Published 1 January 2006