Deputy Head of Non-communicable Diseases in the Ministry of Health Dr Jonathan Chiwanda says the situation is triggering slow economic growth of the country.

He said this on Friday in Blantyre during the launch of Else Kroner Malawi Child Health Centre.

Dr Chiwanda says there is a need to increase health centers and disseminate awareness messages in order to control the growing cases of the diseases in the country.

"Communities are not aware of   some of the conditions of non-communicable diseases. We still have challenges in terms of awareness and drug availability while we are trying to recapitalise central medical stores to provide essential medicines," Dr Chiwanda said.

Vice president of Pediatric and Child Health Association Dr Emmie Mbale says training of health officers in child care skills has potential of improving quality of health services.

"One of the things we have been looking at is engaging with key stakeholders. We will begin working with the Ministry of Health and empower health officers to build capacity," Dr Mbale said.

(by Mathias Mkupasha)