Malawi had the pleasure of hosting Marie Stopes International - UK Chief Executive Dana Hovig from 15 to 19 April 2007. Banja La Mtsogolo was the first partner programme in the MSI Global Partnership to be visited by Hovig in his new position as Chief Executive.
Dana Hovig took over from Dr Tim Black as Chief Executive on 1st January 2007.
During his five-day visit, Hovig attended a Board Meeting of BLM at Head Office, visited a number of BLM activities including static clinics, community clinic outreach and a community sensitization and mobilization activity at Chiwamba in Chief Chimutu in Lilongwe.
He also had discussions with Department of International Development (DFID) team in Lilongwe led by Dr Julia Kemp - DFID Health Advisor, Norway/Sida and Head of Health Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) Secretariat - Dr Ann Phoya.
During his visit he also had a meeting with the Minister of Health, Hon Marjorie Ngaunje, and the Secretary for Health Mr Chris Kang'ombe. He commended the Ministry for strengthening the support and collaboration between BLM and the ministry officials in reaching out to the poor communities with health care services. The Honorable Minister of Health assured Hovig of her ministry's support to BLM pro-poor projects.
In his remarks, Dana Hovig said he was very impressed with the work BLM wasdoing for rural masses and Malawi as a whole in the provision of health services. In emphasizing this point he said if other partners ask him about his expectation, he will simply say "Be Like BLM"
