HSA Interview Questions & Answers - Malawi
1. What is a Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) in Malawi?
An HSA in Malawi is a community health worker trained by the Ministry of Health to deliver primary health
care services at the community level. HSAs provide services like disease surveillance, health education,
family planning, and treatment of common childhood illnesses.
2. What are common diseases that HSAs deal with in Malawi?
Common diseases include malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malnutrition. HSAs
also help with immunization campaigns and maternal health services.
3. What is iCCM and how is it used in Malawi?
iCCM stands for Integrated Community Case Management. It's a strategy used in Malawi to train HSAs to
diagnose and treat malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia in children under five. It helps reduce child mortality by
bringing treatment closer to the community.
4. What role do HSAs play in vaccination campaigns in Malawi?
HSAs conduct outreach clinics, mobilize communities, keep immunization records, educate caregivers, and
track defaulters to ensure full immunization coverage.
5. What do HSAs do during a cholera outbreak in Malawi?
HSAs report suspected cases to health centers, educate the community on safe water use and handwashing,
distribute chlorine or water guard, and help identify and isolate cases early to prevent spread.
6. How do HSAs support maternal and child health in Malawi?
HSAs conduct health talks, promote antenatal visits, monitor child growth, encourage safe deliveries, and
HSA Interview Questions & Answers - Malawi
follow up with mothers and babies after birth.
7. What are Village Health Committees (VHCs) and how do HSAs work with them?
VHCs are community groups that support health activities. HSAs work with VHCs to plan and implement
health campaigns, solve local health issues, and improve community participation.
8. How does the Malawi Ministry of Health support HSAs?
The Ministry provides training, supervision, supplies, refresher courses, and monthly salaries. NGOs also
support HSAs through partnerships with the Ministry of Health.
