Nurses, midwives promised better welfare ahead of NONM polls

Nurses and midwives are being promised better pay, improved working conditions and stronger representation as the race for the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives (NONM) presidency gathers pace.

Frank Louis Kamwendo, a 35-year-old nurse seeking to lead the organisation, says his campaign will focus on tackling long-standing challenges affecting the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of nurses and midwives.

NONM is scheduled to hold its elections on November 27, 2026, with Kamwendo positioning himself as a candidate for what he describes as a new era of strong representation and action.

Kamwendo says, if elected, his administration will push for improved salaries and allowances, including the revision of an already signed deal which he describes as favourable to nurses and midwives.

“We are contesting with commitment, passion, and a clear agenda to ensure that: Nurses and midwives are fairly remunerated, both in salaries and allowances, including revamping the already-signed juicy deal. No need to wait forever,” said Kamwendo.

He also wants shifts reviewed to provide a minimum of three shifts within 24 hours, arguing that this would improve working conditions and service delivery.

On career progression, Kamwendo promises timely promotions, particularly for employees approaching retirement, so they can retire with improved pension benefits.

He has also pledged legal representation for nurses and midwives, saying members should not be left without support when facing legal challenges.

Another major issue on his agenda is the welfare of nurses and midwives working under the Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM). Kamwendo says he will push for negotiations on career progression, promotions and pension arrangements.

He further wants the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) brought to an end and the old pension arrangement restored.

Kamwendo has also promised to campaign for the restoration of hot meals for nurses and midwives within six months of taking office, while uniforms would be restored within 12 months.

On the shortage of health workers, he says his administration would push for mass recruitment of nurses and midwives while expanding opportunities for qualified professionals to work abroad where they cannot immediately be absorbed locally.

Kamwendo is also proposing the establishment of a savings and credit cooperative organisation (SACCO) under NONM, with a target of having it operational within two years.

His agenda also includes better support for senior nursing leaders, recognition and improved benefits for specialists, and access to safe and decent accommodation for healthcare workers.

Beyond his campaign promises, Kamwendo is presenting his previous advocacy work as evidence of his suitability for the position.

Among the issues he says he has championed are concerns surrounding the CPS, mass recruitment of nurses and midwives, and the creation of the Federation of Civil Servants Unions (FOCSU).

Kamwendo also says he challenged aspects of NONM’s internal processes through the courts, including concerns over membership fees, eligibility of nursing midwife technicians to contest executive positions and the involvement of district executive committees.

He further points to his involvement in advocating for Kamuzu College of Nursing students facing challenges over examination fees and his role in campaigns that pushed for the 2024 mass recruitment of nurses and midwives.

“This year’s NONM elections will be a defining moment in determining the direction we want our profession and our organization to take,” he says.

He has urged nurses and midwives to scrutinize his record and make their decision based on his advocacy history.