Background The clinical learning environment is an important part of the nursing and midwifery training as it helps students to integrate theory into clinical practice. However, not all clinical learning environments foster positive learning. This study aimed to assess the student nurses and midwives’ experiences and perception of the clinical learning environment in Malawi. Methods A concurrent triangulation mixed methods research design was used to collect data from nursing and midwifery students. Quantitative data were collected using a Clinical Learning Environment Inventory, while qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions. The Clinical Learning Environment Inventory has six subscales of satisfaction, involvement, individualisation, innovation, task orientation and personalisation. The focus group interview guide had questions about clinical learning, supervision, assessment, communication and resources. Quantitative data were analysed by independent t-test and multivariate linear regression and qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results A total of 126 participants completed the questionnaire and 30 students participated in three focus group discussions. Satisfaction subscale had the highest mean score (M = 26.93, SD = 4.82) while individualisation had the lowest mean score (M = 18.01, SD =3.50). Multiple linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between satisfaction with clinical learning environment and personalization (β = 0.50, p = < 0.001), and task orientation (β =0.16 p = < 0.05). Teaching and learning resources, hostile environment, poor relationship with a qualified staff, absence of clinical supervisors, and lack of resources were some of the challenges faced by students in their clinical learning environment. Conclusion Although satisfaction with clinical learning environment subscale had the highest mean score, nursing and midwifery students encountered multifaceted challenges such as lack of resources, poor relationship with staff and a lack of support from clinical teachers that negatively impacted on their clinical learning experiences. Training institutions and hospitals need to work together to find means of addressing the challenges by among others providing resources to students during clinical placement.

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For HIV infected Zambians with diarrhoea of more than three weeks' duration albendazole offers substantial relief from symptoms and may be used empirically, without prior investigation.

The aim of this study was to explore the quality of focused antenatal care (FANC) services provided to pregnant women at Bwaila Maternity hospital in Lilongwe district, Malawi. The study design was descriptive using a convenience sample of 369 antenatal mothers. A structured questionnaire was administered to pregnant women attending the antenatal care clinic to assess the quality and content of FANC services. The findings indicate that overall, the structure for providing FANC services scored above World Health Organization (WHO) standards (at 87%) while the process of delivery of services in terms of performance scored below standard (at 60%). On the outcomes, the maternal and neonatal mortality ratios were 206 per 100 000 and 19 per 1000 live births respectively. Community mobilization, training of health care providers and consistent supply of material resources necessary for providing FANC is recommended in order to further improve neonatal and maternal outcomes.