AGP Executive Report

Climate and Health: Researchers in Mangochi and Zomba are studying how extreme weather affects nutrition and mental health, with the THRIVE project urging communities to help shape disaster preparedness. Mental Health: Anglican men’s leaders plan to confront rising suicide among Malawian men, pointing to financial strain, family pressures and suffering in silence. Health Workforce: The SDA Church wants government to move November 20–22 health-worker interviews, saying the dates clash with Muslim, Adventist and other Christian worship days. The ministry plans to recruit more than 5,000 workers by March. Newborn Care: Mangochi District Hospital records nearly 20 newborn deaths each month while handling up to 1,800 deliveries, highlighting pressure on maternity and neonatal services. Access to Care: Organisers of November 17 demonstrations cite medicine shortages among their grievances as households face rising maize prices; 2.6 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity through March.

Climate and Water: A potentially powerful El Niño could bring drought and flooding to vulnerable regions, threatening food and water supplies. Water Wells for Africa is returning to Malawian villages where clinics had flagged waterborne disease risks and wells have since been installed. Newborn Care: Mangochi District Hospital reports nearly 20 newborn deaths a month while handling up to 1,800 deliveries, highlighting pressure on maternity and newborn services. Medicine Access: Mulanje residents say shortages at hospitals and clinics are putting patients at risk; the district is among areas planning protests over medicine, fuel and power shortages. Health Progress: Malawi’s HIV infections have fallen by three-quarters, while a KUHeS study reports 97% of births now take place in health facilities and more than 90% of children receive recommended vaccinations. Researchers caution that progress depends on timely care and stronger follow-through. Health Workforce: Staffing gaps remain a concern, with calls for fair recruitment as health professionals face long waits for jobs.

Medicine Shortages: Mulanje residents say empty hospital shelves are putting patients, children and older people at risk. The district is among areas planning November 17 demonstrations over medicine and fuel shortages, power cuts and rising costs. Newborn Care: Mangochi District Hospital records nearly 20 newborn deaths a month while handling up to 1,800 deliveries, highlighting pressure on maternity and neonatal services. Nutrition: A UNICEF- and government-backed nutrition project has ended in Dowa after running since January; its handover calls for regular feedback and stronger data reporting to sustain the work. Maternal and Child Health: KUHeS research says 97% of women gave birth in health facilities and more than 90% of under-fives received recommended immunisations, though many mothers still arrive late for care. HIV: Officials report new HIV infections in Malawi have fallen by three-quarters, while the National AIDS Commission warns that men’s reluctance to test remains a concern.

Malaria: New vaccines, better diagnostics and forecasting are advancing the fight, but experts say warnings must lead to preparedness, and prevention and treatment must reach communities. Sub-Saharan Africa still accounts for about 95% of cases and deaths. Health Workforce: Malawi’s planned November 20–22 interviews for 14 health-worker cadres face questions over undisclosed vacancies and deployment plans. Seventh-day Adventists also say the dates conflict with worship days and could exclude candidates. Maternal and Child Health: KUHeS research found 97% of women gave birth in health facilities and 93–96% of children received all three pentavalent vaccine doses by 2025. Researchers warn some mothers still reach care late. HIV: New infections fell 76%, from 60,000 in 2010 to 14,000 in 2025. AIDS-related deaths and mother-to-child transmission have also declined, though officials say prevention efforts must continue.

Maternal Health: A KUHeS study found 97% of pregnant women deliver in health facilities and more than 90% of under-fives receive recommended vaccinations. But Mangochi’s services remain under strain, with up to 1,800 births a month and adolescent pregnancy at 42%. Health Workforce: The Ministry plans walk-in interviews for 14 health-worker cadres on November 20–22. Stakeholders want clear vacancy and deployment details, fair selection and crowd controls to prevent stampedes. Medicine Supply: Foreign-exchange shortages continue to disrupt access: medicine availability in public facilities fell from 51% in April to 40% in September, and from 34% to 18% in central hospitals. HIV: New infections dropped 76% from 60,000 in 2010 to 14,000 in 2025. NAC is urging men to test earlier and aims to cut infections to 6,000 by 2030.

Maternal Health: A new study finds 97% of pregnant women deliver in health facilities and more than 90% of under-fives receive recommended vaccinations. But Mangochi’s maternity wards remain strained, with up to 1,800 births a month and nearly 20 newborn deaths reported monthly. HIV: New infections fell 76% between 2010 and 2025, to 14,000, while mother-to-child transmission dropped to 6%. NAC says reluctance among men to test until they become ill is putting further progress at risk. Health Workforce: Groups warn that November 20–22 walk-in interviews for health jobs need clear vacancy and deployment details, fair selection and crowd controls to prevent stampedes. Medicine Supply: Public-facility medicine availability fell to 40% in September, and to 18% in central hospitals, despite a larger budget. The medicines agency owes foreign suppliers about US$18 million, with foreign-exchange shortages hampering procurement.

HIV Progress: Malawi reports a 76% fall in new HIV infections, from 60,000 in 2010 to 14,000 in 2025. Mother-to-child transmission has dropped to 6%, but NAC warns that men’s reluctance to test could slow progress toward its target of 6,000 new infections by 2030. Health Workforce: The November 20–22 recruitment drive for 14 health-worker cadres faces questions over undisclosed vacancy numbers and deployment plans. Health groups are calling for fair hiring and crowd controls to protect candidates. Regional Health Security: SADC health ministers are discussing Ebola preparedness, El Niño’s risks to food, water and health services, and stronger regional production and procurement of medicines. Strained Services: Public medicine availability fell to 40% by September, and to 18% in central hospitals, as foreign-currency shortages hinder imports. Mangochi’s maternity services are also under pressure, with up to 1,800 births a month across the district.

Health Workforce: Malawi’s planned November 20–22 recruitment of 14 health-worker cadres faces questions over undisclosed vacancies and deployment plans. Health groups also urge crowd controls, fair selection and protection for candidates at the walk-in interviews. HIV Testing: The National AIDS Commission says many men wait until they develop symptoms before testing, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Maternal Care: Mangochi records up to 1,800 births monthly, while its district hospital is crowded and reports nearly 20 newborn deaths a month; teenage pregnancy is estimated at 42 percent. Medicine Supply: Public-facility medicine availability fell from 51 percent in April to 40 percent in September, with foreign-exchange shortages hampering imports. Mental Health: Advocates say the independent board provided for under the 2025 Mental Health Act is still missing, risking weak oversight of patients’ rights. Birth Trauma: An international study found 36 percent of surveyed Malawian mothers met the measure for childbirth-related PTSD, though researchers caution that country comparisons may be affected by differences in methods and care. Emergency Supplies: UNICEF and Norway delivered 11.7 tonnes of supplies, including cholera kits, foetal heart monitors and infant scales, to help support children and families as Malawi prepares for El Niño.

Health Worker Recruitment: MHEN and the Universal Health Coverage Coalition welcomed planned interviews on November 20–22 but urged crowd controls to prevent stampedes and a fair, merit-based process. HIV Testing: NAC says many men delay testing until they develop symptoms, putting timely treatment and Malawi’s 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat at risk. Maternal Care: Mangochi records up to 1,800 births a month; its adolescent pregnancy rate is 42%, and about 20 newborns die in the district each month. Medicine Shortages: Foreign-exchange constraints are worsening drug supplies: public-facility availability fell from 51% in April to 40% in September, while central hospitals dropped from 34% to 18%. Mental Health: Advocates say the independent board provided for under the 2025 Mental Health Act is still not in place, weakening oversight of the law and protections for patients. Birth Trauma: An international study found 36% of Malawian participants met criteria for childbirth-related PTSD; researchers caution that rates may vary with healthcare systems, culture and study methods.

Health Workforce: Health groups are urging transparent, safe recruitment as Malawi prepares walk-in interviews for health workers from November 20 to 22, calling for crowd controls and fair treatment of serving staff. Maternal Care: An international study found 36% of Malawian mothers surveyed met criteria for childbirth-related PTSD—the highest rate reported among 31 countries—prompting calls for trauma-informed care and psychological support. Mental Health: Advocates say the independent board provided for under the 2025 Mental Health Act is still missing, weakening oversight and protection of people’s rights. Menstrual Health: A film on period stigma and its effects on girls’ dignity and education will premiere in Malawi on November 27, followed by discussions with communities and officials. Maternity Services: This year’s Mother’s Fun Run raised K672 million for health facilities in Mzimba, where shortages of maternity equipment, water storage and backup power hamper care. Medicine Supply: Forex shortages are preventing the Central Medical Stores Trust from buying some medicines abroad, prompting Parliament’s Health Committee to question why foreign currency is available for vehicle imports but not drugs. Emergency Preparedness: UNICEF and Norway delivered 11.7 tonnes of supplies, including cholera kits, birth monitors and infant scales, as Malawi prepares for possible El Niño impacts.

Maternal Health: An international study found nearly one in four mothers experienced childbirth as traumatic; reported childbirth-related PTSD ranged as high as 36% in Malawi. Researchers call for trauma-informed care and better psychological support after birth. Mental Health: Advocates are pressing government to appoint the independent board provided for under the 2025 Mental Health Act, warning that its absence weakens protections for people with mental health conditions. Hospital Care: This year’s Mother’s Fun Run raised K672 million for health facilities in Mzimba, where maternity units need equipment, reliable water and backup power to care for mothers and babies. Medicine Supply: A parliamentary committee is investigating how forex is allocated after shortages left the Central Medical Stores Trust struggling to buy medicines from abroad. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi received 11.7 tonnes of supplies, including cholera kits, foetal heart monitors and infant scales, to support children, families and health services as the country prepares for El Niño. Menstrual Health: A film about period stigma and a girl’s first menstruation at school will premiere in Malawi on November 27, prompting discussion on dignity, girls’ rights and education.

Drug Supply: Forex shortages are preventing the Central Medical Stores Trust from buying medicines abroad, leaving public hospitals short. Parliament’s Health Committee plans to question the Reserve Bank over why foreign currency is available for vehicle imports but not essential drugs. El Niño Response: UNICEF has delivered 11.7 tonnes of supplies, including cholera kits, birth monitors and water and sanitation equipment, as Malawi braces for erratic rains. But its preparedness plan remains underfunded, with a US$5.54 million gap and millions facing crisis hunger. Patient Safety: The Medical Council of Malawi found 13 health professionals and facility managers guilty of misconduct, including procedures without consent and excessive drug doses; penalties ranged from warnings to deregistration. Health Financing: A call for national health insurance highlights how medicine shortages and test costs push patients to pay out of pocket, despite nominally free care. School Sanitation: At Mponela 2 Primary School, more than 3,000 learners share just two toilets, raising fears of disease outbreaks.

Medicine Supply: Forex shortages are preventing the Central Medical Stores Trust from buying drugs from foreign suppliers, leaving public hospitals short. Parliament’s Health Committee plans to question the Reserve Bank about why foreign currency is available for car imports but not medicines. Health Financing: A call for national health insurance highlights how medicine shortages shift costs onto patients, pushing some families deeper into poverty. Climate and Children: UNICEF warns that 2.6 million people in Malawi face crisis hunger and says a $5.54 million funding gap threatens preparations for El Niño, which could worsen malnutrition and raise cholera risks. Patient Safety: The Medical Council of Malawi found 13 health professionals and facility managers guilty of misconduct, including procedures without consent and excessive drug doses. School Sanitation: At Mponela 2 Primary School, more than 3,000 learners share just two toilets; staff warn poor sanitation could trigger disease. Health Partnerships: Saudi Arabia has pledged support for Malawi’s economic recovery and health sector following talks with Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda.

Healthcare Standards: Malawi’s Medical Council found 13 health professionals and facility managers guilty of misconduct in 21 cases, including procedures without patient consent, excessive drug doses and falsified internship reports. Penalties ranged from fines and training to suspension and deregistration. Nursing Education: A study of nursing students in Malawi examines how confidence and anxiety affect clinical decision-making during case-based learning, highlighting skills that matter for safe patient care. El Niño Preparedness: UNICEF says 2.6 million people in Malawi face crisis-level hunger and warns erratic rains could worsen malnutrition and bring cholera back. Its response plan is only 27% funded, leaving a $5.54 million gap. Safe Water: Residents in Lilongwe’s Senti area say unreliable water kiosks force them to collect water from the polluted Nankhaka River. WaterAid says weak domestic financing and reliance on donors are holding back Malawi’s efforts to expand water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Professional Standards: Malawi’s Medical Council found 13 health professionals and facility managers guilty of misconduct, including procedures without patient consent, excessive drug doses and falsified internship reports. Medicine Supply: Parliament rejected the MRA’s briefing on stolen and falsified medicines, ordering Commissioner General Felix Tambulasi to appear with a fuller account of border controls. Climate and Child Health: UNICEF says a $5.54 million funding gap is putting preparedness at risk as El Niño threatens hunger, malnutrition and cholera; 2.6 million people already face crisis-level hunger. Safe Water: Residents in Lilongwe’s Senti area say unreliable kiosks leave them relying on polluted Nankhaka River water. Health Funding: A commentary questions the growing cost of the Chilima crash inquiry while hospitals face medicine shortages, though the investigation has no clear end date.

El Niño Preparedness: UNICEF says 2.6 million people in Malawi already face crisis-level hunger, while a $5.54 million funding gap leaves its preparedness plan just 27% funded. Erratic rains and flooding could worsen malnutrition and bring cholera back. Unsafe Water: In Lilongwe’s Senti area, residents are turning to polluted Nankhaka River when water kiosks run dry. WaterAid warns that weak domestic funding threatens progress on safe water and sanitation. Medicine Security: Parliament’s Health Committee rejected the MRA’s briefing on stolen and falsified medicines, demanding a fuller report and the commissioner general’s attendance. Kidney Care: Awareness campaigners say limited public knowledge delays detection, while dialysis services are available only in Lilongwe and Blantyre.