AGP Executive Report

Maternal Care: A planned K527 million operating theatre at Kaporo Rural Hospital could reduce long journeys for women needing surgery, which local leaders say contribute to maternal and infant deaths. Child Nutrition: In Lilongwe, demand for affordable eggs highlights their value as a source of protein, especially during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Medicine Access: Malawi’s forex crunch and supplier debts are worsening medicine shortages; reports also point to theft as a factor draining hospital stocks. School Health: New taps and a private changing room at Mtsiriza Primary School are helping girls manage their periods with dignity and miss fewer classes. Safe Abortion Debate: Parliament is set to consider legal reforms as maternal deaths remain a pressing concern.

Nutrition: Demand for affordable eggs is surging near Lilongwe, where one farmer sells about 1,000 a day. Eggs are a low-cost source of protein in Malawi, where child malnutrition can have lasting effects on growth and development. Medicine Supply: The health minister has called public-sector drug shortages a crisis, citing forex scarcity and supplier debt. Government is seeking supplies from local drugmakers to help restock hospitals. Girls’ Health and Education: A solar-powered borehole and private changing room at Mtsiriza Primary School aim to improve hygiene and help girls stay in class during menstruation. Health Training: Mulanje’s Othakarhaka Foundation is working with an experienced nurse to develop training for community health volunteers. Medical Education: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences has entered the Times Higher Education rankings for the first time, placing 39th in Africa.

Medicine Shortages: Malawi’s health ministry is turning to local drugmakers as forex shortages and supplier debt deepen a public-sector medicines crisis. The IMF says reforms have moved the country closer to a revised support programme, but a deal is still under discussion. Community Health: Mulanje’s Othakarhaka Foundation is working with an experienced health specialist to develop training for community health volunteers. Health Education: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences ranked 39th in Africa in its first Times Higher Education World University Rankings appearance. Family Planning: A reported K17 billion funding gap threatens family-planning gains, while the UN has also warned of a contraceptive funding shortfall. Cancer Care: NBS Bank has donated about K103.8 million for specialty beds and cancer medicines at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital’s paediatric ward.

Medicine Shortages: Malawi’s health ministry says drug shortages in public facilities are now a crisis, driven by foreign exchange problems and supplier debt, and it is pushing local manufacturers to produce and supply medicines via CMST. Public Health Tech: Google’s Earth platform is being used as an early-warning tool for outbreaks by combining satellite, mobility, weather and search signals, with WHO-linked testing during Ebola response. Cancer Care Gap: A WHO audit highlights how children in South Africa are dying in pain due to poor palliative care and lack of reliable access to morphine. Health Education Boost: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) enters Africa’s top 40 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, improving visibility for Malawi’s health training. Community Health Training: Othakarhaka Foundation in Mulanje brings in a Peace Corps Malawi volunteer to co-design a Community Health Volunteer training toolkit. Justice & Health Access: A Blantyre court sentences a man to 18 years for defiling a 15-year-old girl, with the case involving referral to the One Stop Centre at QECH.

Medicine crisis: Malawi’s Ministry of Health says drug shortages in public facilities are now a full-blown crisis, driven by foreign exchange problems and supplier debt, and says it is engaging local pharmaceutical manufacturers through CMST to restart supply. Child health: A court in Blantyre sentenced Peter Damiano to 18 years’ hard labour for defiling a 15-year-old girl, after the case was reported and confirmed through a One Stop Centre medical exam. Palliative care warning: A WHO audit on South Africa’s cancer services highlights children dying in severe pain due to poor access to palliative care and morphine. Community health and welfare: Great Minds Bright Futures says it is supporting about 304 orphaned and vulnerable children in Dowa with nutrition, child protection and early childhood development. Health and society: A Malawi political debate flared again after claims and counterclaims about President Mutharika’s health, with commentator Bright Mhango reversing his stance in follow-up broadcasts. Migration and care: MSF expanded medical support at Zimbabwe border points as thousands leave South Africa amid anti-migrant pressure, arriving exhausted and in need of urgent help.

Medicine Shortages: Malawi’s hospitals are facing dire shortages as stolen drugs keep getting diverted into the market, with Parliament’s Health committee chair Anthony Masamba warning that medicines like Panadol and amoxicillin have been spotted being sold abroad. Food Security: A new warning says El Niño could worsen hunger in Malawi, with 2.6 million people already expected to face food insecurity as rainfall delays and prices rise. Public Health Funding & Access: An independent audit of President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s first year says health scored highest, but other reports still point to stock-outs and ongoing drug supply problems. Road Safety: Two people were rushed to hospital in Blantyre after a Toyota Ractis hit cyclists, while the driver fled. Community Health & Climate: A KUHeS physiotherapy student is linking climate action to community wellbeing through youth-led work on preparedness and environmental health. Catholic Church & Health Services: Malawi’s Catholic leadership marked 125 years of evangelization, highlighting the Church’s long-running role in health and education.

Medicine shortages and theft: Malawi’s public hospitals are facing dire shortages as stolen government drugs keep turning up on the market, with Parliament’s health committee chair Anthony Masamba saying medicines like Panadol and amoxicillin have been spotted being sold abroad. Health system pressure: The Ministry of Health says drug diversion is eroding supply gains, while CMST points to an over $18m supplier debt that is slowing deliveries. Local manufacturing push: Government has ordered CMST to prioritise locally made medicines to cut reliance on imports amid foreign-exchange constraints. Food insecurity risk: A new warning links El Niño to worsening hunger, saying many households lack income to buy food even when supplies exist. Public health leadership: Dr Ben Chilima, former Director of the Public Health Institute of Malawi, is being buried today after his death earlier this week. Accountability debate: An independent audit of President Mutharika’s first year rates health among the strongest areas, even as critics argue hospitals still struggle with medicines. Community safety: Police in Machinga launched a manhunt after a watchman was murdered and groceries stolen.

Medicine theft and shortages: Malawi’s hospitals are facing “dire” essential drug availability, with Parliament’s health committee chair Anthony Masamba blaming theft and diversion of government medicines, including reports of items like Panadol and amoxicillin being sold in Tanzania. Local pharma push: In response to persistent shortages and forex constraints, Malawi’s Health Minister Madalitso Baloyi directed CMST to prioritise procurement of locally manufactured medicines, citing that local firms already produce 40+ products. Food insecurity risk: A new warning says El Niño could worsen food insecurity, with 2.6 million people (14%) expected to face hunger in 2026/27 as rainfall delays and labour demand drop. Safe abortion reforms: Parliament’s Health Committee says it will consider safe abortion law reforms after claims that unsafe abortions drive 18% of maternal deaths. Forex transparency call: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe urged an independent audit of foreign-exchange allocations, saying hospitals and businesses are hit while the public is left in the dark. Health workers under pressure: Vice President Jane Ansah called for better working conditions and investment in local health research and innovation. Community health roots: The Catholic Church was credited for shaping Malawi’s schools, clinics and farms, with leaders highlighting faith-linked service to vulnerable communities.

Medicine theft hits hospitals: Malawi’s Parliamentary Health Committee chair Anthony Masamba says essential drugs are available at only 75% nationally, with central hospitals like QECH, Zomba, Kamuzu and Mzuzu reportedly as low as 18%, as stolen medicines are allegedly diverted and even sold abroad. Drug supply squeeze worsens: CMST says shortages are also tied to an $18m+ supplier debt, while government says it has funded CMST to K27bn and paid 70–80% of local suppliers. Food insecurity warning: A new report warns El Niño could deepen hunger in Southern and Central Malawi, with 2.6 million people (14%) expected to face food insecurity in 2026/27 as households struggle to afford food. Safe abortion push: Parliament’s Health Committee says it will consider safe abortion law reforms after claims unsafe abortions drive 18% of maternal deaths. Local medicine push: Health Minister Madalitso Baloyi directs CMST to prioritise locally manufactured medicines to reduce forex pressure. Men’s mental health spotlight: CTS Group MD Jacqueline Bokosi Kilmer recognised for supporting men to speak openly about mental health. Health workforce conditions: Vice President Jane Ansah calls for better health research, innovation, and improved working conditions and mental health support for health workers.

Drug Shortages, Forex Pressure: Malawi’s Health Ministry has told Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) to prioritise buying locally manufactured medicines to ease persistent shortages in public hospitals and health centres as foreign exchange remains constrained. Safe Abortion Push: Parliament’s Health Committee says it will consider safe abortion law reforms after calls linked unsafe abortions to 18% of maternal deaths, with leaders urging government to clarify its position. Maternal Health & Nutrition Risk: Mangochi nutrition officials are urging early action ahead of El Niño-linked rainfall shortfalls, warning of high stunting and underweight levels and past severe malnutrition impacts. Cancer Care Support: NBS Bank donated about K103 million in paediatric cancer beds and cancer medicines to QECH, responding to public concern about ward conditions. Health Workforce & Research: Vice President Jane Ansah urged African health professionals to stop relying on solutions from elsewhere, calling for stronger local health research, innovation, and better working conditions. Medicines Supply & Local Manufacturing: CMST’s shift to local procurement follows growing calls for pharmacists and health leaders to tackle drug availability gaps.

Forex transparency: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe wants a thorough, independent audit of Malawi’s foreign-exchange allocations, saying shortages are hitting businesses, hospitals and public institutions while ordinary people face higher prices and fewer opportunities. Medicine supply push: The Ministry of Health has directed CMST to prioritise locally manufactured medicines to ease persistent drug shortages caused by constrained foreign currency access. Maternal health law reform: Parliament’s Health Committee says it will consider safe abortion law reforms after unsafe abortions are linked to 18% of maternal deaths, with calls to end colonial-era restrictions. Cancer care support: NBS Bank donated about K103 million to QECH’s paediatric cancer ward, including beds and cancer medicines, responding to public concerns about ward conditions. Health workforce focus: Vice President Jane Ansah urged African health professionals to invest in local research and innovation and improve working conditions, including mental health support and protective equipment. Nutrition warning: Mangochi’s nutrition committee is urging early action ahead of an El Niño-linked rainy season risk, citing high stunting and acute malnutrition levels. Traditional medicine regulation: Scientists and traditional healers called for stronger research and tighter regulation to integrate herbal medicine into Malawi’s health system.

Safe Abortion Reform Push: Malawi’s Parliamentary Health Committee says it will consider safe abortion law reforms after reports link unsafe abortions to 18% of maternal deaths, with calls for clearer government positions and better access to reproductive health services. Paediatric Cancer Support: NBS Bank donated about K103.8 million to QECH’s Paediatric Cancer Ward, including beds and cancer medicines, responding to ongoing concerns about ward conditions. Maternal Medicines Designed With Women: Advocates are urging governments and drug makers to involve women and communities in designing medicines for pre-eclampsia and maternal anaemia, including through community advisory boards. Family Planning Funding Gap: UNFPA warns contraceptive procurement for 2027 faces a K17.34 billion shortfall, risking reliable access for young women. Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive: An emergency measles-rubella campaign is underway in Blantyre’s Ndirande township, with door-to-door sensitisation and school-based vaccination. El Niño Nutrition Warning: Mangochi nutrition officials urge early action as El Niño threatens rainfall and food security, citing high stunting and severe malnutrition risks. Health Workforce Research Call: Vice President Jane Ansah urged African clinicians to stop relying on solutions from elsewhere, calling for local health research, innovation, and better working conditions.

Health Research Push: Malawi’s Vice President Jane Ansah urged African clinicians and policymakers to stop relying on solutions from elsewhere, calling for more health research, innovation, and better working conditions, including mental health support and protective equipment. Family Planning Funding Gap: UNFPA warned that a K17.34 billion shortfall for 2027 contraceptive procurement could put reliable access at risk for young women, as Malawi already struggles to keep stocks steady. Childhood Cancer Support: NBS Bank invested K103.8 million in QECH’s Pediatric Cancer Ward, funding specialty beds and cancer medicines. Maternal Health Voices: WACI Health called for women and communities to help design maternal health medicines and tools, arguing current decisions are too limited to clinicians alone. Nutrition Under El Niño: Mangochi district urged early action to protect food security and nutrition ahead of likely El Niño impacts, citing high stunting and past severe malnutrition. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: WaterAid Malawi plans to intensify WASH support in Ntchisi, training council and health officials to sustain services at health centres and communities. Measles-Rubella Vaccination: Blantyre’s Ndirande launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive after an outbreak was detected nationwide. Roads and Health Access: Kasungu communities welcomed CDF projects including a lab at Kapelura Health Centre and road rehabilitation, while contractors warned fuel shortages could delay development work.

Health Workforce & Research: Malawi’s Vice President Jane Ansah urged African clinical officers and physician associates to stop relying on solutions from elsewhere, calling for more local health research, innovation, and better working conditions. Maternal Health & Medicines Design: Advocates say pregnant women and communities should help design medicines for pre-eclampsia and maternal anaemia, through community advisory boards that reflect women’s preferences and reduce fear of side effects. Family Planning Funding Gap: UNFPA warned of a K17.34bn ($10m) shortfall for 2027 contraceptive procurement, saying access could be at risk for young women. Nutrition & El Niño Preparedness: Mangochi district called for early action ahead of a likely strong El Niño, citing high stunting and past severe malnutrition during drought. Immunisation Response: Blantyre’s Ndirande began a measles-rubella emergency vaccination drive after an outbreak was detected. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: WaterAid Malawi plans to intensify WASH support in Ntchisi, training council and health officials to sustain services. Health System Support: NBS Bank invested K103.8m in QECH’s paediatric cancer ward for specialty beds and cancer medicines. Reproductive Health Access: Copua youth urged young people to use reproductive health services to prevent unsafe abortion, which they link to 18% of maternal deaths.

Maternal Health & Medicines: WACI Health urges Malawi to set up Community Advisory Boards so pregnant women and communities help design pre-eclampsia and maternal anaemia medicines—pushing back on fears that some drugs are unsuitable or cause side effects. Contraception Funding: UNFPA warns of a more than $10m contraception funding shortfall in 2027, saying young women could lose access to family planning; the agency highlights a 16-year-old survivor of Cyclone Freddy who now gets contraceptives through community distribution. Drug Shortages: Pharmacists call for Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) to directly import drugs to fix persistent hospital stockouts. Diabetes Care: A Malawi study finds belly fat is often missed when clinics rely only on weighing scales and BMI—waist measurements show far more patients with dangerous central obesity. Cancer Capacity: Malawi says nuclear medicine facilities are set to launch in Lilongwe, alongside new cancer treatment guidelines to improve early diagnosis and referrals. Population & Ageing: Malawi marks International Day of Older Persons with a focus on “The Age of Longevity,” warning ageing will strain healthcare and social protection systems. Health & Economy: Education Minister Msaka tells universities to use health science and research to drive economic growth, while also pushing them to attract international students for forex. Fuel Crisis Impacting Health Projects: Contractors warn fuel shortages could delay development work, including health worker accommodation and maternity facilities under constituency funds. Global Health Governance: Malawi resolves a Global Fund GC8 HIV, TB and malaria funding impasse, with World Vision staying as grant manager while ActionAid handles implementation.

Kasasile Resettlement: Malawi’s government has identified a 600-hectare estate in Mpherembe, Mzimba District to relocate over 300 displaced families, with plots allocated 5–10 Oct 2026 and transport 26–30 Oct, plus farm inputs and basic services like schools and a hospital. HIV Funding Deadlock: Malawi says it has resolved a Global Fund GC8 selection impasse, keeping World Vision as principal recipient but only as grant manager, while ActionAid Malawi will implement programmes—after NAC-led talks. Drug Shortages Push: The Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi is urging Central Medical Stores Trust to allow direct drug importation to tackle shortages hitting public hospitals. Cancer Care Upgrade: Malawi is preparing to launch nuclear medicine facilities in Lilongwe, with new cancer treatment guidelines and stronger referral pathways aimed at earlier diagnosis. Global Health Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda told the UN General Assembly Malawi needs debt relief, predictable climate financing, and stronger action on global health. Education & Forex: Minister Bright Msaka challenged universities to attract international students to earn forex, including through improved services. World Heart Day: Merck Foundation marked World Heart Day by expanding diabetes and cardiovascular care training via scholarships for healthcare providers across Africa and Asia. University Rankings: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences enters the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, while UCT returns to the global top 150.