AGP Executive Report

Cancer care boost: Malawi is set to launch nuclear medicine facilities in Lilongwe, promising earlier diagnosis and better treatment pathways for thousands of cancer patients. HIV funding resolved: Malawi has cleared an impasse over the Global Fund GC8 principal recipient, with World Vision staying as grant manager while ActionAid will implement programmes. Drug shortages response: Pharmacists are urging direct drug importation by CMST to tackle shortages hitting public hospitals. Fuel price cleanup: Government says it has cleared K205.4bn in fuel importer under-recoveries and K103.29bn in statutory levy arrears after restoring the automatic pricing mechanism. Forex push for universities: Education Minister Bright Msaka challenged universities to attract international students and generate hard currency through improved services. Community clinic progress: Karonga communities mobilised resources to complete Mwangomba Clinic, showing local support for health services. Global health systems: WHO Africa launched a campaign digitization initiative to modernise how vaccination and health campaigns are planned and monitored. ATI compliance gap: Only 40% of MDAs comply with Malawi’s Access to Information Act, with calls for better records and faster responses.

University Forex Push: Malawi’s Education Minister Bright Msaka urged public universities to recruit students from outside the country to bring in foreign exchange, as six institutions signed Public Sector Reforms contracts in Blantyre. Global Health Workforce Gap: A Christian health expert warned Africa still faces a major shortage of health workers despite progress, citing WHO projections of millions needed by 2030. Access to Medicines: Malawi says medicines and pharmacy regulations will finally be in place by December 2026 to curb falsified and substandard drugs. HIV, TB, Malaria Funding Risk: The National Aids Commission convened an emergency meeting over concerns that Malawi’s Global Fund Cycle 8 application could disrupt essential treatment services. Public Info Still Weak: Only 40% of MDAs comply with the Access to Information Act, with media and civil society reporting delays in getting health-related documents. Water Safety Tragedy: One learner died and another was seriously injured after a water tank fell at a Lilongwe primary school. Clean Water Expansion: Hope Water unveiled a K271 million project to expand safe water access for over 10,000 people in Dowa. UN Demands Action: Malawi urged the UN to move from speeches to delivery on debt relief, climate finance, health, and Security Council reform. Digital Health Planning: WHO Africa launched a campaign digitization initiative to modernize how vaccination drives are planned and monitored. Childhood Cancer Hope: A service-level agreement is offering new options for Malawian cancer patients facing long waits for treatment.

Cancer Care: A new service-level agreement is giving Malawian cancer patients faster access to radiotherapy and specialist treatment abroad-linked options, after years of delays and fundraising struggles. Mental Health & Youth: A University of Malawi student’s suicide attempt is linked to mounting debt, highlighting how financial pressure can quickly become a health crisis. Medicines Regulation: Malawi says medicines and pharmacy practice regulations will be in place by December 2026, aiming to curb falsified and substandard drugs. HIV/TB/Malaria Funding: The National Aids Commission convenes an emergency meeting over Global Fund Cycle 8 concerns that could disrupt essential treatment as the October 4 deadline nears. Public Health & Safety: One learner died and another was injured after a water tank fell at a Lilongwe school, with investigations ongoing. Health System Delivery: WHO Africa launches a Health Campaign Digitization initiative to modernize how vaccination and health campaigns are planned and monitored. Community Health: Hope Water unveils a K271 million expansion to boost clean water access for over 10,000 people. Workplace Health: Quarry expansion is raising alarms over dust, blasting and respiratory illness risks, pointing to weak enforcement. Policy & Governance: Parliament hears the Chikangawa crash phone-handling timeline, raising fresh questions about accountability.

Global Health & UN Reform: Malawi’s foreign minister Dr George Chaponda urged the UN to shift from speeches to delivery, pushing for debt relief, Loss and Damage Fund funding, UN Security Council reform, and stronger African pharmaceutical capacity plus a fair Pandemic Treaty. HIV, TB & Malaria Funding: The National Aids Commission convened an emergency meeting over Malawi’s Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 application, warning delays could disrupt HIV, TB and malaria services as the October 4 deadline nears. Medicines Regulation: Malawi says medicines and pharmacy practice regulations will be ready by December 2026, aiming to curb falsified and substandard drugs after years of delay. Cancer Care Access: A new service-level agreement is giving some Malawian cancer patients a route to treatment outside the country, after long waits and funding barriers. Water & Health: Hope Water launched a K271 million expansion to extend piped water and kiosks for over 10,000 people, linking clean water to lower health costs. Community Health Services: MPs and local leaders called for better support for Chiradzulu District Hospital and secondary school, including an ambulance handover. Mental Health & Student Stress: A University of Malawi student’s suicide attempt was linked to mounting debt and academic pressure, highlighting the need for stronger support systems. Public Health Risks in Industry: Quarry expansion is raising alarms over dust, blasting and respiratory illness risks, with calls for tougher enforcement of health and safety rules.

Cancer Care Access: Malawi’s cancer patients get a new lifeline as a service-level agreement opens radiotherapy options via the International Blantyre Cancer Centre, easing long waits for eligible cases. Medicines Regulation: The Ministry of Health says medicines and pharmacy practice regulations will finally be in place by December 2026, nearly seven years after the PMRA Act, to curb falsified and substandard drugs. HIV Funding Worries: NAC has called an emergency meeting over Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 concerns that could threaten continuity of HIV, TB and malaria services as Malawi applies for the 2027–2030 window. Mental Health & Youth: A UNIMA student’s suicide attempt is linked to debt and academic pressure, highlighting the need for stronger support for students’ mental wellbeing. Public Health & Safety: CSOs warn Malawi’s power crisis is driven by a real electricity supply deficit, not just failures at EGENCO, raising risks for health services and daily life. Community Health Support: MPs and community leaders push for better access to care, including calls to improve Chiradzulu District Hospital and support services like ambulances. Workplace Health Risk: Quarry expansion is raising alarms over dust, blasting and respiratory illness risks, with calls for stronger enforcement.

Clean Water Expansion: Hope Water unveiled a K271 million expansion at Dowa Turn Off to boost safe water access for over 10,000 people, including new piped networks, water kiosks and repairs to existing systems. Mental Health & Youth Support: A University of Malawi student attempted suicide after K594,500 debt and academic pressure; the report also points to Malawi’s Mental Health Act as a legal step toward better care. Quarry Health Risks: Malawi’s growing quarry industry is raising alarms over dust, blasting and respiratory illness like silicosis, with critics blaming weak enforcement and overlapping responsibilities. HIV Funding Gap: Malawi’s domestic HIV budget rose to K4.5 billion, but experts warn it still covers only a small fraction of the K600–K800 billion annual need, leaving services vulnerable. Medicine Shortages & Theft: A report highlights worsening essential medicine availability and alleged diversion, asking how medicines appear in budgets but fail to reach patients. Community Health Access: Nsanje’s measles-rubella campaign brought vaccination posts to markets through the Malawi Red Cross and local health teams, helping mothers vaccinate without travel. Power Crisis Response: CSOs defend EGENCO and the Ministry of Energy, saying Malawi faces a real electricity supply deficit of about 100MW during peak hours. Child Health in Action: A Malawian girl became the 9,000th patient treated by Israel’s Save a Child’s Heart, after successful surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. Men’s Mental Well-being: A “Man in the Mirror” men’s conference in Lilongwe will focus on men’s mental health and work-related stress, with legal and psychology sessions.

Mental Health & Student Crisis: A University of Malawi student’s K594,500 debt pushed him to a suicide attempt, highlighting how financial stress and weak support can quickly become a health emergency. Occupational Health: Malawi’s expanding quarry mining is raising alarms over dust, blasting and respiratory illness, with experts pointing to weak enforcement and overlapping responsibilities. Medicines Access: A report says essential medicines are in budgets and procurement plans but still missing at hospital pharmacies, leaving patients without what they were prescribed. HIV Funding Gap: Malawi’s domestic HIV funding jumped to K4.5 billion, but experts warn it still covers only a tiny share of the K600–K800 billion needed annually. Immunisation Push: Kasungu is nearing its measles-rubella target, reaching about 80% coverage by day three as Red Cross teams tackle myths and boost uptake. Men’s Mental Well-being: A “Man in the Mirror” conference is set for Lilongwe, focusing on men’s mental health and work-related stress. Power Crisis Debate: CSOs defend EGENCO and the Ministry of Energy, saying the country faces a real electricity supply deficit of about 100MW, not just utility failures. Community Health in Action: Malawi’s measles-rubella campaign is bringing vaccination posts to markets, helping parents access care without travel. Education Support: Magodi School in Lilongwe plans 20 full secondary scholarships for underprivileged pupils nationwide.

HIV Funding Gap: Malawi’s domestic HIV budget rose to K4.5 billion (up 2,440%), but it still covers only a tiny slice of the estimated K600–K800 billion annual need, raising fears for treatment, testing and community services as donor support tightens. Medicine Shortages Exposed: A new report questions how medicines appear in Malawi’s budget and procurement plans yet fail to reach patients, citing steep drops in essential medicine availability at CMST and central hospitals. Power Crisis Pushback: Civil society groups defend the Ministry of Energy and EGENCO, saying Malawi faces a real electricity supply deficit (about 100MW at peaks), not just management failures. Measles-Rubella Drive: Kasungu is nearing its measles-rubella target after reaching 80% coverage by day three, with Malawi Red Cross volunteers tackling myths and misinformation. Men’s Mental Health: A “Man in the Mirror” men’s conference heads to Lilongwe to address men’s mental well-being and work-related stress, with sessions on legal consequences of divorce and practical resilience. Child Health Abroad: A Malawian girl from Zomba became Save a Child’s Heart’s 9,000th patient after successful heart surgery in Israel.

Medicine theft and stock gaps: A new report paints a grim picture of “medicine in the budget but not in the pharmacy,” with essential drug availability dropping sharply at central and district levels, while CMST struggles with supplier arrears. HIV funding squeeze: Malawi’s domestic HIV budget jumps to K4.5bn, but experts warn it still covers only a tiny share of the K600bn–K800bn annual need, raising fears for treatment and prevention services. Global Fund standoff: Parliament has stepped in over a K766bn health funding dispute tied to Global Fund grant management, after delays and concerns about how community funds are handled. Diabetes care gap: A study finds many adults with type 2 diabetes in Malawi’s top hospitals have dangerous abdominal fat that scales and BMI can miss, pointing to a need for better screening. Vaccination push: Kasungu nears its measles-rubella target, reaching about 80% coverage by day three, with Malawi Red Cross volunteers tackling myths and misinformation. Power crisis debate: CSOs argue Malawi’s blackouts stem mainly from a real electricity supply deficit (about 100MW) rather than only failures at EGENCO. Men’s mental health: A Lilongwe “Man in the Mirror” conference invites men to confront stress and pressures, with sessions on mental health and legal planning.

Measles-Rubella Vaccines Reach Communities: Malawi’s supplementary measles-rubella campaign is getting closer to full coverage, with Kasungu reporting about 80% of the 270,000 targeted children vaccinated by day three as Malawi Red Cross volunteers tackle myths and push door-to-door uptake. Diabetes Care Warning: A new study in Malawi’s central hospitals finds that nearly 1 in 4 adults with type 2 diabetes have dangerous abdominal fat that scales and BMI can miss—highlighting the need for waist-based screening in clinics. Cancer Access in Crisis Settings: MSF says cancer care is possible even in resource-limited settings like Mali and Malawi, but urges faster action to remove barriers to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. Health Funding Standoff: Parliament is stepping in over a Global Fund financing dispute tied to selecting a community Principal Recipient for HIV, TB and malaria money. Local Health & Services Under Pressure: CSOs warn slow reformed CDF disbursement could delay health, water and classroom projects ahead of the rainy season. El Niño Health Risks: Climate leaders warn extreme El Niño conditions could drive severe hunger and health impacts across Southern Africa, calling for climate justice and predictable support.

El Niño Heat Risk: A new study warns El Niño could drive about 42–43 deaths in Lesotho between September and February, with Malawi also projected to face extra heat-related deaths—raising alarms for preparedness as funds are tight. Immunisation Push: Kasungu is already at 80% measles-rubella coverage in a supplementary campaign targeting 5.8 million children nationwide, with Red Cross volunteers tackling myths and misinformation. Diabetes Care Gap: A Malawi study finds many adults with type 2 diabetes have dangerous abdominal fat that scales and BMI can miss, pointing to the need for waist-based screening in clinics. Local Health Infrastructure Funding: CSOs warn slow Reformed CDF disbursement could delay classrooms, health and water projects before the rainy season. Global Fund Standoff: Parliament has moved in over a K766 billion health funding dispute, after delays in selecting a community Principal Recipient. Men’s Mental Health: A “Man in the Mirror” conference in Lilongwe offers men a chance to discuss stress and mental well-being—plus legal guidance for family planning decisions. Food Security & Health Link: Malawi’s food supply chain analysis flags gaps driving losses and higher costs, while El Niño fears are pushing calls for drought-resistant farming.

Global Health Security: WHO highlights the need for stronger pandemic prevention and preparedness as environmental pressures and funding cuts strain epidemic control, with a UN high-level meeting on Sept 25 aimed at mobilising support. Medicines Quality: WHO experts carried out a preliminary assessment of Ethiopia’s Food and Drug Authority Medicines Quality Control Laboratory ahead of possible WHO listing, a step meant to strengthen regional quality assurance. Diabetes Care: A Malawi study warns that many diabetic patients have dangerous abdominal fat even when BMI looks “normal,” urging clinics to use waist measurements to catch central obesity early. Childhood Immunisation: Malawi’s measles-rubella campaign is underway, with health workers vaccinating children and providing vitamin A alongside injections to protect against outbreaks. Cancer Access: MSF says cancer care is possible even in resource-limited settings, sharing lessons from Mali and Malawi while calling for faster access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Funding & Health Governance: Parliament is intervening in a Global Fund dispute over selection of a community Principal Recipient for HIV, TB and malaria funding, as delays threaten implementation. Men’s Mental Health: A “Man in the Mirror” men-only conference heads to Lilongwe to tackle hidden stress and mental well-being, with sessions on work-related pressure and legal planning. TB Survivors: Health stakeholders urge African systems to integrate long-term care for post-tuberculosis lung disease survivors, not stop at treatment completion. Food Systems & Health: Research points to gaps in Malawi’s food supply chain that raise losses and costs, while El Niño fears are pushing calls for drought-resistant crops. Maternal Health: Ntcheu District is reported to have reduced maternal and neonatal deaths through improved sanitation, sterilisation routines and solar backup power.

Medicine Shortages: Malawi’s public hospitals are down to about 75% fewer essential medicines after CMST failed to secure foreign exchange, with availability falling sharply and Parliament’s Health Committee warning of a looming crisis. Drug Supply Accountability: CDEDI has urged Parliament to act urgently over a growing drug storage and payment problem at CMST, saying persistent stockouts could worsen if foreign supplier debts aren’t cleared. Childhood Cancer Care: Rotary and MBTS say hundreds of children may be missing from cancer registers because many cases go undiagnosed outside major centres, while treatment is also threatened by blood shortages. TB Survivor Follow-Up: Health stakeholders are calling for integrated long-term care for TB survivors in Malawi and across Africa, warning that finishing TB treatment doesn’t always end lung damage. El Niño Hunger Threat: New analysis warns that Super El Niño could push millions of children in East and Southern Africa—including Malawi—into acute hunger by early 2027, raising pressure on nutrition and health services. Maternal Health Funding: Direct Relief announced a $40m push to support 2.5 million safe births globally, focusing on equipping midwives and strengthening local health systems. Energy for Health & Livelihoods: REIAMA is pushing for practical, scalable energy solutions (like solar irrigation and clean cooking) ahead of Malawi’s energy conference. Education & Health Access: A community-led school in Thyolo and Dedza highlights how distance and poor infrastructure keep children out of class—an issue that also affects health outcomes.

Medicine access crisis: Malawi’s public hospitals are running out of essential drugs after CMST failed to secure foreign exchange, with availability falling sharply and Parliament’s Health Committee warning of a looming stockout crisis. Parliament pushes action on shortages: A parliamentary inquiry says shortages are widespread across facilities, with concerns raised about inadequate funding and alleged medicine theft before drugs reach patients. Childhood cancer gap: Advocates say hundreds of children are undiagnosed and left off cancer registers, while treatment is further threatened by national blood shortages. TB survivor care: Health stakeholders urge African systems to integrate long-term care for TB survivors facing post-treatment lung disease, not just end treatment at cure. Measles-rubella push: Malawi has started a nationwide measles-rubella supplementary vaccination campaign, with early turnout reported at Bwaila Hospital. El Niño and hunger: New analysis warns Super El Niño could drive millions of children into acute hunger across East and Southern Africa, including Malawi. Health system strain from “time theft”: A report highlights delayed or part-time public service delivery by health officials, worsening access for frontline patients. Child protection case: A teacher in Machinga was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a Standard 8 learner, with a medical exam indicating pregnancy. Road safety and pollution: Road reserves in Lilongwe are being taken over by informal car graveyards, raising safety and environmental risks.

Medicine access crisis: Malawi’s public hospitals are down to about 75% fewer essential medicines after CMST failed to secure foreign exchange, with availability falling sharply and Parliament’s Health Committee pushing for urgent fixes. Drug shortages and theft concerns: A parliamentary inquiry says facilities across the country are facing “dire” medicine stockouts, while health rights advocates allege drugs are being stolen before reaching pharmacies and Government signals tougher penalties. Passport delays hit health travel: Immigration has run out of passport booklets for weeks, prioritising only urgent travel—leaving some applicants unable to reach medical care abroad. Public health push: Malawi has started a nationwide measles-rubella supplementary vaccination campaign for children aged 9 months to 9 years, with early turnout reported at Bwaila Hospital. Food insecurity warning: Scientists warn Super El Niño could drive severe hunger and deaths across the region, with Malawi included in the risk outlook. Kidney care spotlight: A Malawian man who survived kidney failure has launched a foundation to raise awareness and help people protect their kidneys before dialysis becomes unavoidable. Road safety and pollution: Road reserves in Lilongwe are being taken over by informal “car graveyards,” raising risks for public health and safety. Workplace justice: Court orders Kuhes to pay 326 staff K18.97 billion over abolition of a service gratuity benefit. Disability rights: MHRC urges action to remove barriers facing Deaf and hard-of-hearing Malawians, including access to healthcare and education.

Drug supply alarm: Malawi’s Health Committee is pushing Central Medical Stores Trust over looming medicine stockouts, with claims that CMST can’t pay foreign suppliers (over US$18m) and that shortages could soon become a full crisis. Theft and weak penalties: Health Minister Madalitso Baloyi says medicine theft is worsening shortages and says laws may be reviewed to introduce tougher penalties. Passport crisis hits health access: Immigration has run out of passport booklets for weeks, with printing halted and only urgent travel prioritised—leaving some applicants stranded even when they need medical treatment abroad. Vaccination push: Malawi has started a nationwide measles-rubella supplementary campaign for children aged 9 months to 9 years, with early turnout reported at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe. Kidney awareness drive: After surviving kidney failure, Maliro has launched the Mphukira Foundation to sensitise Malawians on kidney health and prevention amid limited dialysis options. Disability inclusion: MHRC urges government to remove barriers facing Deaf and hard-of-hearing Malawians, including access to healthcare. Dzaleka hunger pressure: Refugees in Dzaleka report food shortages as the camp population far exceeds capacity. Global health and AI: Bill Gates urged richer countries to expand aid and use AI for “lifesaving” innovations, including improving health records and care delivery.