USAID Malawi - Programs - Health, Population, and Nutrition

Health, Population, and Nutrition

USAID’s Health, Population and Nutrition Program employs a holistic approach to improve the health status of individual Malawians. The program aims to improve access to quality health care and encourage the development of strong health policies, planning and management.

Fast Facts:

HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 12 % in 15-49 year olds
Percent females tested for HIV: 12.9%; Percent males tested for HIV: 15.1%
Total fertility rate: 6.3
Life Expectancy: 40 years
Infant mortality per 1,000 births: 72
Maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births: 807
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 28.1%
Children stunted by chronic malnutrition : 45%
Assisted delivery rates 57%
40% of hospital deaths due to malaria
70% of medical ward beds are occupied by patients with HIV/AIDS
There are only 108 government doctors to address the health needs of more than 13 million people.

Our activities support treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS and the development of prevention programs to reduce new infections through participation in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). We also address malaria through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), combat maternal and child mortality, improve reproductive health, fight tuberculosis and strengthen the overall national health care system. These efforts improve family health and are essential to family income and economic growth in Malawi.

HIV/AIDS: The PEPFAR program in Malawi provides logistical and advisory support to the Global Fund, which is currently providing over 120,000 Malawians with Anti-Retro Viral treatment (of which more than 9,000 are children). USAID builds capacity and supports policies and services for prevention, care and treatment of HIV and AIDS. These activities are integrated with awareness raising to change community behavior to curb the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Malaria: As part of the PMI, USAID has purchased and distributed millions of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets, piloted indoor residual spraying, and provided the entire national supply for 18 months of the new life-saving malaria drugs (artemisinin based combination therapies). We also support the treatment of malaria during pregnancy.

Maternal & Child Health: This program incorporates the integrated management of maternal services and childhood diseases, including malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition. Activities also include household water sanitation and hygiene to combat malnutrition and reduce diarrhea diseases among children.

Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in Nkhotakota District under the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) through USAID.

USAID/Malawi Mission Director Curt Reintsma and Minister of Health, Hon. Moses Chirambo (third from right) present Mchinji District Hospital with Shield of Excellence.

Population Services International (PSI) Malawi Displays products at World Population Day 2008.

Family Planning & Reproductive Health (FP/RH): USAID's interventions improve reproductive and child health care by promoting access to FP/RH services, contributing to reductions in fertility, improving contraceptive choice and increasing access to FP information to support behavior change.

Tuberculosis: USAID provides technical assistance and training for the expansion of community based therapy and promotion of cross-referencing of TB and HIV/AIDS patients.

Avian Influenza: USAID works with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to raise awareness of the disease and develop contingency plans in case of an outbreak in the country.