Health

Malawi's numerous health crises are closely linked to poverty and gender.  The average life expectancy is 44 years, one of the lowest in the world.  This is largely due to high child mortality and morbidity rate (of 1,000 children born, nearly 137 of them die before the age of one), and the high mortality rate due to HIV/AIDS, malaria and infectious diseases, especially among women and young girls. 

The vast majority of Malawians have limited, if any, access to effective health care. Most live long distances from medical services, and those within proximity often cannot afford them.  Massive shortages of trained personnel, essential drugs, medical supplies and equipment (not to mention inefficient and inequitable distribution) complicate these problems. 

According to The Ministry of Health, a number of achievements have been recently accomplished, such as a current 80% immunization coverage for all antigens for over 5 years and improvements on child health indicators. Government reports indicate success in under-five clinic attendance and ante-natal care for mothers. However, constant food security and the ever-increasing impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic makes health issues a constant threat to the future of Malawi.

Story Workshop Health Initiatives:

Learn how we are helping Malawians take control of their health through the following:

• Zinapangana Kusanapse, a prevention of mother to child transmission campaign
• Low-literacy print on nutrition and diversification of food groups
• Adolescent Girls Literacy Project bednet campaign to help prevent malaria and scabies
• Padiwa Sasewera, a family planning and maternal health campaign