Amref Health Africa, in collaboration with civil society organizations, NGOs, development partners, and other key stakeholders, has called on political parties in Malawi to prioritize and promote the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents.
This appeal follows a two-day manifesto presentation event held at Bingu International Convention Center-BICC on Tuesday and Wednesday in Lilongwe, which was hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
During the event, four political parties Malawi Congress Party (MCP), United Transformation Movement (UTM), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and United Democratic Front (UDF) outlined their commitments to increasing health funding, reducing maternal, new-born, and child mortality.
The commitments also include addressing unmet needs for family planning, reducing teenage pregnancies, ending child marriage, and ensuring youth participation in decision-making.
Speaking after the event, Amref Health Africa's Country Director, Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu, commended the political parties for their commitments.
He emphasized that Amref and its partners will continue to engage the parties to ensure accountability and effective implementation of their promises.
“We appreciate the commitments made, but we will also closely monitor their implementation and continue with advocacy to deepen understanding and action,” said Nyasulu.
Representing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Presidential Advisor on Organization, Chimwemwe Chipungu, reaffirmed the party’s pledge to revamp the health sector as the party plans to construct health centres and community colleges to improve livelihoods and empower youth with innovative skills if voted into power.
In a separate interview, United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi expressed his commitment to narrowing financial gaps in the health sector, saying his administration, if elected, would ensure that resources are fully utilized to improve healthcare delivery.
Currently, Malawi has made progress over the past decade in improving the health of women, children, and adolescents.
Between 2015 and 2020, maternal mortality dropped by 13%, and modern contraceptive use increased from 38% to 49% in 2024.
The country has also surpassed targets in its Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III), reducing neonatal mortality to 19 per 1,000 live births (target was 22) and infant mortality to 29 per 1,000 live births (target was 34).
As Malawi approaches the next general election, stakeholders continue to advocate for stronger political will to ensure that health remains a central pillar in national development.
