Amref in Malawi
Malawi stretches along the shores of Lake Malawi, the third-largest inland body of water in Africa. Malawi is about one-third the size of Germany.
Amref Malawi was established in 2012 at the request of the Ministry of Health, which sought support to strengthen basic healthcare for the local population.
Health facts
> Population
19.1 million
> Average life expectancy
64 years
> Number of people per doctor
5,000
> Maternal mortality rate
381 per 100,000 live births
> Infant mortality rate
19.8 per 1,000 live births
> Proportion of births accompanied by skilled health personnel
90%
> In 2022, 18% of the population had access to safe drinking water sources.
How we are improving primary healthcare in Malawi
In 2013, we launched our first project in Malawi to support women who had developed an obstetric fistula during childbirth. This serious injury to the birth canal leads to a permanent loss of bladder and bowel control, which places a heavy burden on the affected women, both physically and emotionally. But there is hope: with the right medical care, these fistulas can be successfully treated, and the women can be given a new life free from pain and shame.
The full spectrum of healthcare
Since our first project, we have launched numerous initiatives together with communities and partners, sustainably improving the lives of many people. We have trained health workers to strengthen maternal and newborn care, advocated for sexual and reproductive rights, and successfully implemented water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects. With each project, we are creating a healthier, more just future.
Enia Nkhoma, a mother of a three-month-old baby, lives in Kasungu and deeply feels the impact of the discontinued outreach clinics.
From 1 to 16 districts in 10 years
In 10 years we have grown significantly: Since 2022, we have been reaching people in 16 districts across all three regions of Malawi. This success lies in our partnerships with numerous stakeholders, which we intend to continue.