United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has pledged to prioritise investment in Malawi’s health sector, vowing to reduce reliance on donor funding and boost domestic budget allocations for maternal, newborn, and adolescent health.
Muluzi made the commitment during a high-level dialogue organised by Amref Malawi, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH). The event was part of the Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan (CAAP), aimed at securing political commitments to health reforms.
“There is a huge gap in the health sector,” Muluzi said. “We are committed to saving the lives of mothers, newborns, and adolescents by pumping more funds into the system through the national budget—not by relying on donors.”
The two-day event brought together representatives from four major political parties—UDF, DPP, MCP, and UTM—to share how their manifestos would address the country’s pressing health challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), presidential advisor Chimwemwe Chipungu acknowledged the sector’s weaknesses and stressed the party’s commitment to long-term reforms.
“The DPP is aware of the gaps in health and is ready to fix them. The country’s future depends on a strong and functioning health system,” said Chipungu.
Amref Malawi is urging all political parties to prioritise the health and rights of women and girls, including ending child marriage by 2030 and reducing teenage pregnancy to below 20%.
Amref Malawi Country Director Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu said the organisation will continue engaging political actors—including independent presidential candidates—to align their commitments with global health goals.
“After 16 September, we will begin working with the government in place to implement the promises made during these engagements,” she said.
Amref is also pushing for swift implementation of the 2024 World Health Assembly resolution on maternal, newborn and child health, as part of efforts to help Malawi meet the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
