AGP Executive Report

Kuwait Domestic Work Rules: Kuwait has barred recruitment of domestic workers from 27 countries, including Kenya and Malawi, while allowing hiring from only 10 approved sources under a new Interior Ministry circular. The policy was shaped by health and manpower bodies, with some restrictions applying to female workers. Polio Vaccination Drive: In Lundazi, health teams vaccinated 40,834 children under five in the second polio round, reaching 102% of the target, with more follow-ups planned. Lilongwe Health Access: A K1.1 billion extension at Chinsapo Health Centre was commissioned to cut overcrowding and improve care for more than 74,000 people, especially those with chronic illnesses. Malawi–South Africa Repatriation: Malawi says it needs over K1 billion to repatriate more than 3,000 citizens stranded in South Africa amid xenophobia fears; the first 150 returnees arrived and received health screening. Road Safety: Reports from South Africa highlight rising drunk-driving arrests and crash deaths, underscoring preventable injury risks. Adolescent Health Push: A regional push on youth sexual and reproductive health and rights stressed that “free” services alone can’t solve deeper gaps in survival and prevention.

Xenophobia & Health Safety: Malawi citizens fleeing violence in South Africa are now sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban as anti-illegal-migrant groups push a June 30 deadline, with reports of intimidation and extortion; Malawi has begun voluntary repatriations, sending 150 returnees and seeking over K1 billion (about R9.5m) to bring home more than 3,000 stranded people. Regional Migration Crackdown: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa promised tougher action on illegal immigration but warned against vigilante enforcement; rights groups say his address did not tackle xenophobic violence and the economic pressures driving it. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation and African First Ladies are expanding oncology training scholarships across countries including Malawi, aiming to reduce late diagnosis and specialist shortages. Malaria Protection for Babies: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a newborn/infant malaria treatment trialed in Malawi and other countries, expected to roll out soon. Teen Maternity Policy Debate: Kenya’s free teen maternity care was described as “damage control,” sparking calls to prevent pregnancies and strengthen adolescent health services. Road to Exams: Malawi’s PSLCE exams begin with 254,486 learners, with security support from the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service.

Scholarships for students: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has expanded its Mo Excellence Programme, awarding K1.7 million each to 57 needy students across public universities, including four from Mzuzu University, with support covering tuition, accommodation, a laptop, health support, mentorship and stationery. Malaria care for babies: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment made for newborns and infants under 5kg, after trials in Malawi and other countries, aiming to reduce overdose risks from using older-child doses. Tobacco cessation training: Malawi scaled up tobacco harm reduction training, with 500+ nurses and midwives completing new online CPD modules via the Nurses and Midwives Council platform to strengthen smoke screening and quitting support. Teen maternity policy debate: Kenya’s free teen maternity care was described as “damage control” at a youth SRHR conference, highlighting the need to prevent pregnancies and protect survival. Water and health pressure: Reports again point to unsafe drinking water and rural reliance on unprotected sources, linking clean water gaps to disease risk and economic strain. Local health system push: Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) says it plans a specialist hospital to cut costly overseas referrals, while members call for faster improvements in everyday service delivery.

Teen maternity care: Malawi’s Ministry of Health says free teen maternity care is now “damage control,” highlighting how prevention and survival gaps still drive adolescent pregnancy and HIV risks. Tobacco cessation training: Malawi scales up tobacco harm reduction for 500+ nurses and midwives, with new online CPD modules to help frontline staff screen and support quitting. Malaria treatment for infants: Africa CDC hails the first newborn-and-infant malaria medicine, Coartem Baby, trialled in Malawi and set for rollout across multiple countries. Cancer survivorship: National Cancer Survivors Day spotlights the needs of people living after cancer and calls for stronger support for survivors and caregivers. Clean water crisis: Reports underline how unsafe drinking water keeps harming health and livelihoods, with rural communities still relying on risky sources. South Africa migration tensions: Ramaphosa promises action on illegal immigration while warning against vigilantism; the health system strain from protests and xenophobia remains a concern across the region. Malawi exams: 254,486 PSLCE candidates begin exams under tightened security by Maneb and state security agencies. Specialist care locally: Medical Aid Society of Malawi plans a modern specialist hospital to cut costly overseas referrals. Violence and injuries: Monkey Bay police arrest a man accused of severing three fingers after a theft dispute, with the victim receiving treatment.

Malawi Tobacco Care: Malawi scaled up tobacco harm reduction training, with 500+ nurses and midwives completing new online CPD modules via the Nurses and Midwives Council platform to strengthen counselling, smoke screening and quit support. Malaria Protection for Babies: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment made for newborns and infants under 5kg, with trials including Malawi and rollout expected soon across participating countries. Cancer Survivorship Awareness: National Cancer Survivors Day marked the lived reality of people living after cancer, spotlighting support for survivors, caregivers and frontline health workers. Clean Water Alarm: A global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected—an issue that hits Malawi’s rural communities hard. Local Health Costs: Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) says it plans a modern specialist hospital to cut expensive overseas referrals, after reporting high per-patient costs and ongoing service shortfalls. Food Safety Crackdown: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a wholesaler after expired stock was found during market surveillance. Health Access Under Pressure: Malawi challenged proposed US visa restrictions, warning they could limit access to education, medical care and opportunities for Malawians. Violence and Health Risks: Catholic justice officials warned Malawi is normalising repeated crises, including superstition-driven killings and attacks on older people and persons with albinism. Border Health & Ebola Readiness: Kenya and Uganda joined forces at Busia to assess Ebola preparedness, focusing on screening gaps and standard procedures at the border. Migration Tensions in the Region: South Africa unveiled tougher immigration reforms amid protests, with leaders stressing enforcement by authorised officials and warning against violence—an issue that can spill into health and service pressures.

Tobacco harm reduction push: Malawi has scaled up tobacco harm reduction training, with 500+ nurses and midwives completing new online CPD modules on smoking cessation and smoke screening via the Nurses and Midwives Council platform. Medicines cost warning: Malawi’s planned import tariffs of up to 25% on selected medicines—including common painkillers, malaria treatment and antibiotics—has sparked debate, with critics warning higher drug prices could hit patients hard. Clean water gap: A report highlights how unsafe drinking water remains a major health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected—reinforcing the urgency for safer water and sanitation in Malawi. Climate and health pressure: Malawi’s environment outlook warns the country is on a damaging path of forest loss, soil degradation and intensifying climate shocks, threatening food security and future wellbeing. Governance and health system strain: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace says Malawi is becoming desensitised to repeated crises, pointing to issues like counterfeit medicines, unresolved abductions and long justice delays that undermine public health. Regional migration tensions with health impacts: South Africa’s Ramaphosa pledged action on illegal immigration amid protests, with concerns that strained public services like healthcare could worsen as tensions rise. Border violence case: In Mangochi’s Monkey Bay, a man was arrested after allegedly severing three fingers in an attack over suspected sweet potato theft; the injured victim is receiving treatment.

Safe Water Watch: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressures. Food Safety: Malawi’s Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a Blantyre wholesaler K2 million, warning the public against smuggled and expired products. Health Education & Institutions: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES) marks five years since its 2021 launch, highlighting research and health system support as Malawi builds stronger health training capacity. Medicine Costs: Government’s new up-to-25% import tariffs on selected medicines—including common painkillers and malaria treatment—sparks debate over whether drug prices may rise versus hopes for local manufacturing. US Health Support: The US pledged up to $792 million for Malawi’s health sector over five years, a major boost for hospitals and disease prevention. Visa Uncertainty: Malawi challenged US visa restrictions that could affect access to education, specialised medical care, and business travel. Climate & Health: World Environment Day messages urge urgent climate action as droughts, floods and environmental degradation threaten food security and livelihoods. Refugee Strain: Dzaleka camp is operating far beyond capacity, with a large relocation plan still short on funding, raising pressure on health and other services. Public Health Risks Abroad: Travel health concerns are rising as infectious disease worries grow around major international travel events.

US Health Funding Boost: The US pledged up to $792 million (about K1.4 trillion) to support Malawi’s health sector over the next five years, building on earlier assistance and a new Health Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. Medicines Affordability: Malawi’s new import tariffs on selected medicines—up to 25%—spark debate as health groups fear higher drug prices, while supporters say it could strengthen local manufacturing and health security. Visa Pressure on Care: Malawi’s foreign affairs minister challenged tightening US visa rules, warning they could block access to education, specialised medical care and business opportunities, with reports of fewer visa-processing centres. Environment and Health Risks: A government environment report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path of unchecked degradation—shrinking forests, dying soils and climate shocks—threatening food security and livelihoods. Crisis Fatigue Alarm: CCJP says Malawi is becoming desensitised to repeated national crises, citing issues from superstition-driven violence and counterfeit medicines to long-running justice delays. Chikwawa Pollution Fallout: Villagers in Chikwawa reject PressCane compensation they say is too low and lacks transparency, alleging vinasse pollution has harmed health, crops and livestock. Refugee System Under Strain: Dzaleka camp is operating far beyond capacity, with a major relocation plan facing a large financing gap. Local Hygiene Push: Mulanje district leaders say sanitation and hygiene improvements are underway in trading centres to reduce waterborne disease risks.

US Health Boost: The US pledged up to $792 million (K1.4 trillion) to Malawi’s health sector over five years, a major vote of confidence aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and saving lives. US Visa Pressure on Care and Study: Malawi challenged new US visa restrictions, warning they could block Malawians seeking education, specialised medical treatment and business opportunities, with fears that visa processing may shift to regional hubs. Medicines Cost Risk: Government’s new import tariffs on selected medicines (up to 25%) is pitched as a push for local pharma, but critics warn it may raise prices for essential drugs. Child Survival Worry: New global reporting says progress in newborn and child survival has slowed since 2015, putting many countries—including those with limited resources—at risk of missing 2030 targets. Environment and Health Link: A landmark Malawi environment report warns of disappearing forests, dying soils and worsening climate shocks, while World Environment Day calls for urgent, practical climate action to protect food security and livelihoods. Refugee System Strain: Dzaleka camp is operating far beyond capacity (over 60,000 people vs 12,000 planned), with a relocation plan facing a major $90 million funding gap. Governance and Trust: Catholic justice bodies warn Malawi is becoming desensitised to repeated national crises, citing issues from fake medicines and unresolved abductions to superstition-driven violence. Local Health Safety: Mulanje district says sanitation and hygiene efforts are improving in trading centres, targeting risks like cholera and polio.

Child survival slowdown: A new BMJ-linked global analysis warns that progress in newborn and child survival has slowed since 2015, and 60 countries may miss UN targets by 2030, putting millions of children at risk. Governance and health system concerns: Malawi’s Catholic Church (CCJP) says the country is becoming “dangerously desensitised” to recurring crises, citing issues including superstition-related killings, fake/expired medicines, long justice delays, and alleged expired insulin being re-labelled. Medicines cost shock: Government’s new import tariffs of up to 25% on selected medicines—including paracetamol, ibuprofen, artemether-lumefantrine and amoxicillin—could raise drug prices, while health advocates oppose the 25% tax on essential medicines. US visa uncertainty for care and study: Malawi’s foreign minister says tightening US visa rules and plans to cut visa-processing hubs could make medical treatment, education and travel harder and more expensive for Malawians. Refugee health pressure: Dzaleka camp is operating far beyond capacity (about 60,000 vs 12,000 planned), straining housing, sanitation and healthcare, with a Kayilizi relocation plan still short of funding. Climate and health risks: On World Environment Day, CISONECC urges urgent climate action as droughts, floods and environmental degradation threaten food security and health. Local health-related safety: In Zomba, community patrols helped stop vandals targeting ESCOM infrastructure, protecting electricity supply that supports safer health services.

US visa pressure on Malawians: Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda says tougher US visa policies are hurting Malawians seeking education, medical care and business travel. Youth SRHR alarm: African leaders warn that adolescent sexual and reproductive health is being systematically neglected, with teenage pregnancy, HIV and substance abuse highlighted as urgent priorities. Refugee health strain in Dzaleka: Dzaleka camp in Dowa is now hosting over 60,000 people against a 12,000 target, worsening pressure on housing, sanitation and healthcare; relocation to Kayilizi in Chitipa faces a major $90m funding gap. Diplomacy cost-cutting: Malawi reduced foreign mission staff from 193 to 139, aiming to cut allowances and housing costs. Medicine price risk: Malawi’s new import tariffs on essential drugs like amoxicillin, malaria treatment and painkillers could push up healthcare costs, while government has faced calls to explain the policy. Border health operations: South Africa’s BMA coordinated the departure of 933 Mozambicans via Lebombo, including health screening and processing of minors.

Flood Response: Heavy rains after drought devastated Anabaptist churches across Malawi, with Malawi reporting over two dozen deaths and 29,000 households affected; mud-brick homes and crops were hit, schooling disrupted, and contaminated water raised cholera risks as church communities stepped in with chlorine treatment and well cleaning. Medicine Prices Under Pressure: Malawi health advocates are alarmed by new import tariffs on essential medicines, including malaria drugs, antibiotics and painkillers, warning the 20–25% duties could push up costs when public facilities already face shortages. Health Supply Cash Crunch: Central Medical Stores Trust says government owes it K76 billion, with district hospitals failing to pay for medicines on credit—threatening procurement and drug supply. WHO Commends Progress: WHO Malawi praised gains in polio eradication, HIV treatment, maternal and newborn care, surveillance and cholera control, noting maternal mortality fell from 439 (2015–16) to 224 per 100,000 live births by 2024. Border Health & Ebola Watch: Malawi intensified border surveillance and entry protocols at ports of entry due to growing Ebola concerns abroad. Maternal Health Inequality Spotlight: A WaterAid campaign using “hospital bag” stories highlights stark global gaps in what expectant mothers can access, including a Malawi case from Mangochi. Polio Vaccination Drive: Isoka District in Zambia (regional coverage) launched a second round of nOPV2 to protect children under five.

Medicine Costs: Malawi health advocates oppose a new 25% tariff on essential medicines like amoxicillin, aspirin and paracetamol, warning it could push up prices as public facilities face drug shortages. Border Health: Malawi has introduced mandatory health screening for all travellers entering through airports and land borders amid rising Ebola concerns, with non-compliance risking refusal of entry. Polio Vaccines: Isoka District launches a second round of nOPV2 polio vaccination for children under five after Zambia detected cVDPV2 in its sewer system. Health Supply Crunch: Central Medical Stores Trust says government owes it K76 billion, disrupting medicine procurement and supply to district hospitals. Maternal Health Spotlight: WaterAid highlights maternal health inequality through what women carry in maternity “hospital bags,” including examples from Malawi. Human Rights & Health Access: A report notes people with albinism in Malawi still face fear, stigma and discrimination affecting schooling, jobs and health access. Governance & Services: Treasury has frozen payments on public contracts signed between Sept 2023 and Sept 2025 pending reviews, raising concerns for service delivery.

Border Health: Malawi has introduced mandatory health screening for all travellers entering via airports and land border posts as Ebola-risk measures, with medical checks required before immigration clearance. Polio Response: Isoka District launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign, targeting children under five after Zambia detected cVDPV2 in its sewer system. Maternal Health Inequality: WaterAid spotlighted what expectant mothers pack in “hospital bags” across 13 countries, including Malawi, to show how unequal access to care shapes childbirth outcomes. Cervical Cancer Screening: A Belgian medical student organised free cervical cancer screening in eight facilities under Karonga Diocese, running June 1–19 to push early detection. Health Equity & Safety: Human rights reporting highlights ongoing fear, stigma and discrimination faced by people with albinism in Malawi, affecting schooling, work and access to health services. Tobacco Warning: NCD Alliance Malawi marked World No Tobacco Day by citing tobacco-related illnesses costing K55.2bn annually and urging stronger youth-focused tobacco control. Emergency Care Gap: Two ambulances on Likoma Island have been out of service for over five years, raising concerns about emergency healthcare access while repairs are being procured. Local Roads Affect Care: Ntchisi communities say poor roads delay access to markets and force pregnant women to spend up to K16,000 to reach Ntchisi District Hospital. Public Finance Shock: Treasury has frozen payments on government contracts signed between Sept 1, 2023 and Sept 1, 2025 pending a review—potentially affecting services including health-related works. Social Protection Tool: The Umunthu Social Index was launched to measure social impact and development progress, aiming to guide more accountable community-driven support.

Border Health & Ebola Preparedness: Malawi has introduced mandatory health screening for all travellers entering via airports and land border posts, with Port Health medical staff screening passengers before immigration clearance as Ebola risk rises. Polio Response: A four-day polio vaccination campaign is underway in Bulawayo targeting all children under five after Malawi confirmed circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. Tobacco & Youth Risk: NCD Alliance Malawi marks World No Tobacco Day warning that tobacco and nicotine firms are using flavoured products, bright packaging and social media to hook young people, with tobacco-related illnesses costing K55.2bn yearly. Parliament on Food Safety: Malawi’s Public Accounts Committee warns that embalming chemicals allegedly diverted from mortuaries may be used to preserve fish, calling for stronger regulation and oversight of medical supply chains. Remote Emergency Care: Two Likoma Island ambulances have been grounded for over five years, limiting emergency services while officials say repairs are being procured. Menstrual Health in Schools: Female learners in public schools renew calls for free sanitary pads, saying lack of materials and facilities fuels absenteeism and discrimination. Women’s Business Access to Finance: A German envoy says women entrepreneurs still struggle to access affordable finance, as Malawi’s Growth Accelerator Project expands grants, training and mentorship. Health Insurance Recognition: MedHealth wins awards for preferred health insurance and service excellence, pledging to expand affordable coverage nationwide.

Polio Response: Bulawayo kicks off a four-day polio vaccination drive for all children under five after a CVDPV2 outbreak linked to Malawi, with doses delivered through clinics, hospitals, schools, churches, markets and house-to-house outreach. Tobacco Health Warning: NCD Alliance Malawi marks World No Tobacco Day by warning that tobacco and nicotine firms are targeting youth with flavours, bright packaging and vapes, while tobacco-related illnesses cost the country about K55.2bn yearly. Water Safety Funding Gap: WaterAid Malawi says Malawi may miss the 2030 safe-water goal unless government ramps up spending to about $218m (K416bn) yearly, noting current investment falls far short. Public Health Alarm: Parliament’s PAC raises concern that embalming chemicals meant for mortuaries may be diverted to preserve fish, calling for stronger regulation and oversight. Women’s Health & Education: Girls in public schools demand free sanitary pads to cut absenteeism; officials cite progress on water supply but note gaps in toilets and change rooms. Access to Care: Likoma District reports two ambulances grounded for over five years, despite plans to repair them. GBV Justice Access: Gender and Justice Unit signs a three-year deal to expand legal and psychosocial support for GBV survivors across 11 districts via helplines, mobile support and camp courts. Health Systems Research: Thanzi Programme secures a grant to extend health policy and health economics research capacity into Namibia and Zambia. Malawi Health Insurance Spotlight: MedHealth wins two awards for service excellence and customer trust, pledging to expand affordable coverage.