AGP Executive Report

Fake Drugs Crackdown: Malawi’s Health Ministry says it is tightening regulation of all medical products, backed by a 10-year WHO-backed strategy to curb substandard and fake medicines, including stronger PMRA systems and digital reporting. Maternal Health Gains: A multi-country hospital intervention in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda linked training and quality support to a 22% drop in early stillbirths and newborn deaths in the first 24 hours. Post-Abortion Care Delay: Malawi’s post-abortion care guideline updates still haven’t been finalised despite a High Court order and an expired 180-day deadline, raising concerns for survivors of sexual violence. El Niño Health Prep: Global agencies warn Malawi and other countries to prepare for a likely record-strong El Niño, with knock-on risks to health, food and energy systems. World Lake Day: As Malawi marks World Lake Day, the focus is on protecting lake ecosystems to safeguard freshwater, biodiversity and livelihoods. Drug Abuse Warning: Zimbabwe’s officials call drug and substance abuse a youth-driven social and security crisis—an urgent reminder for regional prevention efforts. Migration & Health Services: South Africa’s Musina repatriation centre has closed after processing nearly 49,000 foreign nationals, with health and social services involved during the operation.

Maternal & Newborn Survival: A study in 16 maternity units across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links a combined training, quality improvement and mentoring programme to a 22% drop in early stillbirths and newborn deaths in the first 24 hours. Post-Abortion Care Delay: Malawi’s High Court ordered post-abortion care guidelines to be amended, but the 180-day deadline passed without finalisation—leaving girls, especially survivors of sexual violence, exposed to gaps in care. Prison Nutrition: A Malawi prison food provision report finds 702 prisoners severely undernourished, with some stations previously serving just one meal; the Prison Service says it is shifting toward three meals a day. Traditional Eye Medicine Review: A global review highlights widespread use of traditional eye medicine and calls for safer, regulated integration into eye care systems. Fuel Shock Risk: Malawi’s vulnerability is less about storage and more about foreign exchange to import fuel, raising the risk of shortages and price shocks. Health Funding Clarity: African Christian health groups welcome new US faith-based health funding but want details on how local hospitals and clinics will participate. Murder Trial (Dr Victoria Bobe): A pathologist told the court the shooting caused catastrophic brain injuries and instant death, while ballistics testimony described close-range firing. Drug Abuse as Security Threat: Zimbabwean officials frame drug and substance abuse as a national security and economic emergency, pushing for coordinated action beyond health services. Muslim Community Charity: Malawi’s Muslims mark Prophet Muhammad’s birth with prayers and charity visits to hospitals, including Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

Post-abortion care court order ignored: Malawi’s Ministry of Health is still yet to finalise revised post-abortion care guidelines more than 180 days after a High Court order, leaving girls—especially survivors of sexual violence—stuck with barriers to reproductive healthcare and raising concerns about non-compliance with a binding ruling. Prison nutrition alarm: A food provision report finds 702 of 16,237 prisoners assessed are severely undernourished, with many getting just one meal a day; the Malawi Prison Service says it is shifting toward three meals as funding and cooking equipment challenges are addressed. RBM murder trial turns to pension plans: In the murder case involving RBM employee Agnes Katengeza, court hears she intended to change her pension beneficiary weeks before her death, but died before the form could be updated. Drug abuse as security threat: Zimbabwean officials frame drug and substance abuse as a social, economic and national security emergency, calling for coordinated action beyond health services. Migration enforcement warning: Malawi’s authorities say the Musina temporary repatriation centre has closed after processing nearly 49,000 foreign nationals, and warn communities against unlawful identity checks or vigilantism. Health partnerships: Alder Hey strengthens long-term child health collaboration with Malawi through a new MoU covering training, medical education, research and service improvement.

Prison Nutrition Crisis: A Malawi prisons food report found 702 inmates severely undernourished in 27 prisons, with many getting just one meal a day, though the Malawi Prison Service says it is shifting toward three meals. Child Health Partnership: Alder Hey strengthened its long-running collaboration with Malawi, including support for paediatric emergency training and work at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Migration & Health Access: Malawi’s government warned communities against unlawful identity checks and vigilantism after closing the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre, which processed 48,948 foreign nationals. Maternal Health Concern: A study on Uganda’s rising C-section rates reported rates nearly tripled over a decade, raising questions about when surgery is medically necessary. Cancer Treatment Access: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation renewed a partnership to expand Brukinsa access for CLL patients in low- and middle-income countries. El Niño Preparedness: WHO, WMO and WFP urged countries to prepare for a potentially record-strong El Niño, warning of major health and food impacts. Local Food & Nutrition: Ireland’s ambassador launched Legume Tour Malawi 2026, pushing beans, groundnuts and pigeon peas to boost nutrition and livelihoods. Tax & Health Services Funding: Malawi Revenue Authority launched its 2026–2031 corporate plan, framed as a “social and economic contract” to fund schools and clinics through stronger domestic revenue.

Court Update: High Court Judge Ruth Chinangwa continues the Dr. Victoria Bobe murder/robbery trial in Blantyre, with prosecutors presenting more witnesses and court hearing alleged theft of cash and gadgets after the November 17, 2025 killing. Tax & Health Funding: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha urged Malawi Revenue Authority to sustain revenue gains after launching the 2026–2031 corporate plan, saying stronger domestic taxes mean more classrooms and better-equipped hospitals. Global Fund Governance: Malawi’s Country Coordinating Mechanism faces an internal fight over how Global Fund HIV, TB and malaria money is managed, with members accusing officials of trying to overturn a decision on the Principal Recipient. Maternal Mental Health Research: A new Malawi-linked study reports high rates of antepartum depression symptoms among pregnant women, stressing the need for early detection and support. Sexual Violence & Access to Care: Activists warn that absence of reviewed post-abortion care guidelines in public facilities is leaving sexually abused girls, including minors, without safe services after a court ruling. DNA Paternity Shock: Reports say about 80% of men tested in Malawi after suspected infidelity are not biological fathers, raising concerns over family disputes and child support. Clean Cooking & Climate: BURN says it has distributed 166,235 clean cooking stoves in Malawi, created 400 local jobs and is authorised to generate 3.5 million carbon credits.

Climate & Health: Farmers in Thyolo and surrounding areas say winter crops failed after rains failed, with scorching sun drying beans, sweet potatoes and peas—an early warning for food and nutrition stress as El Niño risks intensify. Maternal & Child Health: A multi-country study including Malawi highlights high stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal mortality, underscoring the need for stronger newborn care and prevention efforts. Reproductive Health & Rights: Activists say absence of reviewed post-abortion care guidelines in public facilities is still leaving sexually abused girls, including minors, stranded and forced to drop out. Public Health Services: Malawi is moving to unlock delayed Constituency Development Fund cash by requiring councils to submit cash flow needs for signed or near-term contracts. Health System Capacity: Zomba is set to receive dialysis machines, while calls continue for more specialist services closer to patients. Health Data & Trust: DNA paternity testing reports show about 80% of men tested are not biological fathers, fueling custody and maintenance disputes. Governance for Health Financing: Malawi Revenue Authority launches its 2026–2031 plan, with Finance Minister Mwanamveka calling it the “engine room” for funding schools, clinics and social safety nets. Clean Cooking & Climate: BURN hosts a Malawi government delegation on local stove manufacturing and carbon credits, linking clean cooking to health and climate goals.

Clean Cooking & Climate Finance: BURN hosted Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources delegation in Njuli, reporting 166,235 stoves distributed, 400 local jobs created, and authorisation to generate 3.5 million carbon credits to support Malawi’s clean cooking and climate goals. Maternal & Newborn Health: A study at Kawempe National Referral Hospital found high stillbirth (26.3/1,000), preterm birth (110.9/1,000) and neonatal mortality (22.5/1,000), with higher risk for premature babies—part of wider work on Group B Streptococcus vaccine needs. Health System Access & Safety: Malawi is moving to unlock delayed Constituency Development Fund cash, while separate reporting highlights gaps that can leave girls without reviewed post-abortion care guidelines in public facilities. Child Protection & Justice: A prosecutor at Ntaja Police Post is accused of office abuse after allegedly releasing a suspect charged with child sexual abuse. Public Health Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month Ebola preparedness push across 33 border points and 16 trade/migration corridors, including Malawi, to strengthen early detection, isolation and reporting. Family Health & Legal Stress: DNA paternity testing in Malawi reports about 80% non-paternity among men tested after suspected infidelity, fueling custody and maintenance disputes. Governance & Corruption Watch: A bitter internal revolt within Malawi’s Global Fund body challenges how HIV, TB and malaria funding decisions were handled.

Paternity Shock: DNA paternity tests in Malawi show about 80% of men who suspect infidelity are not the biological fathers of the children they’ve been raising, fueling emotional distress and legal fights over custody, maintenance, and inheritance. Child Rights & Health Access: Public health facilities are still missing reviewed post-abortion care (PAC) guidelines, leaving girls and minors denied safe services after sexual violence and pregnancy—despite a court ruling. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month cross-border Ebola response along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, strengthening border health teams to detect, isolate, and report suspected cases. Kidney Care Upgrade: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba is set to start dialysis for kidney patients from November 1 after receiving four dialysis machines, aiming to reduce long-distance travel for treatment. Public Health Integrity: A Telegraph investigation alleges Malawi officials have been selling yellow fever vaccination certificates to unvaccinated travellers, raising serious safety and compliance concerns.

ACB Leadership Crisis: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has been without a permanent Director-General since May 2024, and a fresh recruitment attempt failed—raising fresh questions about governance and the credibility of the country’s corruption fight. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency response to stop Ebola spreading from DRC through 33 priority border points and 16 trade/migration corridors, with stronger screening, isolation and rapid reporting. Health System Access: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba says it will start dialysis on 1 November after receiving four machines, aiming to reduce costly travel for kidney patients. HIV Prevention Update: Malawi reports 272,225 people cumulatively initiated on PrEP since 2021, with 122,488 actively on it by June 2026 and early uptake of twice-yearly Lenacapavir. Public Health Integrity: A report alleges officials are selling yellow fever certificates to unvaccinated travellers at airports and hospitals—fueling risk for outbreaks and travel requirements. Local Care & Training: An MP joined a nursing students’ fundraising walk, pledging K5 million to support needy trainees. Justice & Rights: Activist Sylvester Namiwa’s bail ruling is still delayed, with supporters and legal voices warning about prolonged remand and fair-trial concerns.

HIV Prevention: Malawi’s PrEP programme keeps expanding, with 272,000 people initiated since 2021 and 122,488 actively on PrEP by end-June 2026; the ministry says 1,392 people have already started the twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir, with uptake strongest among ages 20–34. Kidney Care: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba is set to start blood-cleaning (dialysis) on 1 November after receiving four dialysis machines, aiming to reduce costly travel for kidney patients in the Eastern Region. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month cross-border Ebola response along 33 priority entry points on DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, including Malawi, with plans for early detection, safe isolation and rapid notification. Health Access & Safety: A report alleges yellow fever certificates are being sold to unvaccinated travellers at Malawi airports and public hospitals, raising serious public health and travel safety concerns. Rapid Testing: WEHI researchers say they’ve developed a 15-minute point-of-care blood test for iron deficiency using a finger-prick sample, designed for use in resource-limited settings. Legal & Rights: Activist Sylvester Namiwa’s bail ruling is expected tomorrow after weeks on remand and hospitalisation, with supporters citing delays and health concerns. Funding & Services: The EU has approved €143m (about K287bn) for Malawi’s long-term transformation, targeting agriculture, energy, education and youth skills.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month cross-border emergency push at 33 priority entry points along the DRC border, including Malawi, to strengthen screening, isolation, rapid lab transport and digital surveillance to stop imported Ebola cases. Health Fraud Alert: A Telegraph investigation reports officials in Malawi selling yellow fever certificates to unvaccinated travellers at airports and public hospitals, raising serious public health and travel risks. Kidney Care Upgrade: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba received four dialysis machines and plans to start blood-cleaning for kidney patients on 1 November, aiming to reduce costly cross-region travel. HIV Prevention Update: Malawi’s PrEP programme has reached 272,225 cumulative initiations, with 122,488 actively on PrEP and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Rapid Testing Breakthrough: WEHI researchers developed a 15-minute finger-prick blood test for iron deficiency, designed for point-of-care use in Sub-Saharan Africa. Water and Maternal Health: WaterAid and the Wimbledon Foundation highlighted how clean water, toilets and hygiene are improving safer births and reducing infections in Malawi health facilities. Governance and Health Services Funding: Malawi’s local councils say they’ve received only 9% of their 2026/27 allocations, threatening stalled projects that communities rely on for basic services. Child Protection: Mzuzu police arrested Pastor Daniel Gondwe over alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl, with a hospital medical exam reportedly confirming abuse. Justice and Health Concerns: Human rights groups are calling for action after activist Sylvester Namiwa’s bail ruling delay left him detained despite the State not opposing bail, with health issues complicating his case.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA Health Community has launched a six-month emergency push at 33 priority border points along the DRC frontier, including Malawi, to strengthen screening, isolation, lab transport and digital surveillance to stop imported Ebola cases. Yellow Fever Fraud: A Telegraph investigation alleges officials in Malawi are selling yellow fever vaccination certificates to unvaccinated travellers at major airports and public hospitals, undermining entry requirements meant to protect public health. Kidney Care Upgrade: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba says it will start dialysis on November 1 after receiving four dialysis machines to bring life-saving treatment closer to Eastern Region patients. HIV Prevention Gains: Malawi reports 272,000 people cumulatively initiated on PrEP since 2021, with 122,488 actively on it by June 2026 and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Maternal Health Access Alarm: Refugees at Dzaleka face renewed healthcare access concerns after two pregnant Burundian women died around childbirth at Dowa Hospital, with allegations of deposit demands and discrimination. Local Health Capacity: Zomba’s dialysis expansion and the Ebola border measures both point to a wider need for stronger health systems and safer, fairer access to care.

Dialysis Access: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba received four dialysis machines to start blood-cleaning for kidney patients on 1 November, aiming to ease costly cross-regional travel. HIV Prevention Update: Malawi’s PrEP programme has reached 272,225 cumulative initiations since 2021, with 122,488 actively on PrEP by end-June 2026 and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Maternal Health in Focus: Dzaleka camp reports two pregnant refugees dying before giving birth at Dowa Hospital, with allegations of delays tied to “deposits” and discrimination in access to care. Local Health & Safety: MMRA warned communities against illegal mining in Karonga, linking it to unsafe conditions, sanitation problems, and risks including gender-based violence. Justice & Health: Activist Sylvester Namiwa’s bail ruling is set for 21 August after weeks on remand and hospitalisation, as rights groups question prolonged detention. Sanitation Push: First Lady Gertrude Mutharika donated K10 million and five sewing machines to support police women welfare and hygiene efforts. Roads Funding: Government plans four new toll gates (Chileka, Naruva, Mnkhanga, Gwayi) to raise about K10 billion annually for road maintenance.

HIV Prevention Boost: Malawi’s PrEP programme has expanded to 272,000 people initiated since 2021, with 122,488 actively on PrEP by end-June 2026 and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly Lenacapavir. Child Protection: In Mzuzu, police arrested Pastor Daniel Gondwe over alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl, with a hospital medical exam reportedly confirming abuse. Justice & Health: Activist Sylvester Namiwa’s bail ruling is due tomorrow after weeks on remand and a hospital stay, as rights groups warn that delays are undermining fair trial and personal liberty. Sanitation & Wellbeing: First Lady Gertrude Mutharika donated MK10 million and five sewing machines to support hygiene, sanitation and income activities through the Malawi Police Women Welfare and BEAM Trust. Health Access in Crisis: Dzaleka refugee camp reports say two pregnant refugees died before giving birth at Dowa hospital after alleged inability to pay deposits, raising fresh concerns about healthcare access. Power Shock: Malawi’s Mozambique interconnection project missed another deadline, worsening blackouts as demand outstrips supply. Local Funding Pressure: Councils say they’ve received only 9% of promised 2026/27 allocations, threatening stalled projects. Malaria Progress: WHO-backed malaria vaccine RTS,S rollout continues to show mortality reductions, with new newborn-focused treatment pre-qualified this year.

Local Health Funding Crunch: Councils say they’ve received only 9% of their 2026/27 allocation so far, with development funding at just 4%, raising fears of stalled projects and rising costs. Sanitation Push for Police Families: First Lady Gertrude Mutharika backed BEAM Trust’s partnership with the Malawi Police Service Women Welfare with MK10m and sewing machines to improve hygiene and wellbeing. Refugee Maternal Care Alarm: In Dzaleka, two pregnant refugees reportedly died before giving birth at Dowa, with testimonies alleging barriers to healthcare access and discrimination. Medicine Black Market Warning: Malawi’s MMRA warns communities against illegal mining that harms health and water, while separate reports from South Africa allege “fake patients” are fueling medicine black markets. Mental Health for Officers: A High Court judge urged male police officers to speak openly about stress and seek help, including talking to spouses and getting support. Nurse Deployment Debate: Malawi First protests plans to send 500 nurses to Israel, citing WHO rules on recruitment from countries with severe shortages. Cancer Care Progress: ORCI in Tanzania says major cancer surgery will start in October, reducing referrals for specialised operations. NCDs in UHC: Experts urge African countries to integrate non-communicable disease services, medicines and diagnostics into Universal Health Coverage reforms.

NCDs & UHC: African health leaders urged faster integration of noncommunicable disease services, essential medicines and diagnostics into Universal Health Coverage reforms, warning NCD deaths are rising and many occur before age 70. Police health & hygiene: First Lady Gertrude Mutharika challenged police officers to take their own health seriously as BEAM Trust partnered with the Police Women Welfare Association to improve sanitation and hygiene around police stations. Nurses to Israel debate: Malawi First and other groups raised fresh alarm over a government-to-government plan to deploy 500 nurses to Israel, citing WHO rules and Malawi’s severe staffing shortages. Mental health for officers: A High Court judge urged male police officers to stop “tough-it-out” culture, speak openly about stress, and seek help—telling them it’s okay to cry and talk to trusted people. Cancer care boost: Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Tanzania says major cancer surgery will start in October, reducing referrals and improving continuity of care. Access to cancer medicine: BeOne Medicines and partners extended a Brukinsa access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, aiming to reach about 1,000 patients by 2028.