New Delhi, India – Malawi’s Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Alima Daud, has called for stronger collaboration with international allies, particularly India, to address the critical challenges facing the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking at the 2024 India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, Daud stressed the urgent need for investments and partnerships to improve access to healthcare services in Malawi. Despite advancements in healthcare provision, Malawi continues to grapple with significant obstacles in ensuring universal health coverage.
Daud pointed out that the country’s health system is significantly underfunded, with an annual per capita health expenditure of only $40. This falls far short of the $86 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for achieving comprehensive health coverage. The financial deficit has compromised the quality of healthcare and contributed to a life expectancy of just 64 years, as well as high rates of preventable diseases.
Malawi’s reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, which constitute 90% of its medication supply, has resulted in frequent drug shortages and inadequate medical supplies. The country’s pharmaceutical market volume currently stands at $121 million, with $14 million allocated to oncology drugs.
While acknowledging the challenges, Daud outlined the extensive reforms underway in Malawi’s healthcare sector. The government is actively pursuing decentralization of healthcare services, establishment of interconnected healthcare systems, and integration of digital advancements. The Health Sector Strategic Plan III and the National Health Financing Strategy are key initiatives aimed at driving improvements in the sector.
Daud also highlighted several key areas where Malawi is seeking collaboration and investment, including medical equipment and ICT infrastructure, pharmaceutical products, research and development, digital health, health financing, and infrastructure development.
Daud urged Indian enterprises and international partners to seize the opportunities presented by Malawi’s ongoing healthcare reforms. “Malawi is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing access to superior healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage,” she said. “We invite our partners, particularly from India, to collaborate with us on this journey for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.”
