Malawi

Introduction

Malaria is endemic in all parts of Malawi, with seasonal peaks occurring between December and June. The annual reported number of malaria cases in 2010 was 6,851,108 with 8,206 deaths.

Progress

Malawi has made steady progress in scaling-up malaria control interventions and has, in particular, been successful in attracting resources through the Global Fund including through Round 9. Additionally, the country has made policy changes including the introduction of Community Case Management of malaria and pneumonia. The country has removed tariffs on ACTs, RDTs and insecticides and pumps for IRS. Malawi has recently banned oral artemisinin-based monotherapies. The majority of the malaria commodities required to achieve and sustain universal coverage in 2012 are financed. The country has achieved the Abuja target of 15% national public sector financing (health as a percentage of total government expenditure). Progress has also been made on key MNCH interventions including increased PMTCT coverage, deliveries by skilled birth attendants and exclusive breastfeeding.

Impact

The numbers of malaria cases and deaths reported through the surveillance system have remained stable for several years with a slightly increasing trend since 2007. It is not known whether this trend reflects a real increase in incidence or is due to improved reporting.