By Rahim Abdul
Over 1.7 million Malawians are expected to gain better protection against climate-related health threats following the launch of a five-year initiative by the Ministry of Health.
The project, which will be rolled out in six climate-vulnerable districts Mangochi, Machinga, Balaka, Ntcheu, Phalombe, and Zomba aims to safeguard groups most at risk, including children under five, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and households struggling with chronic poverty.
Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, said the programme is designed to make Malawi’s health system more resilient in the face of rising climate pressures such as extreme weather, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.
The initiative is funded by the Green Climate Fund and the Sanofi Foundation, and will be jointly implemented by the Government of Malawi in collaboration with Save the Children, the Catholic Health Commission, and CRECCOM.
Save the Children’s Country Director for Malawi and Zimbabwe, Bhekimpilo Khanye, emphasized that the fight against climate change cannot be won by government alone, urging civil society, development partners, and communities to play an active role in finding sustainable solutions.
Officials say the project reflects growing recognition that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a health crisis that requires urgent and coordinated action.
