The Government has committed to using findings from the latest National Statistical Office (NSO) survey to guide policy decisions and budget formulation, as the report reveals both progress and persistent challenges in Malawi’s development indicators.
Speaking after the release of the report, Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha said the data would strengthen evidence-based planning across government ministries. Mwanamvekha described the report as timely and useful.
“The report that has been delivered by NSO is quite informing and very educative because it helps us as a government to ensure that our policies and planning are evidence-based. Some indicators are improving, but it is also pointing out areas that need attention, such as immunisation and maternal deaths during delivery,” Mwanamvekha said.
He said although the report was released close to the budget cycle, its findings had already been incorporated into the forthcoming national budget.
“Some of it will be reflected in the health budget, education budget and agriculture budget. Government remains committed to this work, with or without donor support,” Mwanamvekha added.
Deputy Minister of Health Charles Chilambula said the report would help improve health service delivery by guiding decision-making and resource mobilisation.
Chilambula said: “This report touches on very important issues such as child mortality, nutrition and the use of contraceptives. Because we now have evidence, our decisions will be informed and will have greater impact. It will also help us when mobilising resources.”
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain in the health sector, including shortages of health workers, equipment and nutrition supplies.
Providing an overview of the findings, Commissioner of Statistics Shelton Kanyanda said the survey showed improvements in several key health indicators but also emphasised areas of concern.
Kanyanda said: “The total fertility rate has declined from 4.4 in 2015/16 to 3.7 in 2024. We are also seeing reductions in maternal mortality and malaria prevalence among children. However, child stunting remains a concern, largely due to prolonged poor nutrition.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Dr Eliya Zulu, said progress was uneven and called for renewed focus on primary health care.
“We are making progress in family planning and child survival, but we are not doing well in adolescent pregnancies, child marriages and nutrition. We need to bring services closer to the people and focus on those who are being left behind,” Zulu said.
The NSO says the report is expected to inform national priorities and support targeted investments aimed at improving Malawi’s human capital development.
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