LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)—Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Malawi SRHR Alliance have called on the Ministry of Health and Members of Parliament to increase budget allocation to the health sector, warning that chronic underfunding is contributing to shortages of sexual and reproductive health commodities in public health facilities.
Their appeal follows alarming data from the 2024 Demographic Health Survey, which shows that teenage pregnancies have risen from 29% in 2015 to 31.5% in 2024.
In an interview with National Coordinator for the Malawi SRHR Alliance, Hestings Saka say lack of family planning services particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas is fueling the increase.
“The health sector’s financing in Malawi falls short of the 15% Abuja Declaration, and that affects the availability of family planning commodities and supplies, especially in rural areas where teenage pregnancies are high,” said Saka,
“There is a dire need to improve health financing to ensure Universal Health Coverage.”
The call aligns with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, marked on 12 December under the global theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Through the SRHR4ALL programme, the Malawi SRHR Alliance is working with the Ministry of Health and Parliament to strengthen health financing and improve access to essential reproductive health services.
CSOs warn that without increased investment, Malawi risks continued shortages of family planning commodities and further escalation of teenage pregnancies.
The programme is funded by NORAD through Sonke for Gender Justice.
Attempts to speak with the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Anthony Masamba proved futile, as he continues to excuse himself from meeting sessions.