Tag Archives: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Education

USAID Hands Over Education Projects to Malawian Government

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially handed over several education projects and intervention programs to the Malawian government, marking the conclusion of its active financial support for the education sector. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Lilongwe.

The projects, which were implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, targeted foundational learning, inclusive education, and infrastructure development across Malawi’s education sector. USAID’s support had a significant impact on the advancement of education in Malawi, and the handover ceremony served to acknowledge the contributions of the agency and commend both ministries for their joint efforts in implementing impactful education reforms.

Speaking at the event, Pamela Fessenden, USAID Mission Director, expressed appreciation for the strong working relationship between USAID and the two ministries. She highlighted some of the achievements of the partnership, including the development and printing of Standard 1-4 curriculum and instructional materials in both English and Chichewa, training of 24,000 Standard 1-2 teachers, and initiation of a revision of the Inclusive Education Strategy.

Fessenden also noted the completion of 72 Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) and progress on 17 CDSS construction sites, which are currently at an average of 65 percent completion. Additionally, the partnership developed induction standards for newly hired primary school teachers and teaching practice.

Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Levis Eneya, acknowledged USAID’s contributions, noting their significant impact on the advancement of education in Malawi. Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, described the partnership as both beneficial and transformative.

The handover of the education projects marks the end of USAID’s active financial support for the education sector in Malawi, following the US government’s decision to withdraw funding from education portfolios globally. Despite this, the impact of the partnership will continue to be felt in the country’s education sector.

The ceremony served as a testament to the strong partnership between USAID and the Malawian government, and a celebration of the achievements made possible through their collaboration. As the Malawian government takes full ownership of the projects, it is expected that the benefits will continue to accrue to the education sector and the country at large.

Health, Malawi

Tragic! Scary looms for Malawian HIV/AIDS patients as Trump Govt withdraws assistance

Rick Dzida

…..What is the way forward for Malawi Government?

The withdrawal of assistance for HIV/AIDS patients by a significant donor like the United States Government has profound implications for Malawi, a country that has heavily relied on external support for its healthcare system particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

On 24 March 2025, UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, remarked from global perspective that “We will see a real surge in this disease , will see it come back, and we see people dying the way we saw them in the 90s and in 2000s.”

Such remarks have put me in a spiral of sad dilemma recalling a loss of friends, acquaintances and relatives due to HIV/AIDS after they had exhibited signs of malnutrition then dubbed ‘kawondewonde’ in the 90s and 2000s.

Fortunately, the free access to life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) by the general public reversed the pathetic trend.

In this article, 10 challenges Malawi is likely to encounter as the aftermath of US assistance withdrawal are discussed. Consequently, some recommendations are also outlined for the Malawi Government to undertake with a view of averting the impending tragedy.

Challenges

First, without external funding, it is envisaged that there will be a rise in new HIV infections among Malawians due to reduced access to prevention programs.

Second, it is also predicted that many Malawians will lose access to ART leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.

Third, the Malawi public healthcare system is likely to become overwhelmed as more individuals seek treatment without the necessary resources.

Fourth, a lack of funding will most likely lead to reduced public awareness campaigns thereby increasing stigma around HIV/AIDS.

Fifth, there is a high likelihood that the loss of funding will lead to job losses in the healthcare sector and related industries consequently exacerbating poverty. In fact, some Malawians are on record to be entrenched due to the American funding withdrawal.

Sixth, many children affected by HIV/AIDS will most likely lose support services thereby leading to increased vulnerability.

Seventh, it is also envisaged that reduced funding will hinder research efforts for new treatments and prevention strategies.

Eighth, most Malawian families will most likely face increased financial and emotional burdens as they care for sick relatives without adequate support.

Ninth, without the support of external funding, it is envisaged that the ability to track and evaluate the HIV/AIDS epidemic will be compromised therefore making it difficult to respond effectively.

The last but not least challenge is that the combination of the aforementioned factors will likely lead to increased mortality rates among those living with HIV/AIDS.

Recommendations

The first recommendation is that the Malawi government is advised to urgently seek alternative funding from other international donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector partnerships to fill the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.

It must be emphasized that this is not a political issue but one that needs swift action to avert loss of innocent Malawians.

Secondly, the Ministry of Health (MoH) must invest in strengthening the local healthcare system to ensure that it can handle increased patient loads and provide quality healthcare.

Thirdly, the Malawi Government through MoH must deliberately develop and support community-based health programs that focus on prevention, education, and support for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Fourth, MoH is advised to initiate campaigns that aim at reducing stigma, promoting awareness about HIV/AIDS and resultantly encouraging testing and treatment.

Fifth, the Malawi Government through MoH is cordially advised to implement programs specifically aimed at supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS including education and healthcare services.

Sixth, MoH must invest in local research initiatives to develop new treatments and prevention strategies tailored to the Malawian context.

Seventh, the Malawi Government is also advised to collaborate with NGOs that have experience in HIV/AIDS care and can provide additional resources and support.

Eighth, the Malawi Government through MoH is advised to explore generic medications and other cost-effective treatment options to ensure that ART remains accessible to all Malawians regardless of financial status.

Ninth, MoH must invest in training and retaining healthcare workers to ensure that there are enough qualified professionals to provide healthcare service.

The final and equally important recommendation to the Malawi Government is to establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that will facilitate the assessment of the impact of HIV/AIDS programs. It is also advisable for the Malawi Government to make necessary adjustments wherever necessary.

Conclusion

By addressing these challenges with the aforementioned proactive measures, the Malawi government can work to mitigate the negative impacts of reduced assistance for HIV/AIDS patients and continue to support those affected by the epidemic.

Development, Malawi, Regional

79th UNGA: Chakwera lauds USAID

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Arkangel Tembo

NEW YORK-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for taking a leading role in facilitating the creation of free lead poisoning among children globally for a sustainable future generation.

He made the remarks Monday during a partnership for a lead-free future meeting with the USAID delegation in New York, USA.

President Chakwera stated that since assuming office he discovered high levels of lead in paint being sold on the Malawian market, resulting in the exposure of over 3 million Malawian children to lead poisoning.

He said that while millions of dollars are being poured into education, the outcomes of that education are being compromised by the impairment of children’s cognitive development caused by lead poisoning

”Not to say anything of the cost of treating lead-related illnesses to the tune of close to 1 billion dollars every year, which is over 5 per cent of GDP,” said Chakwera

He indicated that in the first year of his office, the government committed resources of the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) to collaborate with the Lead Exposure Elimination Project in providing stronger enforcement of lead paint regulations, including better testing facilities to detect lead in products.

“This measure alone resulted in the reduction of the market share of brands with lead paint by 50% within two years and secured the commitment of two-thirds of all manufacturers to go lead-free,” said President Chakwera

He revealed that Malawi is committed to joining the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future to have access to the necessary international support to achieve such important benchmarks as identifying all key sources of lead exposure in Malawi.

Development

USAID supports Malawi Parliament with US$11.6m for quality service delivery

Maravi Post Reporter
USAID supports Malawi Parliament

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Friday, December 9, 2022 launched a new program worthy US$11.6 million to Malawi Parliament.

The funds at aimed at supporting the house towards its legislative, oversight and representative functions implementation.

USAID Action Director Telesa McGhie said the program will contribute towards Malawi’s democratic governance.

She said it is parliament duty to provide checks and balances in critical democratic governance and increasing accountability.

Launching the program, Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotan Hara said the funding is enough to help the house to get its business done smoothly.

Hara added that Parliament will be able to conduct public inquiries and public hearings on topical issues, and build the required capacities for Committees, Members of Parliament and Staff.

She said that the project is inline with the effective oversight, legislative and representative functions.

Hara therefore said August will have th capacity to process Bills and come up with laws that create an environment leading to improved service delivery.

Development, Malawi

USAID aids Malawi MK158bn towards economic growth, democracy

Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the provision of US$158 million (MK158 billion) to Malawi Government to help boosting economic growth, strengthen democracy and improve Early Grade Literacy and Nutrition.

Chakwera smiles at USAID financial support

This was said by the USAID Global Administrator Samantha Power during his dialogue with President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Saturday July 2,2022.

The support comes as a result of various engagements the government has had with USAID, including one Chakwera held in Washington DC with Power four months ago.

Writing on his facebook wall, President Chakwera said of the package, US$11.7 million (MK11.7 billion) will be channeled towards consolidation of democracy via a project providing expertise in legislative analysis and drafting, and support Parliamentary oversight actions such as independent inquiries, depositions, and public hearings.

He disclosed that the Agency will also implement NextGen, a US$74 million (MK74 billion) early reading project in over 5, 700 public primary schools to support Malawi’s vision for early grade literacy.

“We will also get US$46 million ( MK46 billion) support towards our National Multi-Sector Nutrition Policy through a five-year initiative known as Improving Nutrition, Let Them Grow Health ( Tiwale),” wrote Chakwera.

He said in trying to get the country back on track economically, the Agency will invest $35 million ( MK35 billion), subject to appropriations in a five-year project to support Malawi’s economic recovery.

” I am also delighted to learn that the USAID economic support package will complement another upcoming US Government initiative, the Millennium Challenge Account, whose compact aims are at reducing poverty through economic growth,” said Chakwera.

USAID Global Administrator Samantha Power hailed Malawi for showing commitment to the fight against corruption.

She said USAID is committed to assisting Malawi in its economic recovery drive.

Malawi, Regional

US Embassy scales down operations in Malawi over Washington shutdown

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The shutdown of the United States public system following failure to pass the country’s budget in time has affected its embassy in Malawi, where operations have been scaled down.

The shutdown follows misunderstandings between Congress and President Donald Trump last Thursday, when they failed to reach an agreement to restore federal spending authority and deal with demands from Democrats that about 700, 000 young people known as Dreamers be protected from deportation.

According to reports in American media, the shutdown has also affected thousands of federal workers who might not go back to work until after February 8.

Malawi’s American Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Edward Monster, has confirmed the scaling down of the embassy’s operations, a thing which was also announced on its official Facebook page.

According to the announcement, due to the shutdown, there will be no regular updates until after the US government opens.

Monster said all projects and programmes that are already funded will continue and that Malawians working at the embassy have not been affected by the development and that the embassy respects the country’s labour laws.

He also added that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is also closed for all non-essential business.

“Non-essential businesses have been shut down. You are probably seeing from the international media that the US government is currently shut down. It is a fact that the United States Embassy here in Malawi is closed for non-essential business.

“However, scheduled passport and visa services at the embassy here in Lilongwe will continue. If you have a previously scheduled visa interview, the consular office will be open to conduct visa interviews. And for American citizens who may need passport services, consular offices remain open,”said Monster.

A shutdown of the US government last happened in 2013 and lasted 16 days