Malawi

Malawi

Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world with one of the lowest income economies, based on Gross National Income per capita. With very limited resources, the healthcare system struggles to deliver even the most basic of services and as a consequence the burden of suffering is high.

Known as “the warm heart of Africa” Malawi is a beautiful country where the largely rural population live their lives with dignity and in peace.  We have made a commitment to the children of Malawi to provide funding for the treatment of medical conditions, which in more developed countries are routine and easily alleviated. 

Untreated cleft conditions cause misery and are often life-threatening. As many as 93% of children with unrepaired clefts could die before their 20th birthday from malnourishment, infections, or other associated complications. Those who do survive are vulnerable to negative attitudes, marginalisation, and social stigma. 

Through our collaboration with Operation Smile, our funding provides safe effective surgery to children in Malawi and training for Malawian Health Care professionals to ensure that Cleft Free Malawi is sustainable in the long term. 

Similarly, club foot is a condition that, if left untreated, causes serious disability and pain. Feet First Worldwide is dedicated to the treatment of club foot and to training and educating Malawian clinicians in treating childhood disabilities. Our ongoing collaboration with this charity provides hope to children in the north of the country which is not otherwise served by orthopaedic surgeons. 

Childhood burns are a very significant problem in Malawi and without timely and effective treatment they can cause pain and disability for a lifetime. Through The Malawi Burns (UK) Trust our funding provides human resources, supplies and training for the Burns Unit in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre.