Malawi's UDF President Promises Boost for Maternal Health Ahead of Elections
A significant meeting took place in Malawi, where UDF Party President Atupele Muluzi promised increased budget allocations for maternal, newborn, and adolescent health. This move aims to reduce the country's reliance on donors. The event, organized by Amref Health Africa Malawi, brought together senior political figures and civil society organizations (CSOs) to shape manifesto commitments for women's, children's, and adolescents' health ahead of the September 16 elections.
The two-day engagement, held under the Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan (CAAP), saw representatives from the four major political parties - MCP, UTM, UDF, and DPP - making commitments. UTM Secretary General Hon. Willet Karonga agreed to include the Abuja declaration's 15% target in the party's manifest. DPP Presidential advisor Hon. Chimwemwe Chipungu promised long-term solutions for Malawi's health system, acknowledging its deep gaps. MCP Spokesperson and Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwira, announced that the party's 2025-2030 manifesto aligns with CAAP priorities, committing to upgrade the 60-40 gender law to a 50-50 target and to reserve four cabinet seats for youth leaders.
CSOs emphasized the need for manifesto promises to be carried into implementation, focusing on health financing, representation, sustainability, and accountability. The dialogues secured broad commitments, including allocating 15% of the national budget to health and ending child marriage. CSOs also drew several lessons from the engagement, including the importance of timing, youth and women's voices, preparation, media amplification, broad framing, high-level attendance, and global frameworks.
The meeting, attended by senior political figures and CSOs, resulted in significant commitments towards improving maternal, newborn, and adolescent health in Malawi. Amref Health Africa Malawi and CAAP partners emerged as key players in health advocacy, successfully convening political leaders, CSOs, and the media. As the country heads towards elections, these promises signal a potential shift in health sector priorities.
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