Malawi launches health emergency preparedness and response program

Malawi’s Ministry of Health has launched a landmark $60 million Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program. The five-year initiative aims to strengthen Malawi’s ability to respond to public health threats and climate-related diseases. Speaking at the launch event in Lilongwe, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the new program arrives at a pivotal moment in the country’s history, as Malawi redefines its emergency response in the face of increasingly health crises and the growing impact of climate change. Chiponda acknowledged that critical gaps remain in emergency preparedness, especially in transport and diagnostics, real-time surveillance systems, and effective risk communication. She also stressed the need to address gender disparities in the national health sector, which weaken emergency response capabilities.
During the launch event, World Bank Regional Practice Director Daniel Dulitzky reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to improve health services in Malawi. He added that the new program is aimed to enhance health systems and provide access to innovative technologies that can boost healthcare across the country.
The Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program is multi-sectoral and integrates climate-smart and gender-responsive strategies to build a more resilient approach to future health emergencies. It is funded by the World Bank and implemented by Malawi health authorities.