MSF, Doctors Without Borders, MSF activities in Malawi

Malawi

In Malawi, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) runs a project to improve preventive and curative care for cervical cancer.

In Malawi, we run a comprehensive programme to screen, diagnose, and treat cervical cancer in Bamako, which accounts for 40 per cent of all cancers among women in Malawi. The country has one of the highest death rates for the disease in the world. We also support key medical services for sex workers, such as sexual reproductive healthcare, screening services, and HIV prevention in Dedza and Zalewa.

Our activities in 2025 in Malawi

Data and information from the International Activity Report 2025.

MSF IN MALAWI IN 2025 In Malawi, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) implements a comprehensive model of prevention and care for cervical cancer and supports two community-based organisations for people who engage in sex work.
MSF activities in Malawi

In Malawi’s second-largest city, Blantyre, and the surrounding district, we have worked closely with the health authorities to develop a comprehensive cervical cancer programme that comprises basic and advanced prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as palliative care. Patient-centred activities, such as mental health support, education sessions, physiotherapy, and social support, are also part of the programme. For the second consecutive year, we were able to refer patients to a private radiotherapy centre in Blantyre.

In 2025, MSF finalised the PAVE1 study, which was implemented in 10 health centres and a mobile clinic, where we supported cervical cancer screening and treatment. This study, which was developed in nine countries, aims to evaluate a screen–triage–treat strategy using self‑sampled HPV testing and AI-assisted visual evaluation to better detect and manage precancerous cervical lesions in resource-limited settings. In Dedza and Zalewa, we work alongside two community-based organisations run by people who engage in sex work and former MSF staff, providing sexual and reproductive health services. We offer screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer screening, contraceptives, mental health counselling, and HIV prophylaxis. In 2025, we participated in a research study on injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and subsequently improved the model of care for women who are receiving care from MSF and require HIV PrEP. They no longer need to take an oral drug every day; instead, they receive an injectable version every three months.

In 2025, MSF also provided emergency support to refugees from Mozambique in Nsanje by building latrines and showers, distributing hygiene kits, and running health promotion sessions. 

MSF medical activities in 2025

 
MSF, Doctors Without Borders, Funding cuts threaten Malaria, TB and HIV care
Access to Healthcare

MSF Warns of Consequences as Funding Cuts Threaten Fight Against AIDS, TB and Malaria

Press Release 22 Sep 2025
 
MSF, Doctors Without Borders, HIV Prevention
HIV/Aids

MSF Prepares to Launch an Innovative Long-Acting HIV Prevention Program in Several African Countries

Latest News 11 Nov 2024
 
MSF, Doctors Without Borders, Cervical Cancer project in Malawi
Cancer

Treatable Yet So Deadly, Cervical Cancer in Malawi

Fieldworkers Stories 7 Aug 2024
 
Sex Workers in Malawi: In this avenue of Dedza are the bars where women engaged in sex work come every night to look for clients.
Malawi

Sex Workers Take Charge of Their Health in Malawi

Patient and Staff Stories 17 Jul 2024
 
MSF_Fred_Minandi_MSB164734
HIV/Aids

MSF closes HIV/AIDS project after 25 years in Malawi

Latest News 3 Aug 2023
 
MSF, Doctors Without Borders, cholera outbreaks in Southern Africa
Cholera

If we can’t avoid people getting sick from cholera, we must at least avoid them dying from it

Latest News 22 Jun 2023