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, Malawi, Chikwawa District,
Malawi

Human papillomavirus vaccination campaign reaches thousands of young girls in Chikwawa District

Press Release 31 May 2023
 
MSF, Doctors Without Borders' response to flooding Malawi
Cyclone

Malawi: providing urgent medical assistance after cyclone Freddy hits southern region

Press Release 14 Mar 2023
 
Deborah, MSF Nurse Mentor, is conducting a physical examination for Esther, an advanced HIV patient.
HIV/Aids

Capitalization Report: Implementation of the ‘circle of care’ in rural Nsanje district, Malawi

Report 21 Feb 2023
 
MSF teams offer home-based palliative care

Malawi: Managing cervical cancer in a country with limited treatment options

Latest News 3 Feb 2023
 
MSF conducting a health promotion session and vaccination in Blantyre District
Cholera

MSF responds to the worst cholera outbreak in Malawi

Latest News 1 Feb 2023
 
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) supporting the Ministry of Health Migowi Public School.
Vaccination

Targeted vaccination campaign against human papillomavirus (HPV) for young girls of Phalombe district

Press Release 24 Jan 2023