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, Cholera intervention in support to Ministry of Health
Cholera

MSF will reinforce its supports to the Ministry of Health to fight cholera in Malawi

Press Release 22 Nov 2022
 
MSF, Doctors without borders, sex workers in Beira
Mozambique

MSF condemns killing of Beira sex workers and calls for their safety

Press Release 21 Nov 2022
 
MSF, Doctors Without Borders, Malawi, Tropical, storm, Ana
Floods

How MSF responded to Tropical Storm Ana in Malawi

Latest News 4 Apr 2022
 
A tent is seen at Bangula camp where people displaced by Tropical Cyclone Ana are residing. MSF is providing WASH facilities at the camp.
Malawi

After flooding, displaced Malawians are living in dire conditions

Press Release 11 Feb 2022
 
MSF fieldworker at Nsanje, Malawi
Malawi

Former local doctor becomes one of MSF’s first black African medical directors

Patient and Staff Stories 15 Apr 2021
 
A picture of a woman holding an HIV self test
Access to Healthcare

Women at the centre of their health

Patient and Staff Stories 8 Mar 2021