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

 
A picture of health workers preparing health promotion items in South Africa
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

MSF: Urgent need for vaccines throughout the region as new COVID-19 strain ravages Southern Africa

Press Release 3 Feb 2021
 
MSF staff making a field hospital to handle the increased number of COVID-19 patients
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

The "second wave" of COVID-19 is overwhelming Malawi

Patient and Staff Stories 28 Jan 2021
 
Cervical cancer for women in Africa

Cancer—a scourge for women in Africa

Latest News 15 Oct 2020
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

AIDS has not disappeared: the reality of Advanced HIV disease in Nsanje, Malawi

Patient and Staff Stories 16 Jul 2020
 
HIV/Aids

Empowering patients to reach an HIV-free Malawi

Latest News 29 Nov 2019
 
Cholera

Mapping the needs: new technologies play an essential role in the humanitarian emergency response

Latest News 1 Apr 2019