As Malawi observed World Nutrition Day, the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) urged the government and private sector to increase investments to fight rising malnutrition. According to AfricaBrief, MHEN stressed that food insecurity caused by climate shocks, high food prices, and poverty restricts dietary diversity for vulnerable households. The health network warned that the crisis is heavily affecting women, children, and the elderly, leading to stunting, weakened immunity, and poor learning outcomes across the country.
During World Menstrual Hygiene Day events, officials called for an end to cultural taboos and economic barriers surrounding women's health. According to AfricaBrief, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation joined civil society groups in pointing out the daily challenges women and girls face. MHEN noted that the high cost of sanitary products and poor water infrastructure frequently cause school absenteeism and psychological distress among adolescent girls.
Meanwhile, a new report from Drug Fight Malawi indicated that the country records over 5,000 deaths annually from smoking-related illnesses. According to EnviroNews, executive director Nelson Zakeyo stated that despite Malawi ratifying the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the government has adopted few policies to reduce harm from smoking. Zakeyo reported that tobacco-related illnesses cost the national economy approximately K55 billion each year, while secondhand smoke continues to pose severe risks to non-smokers.