The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is investing an additional MK 2.9 billion ($3.5 million) to deploy COVID-19 vaccines in 16 districts around the country and strengthen the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) ongoing COVID-19 response. The new assistance brings the United States’ overall COVID-19 assistance in Malawi to MW20.5 billion ($25 million), which has been advancing the Government of Malawi’s National COVID strategy to inform, protect, and provide care for its citizens since the beginning of the pandemic.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Malawi and the world, USAID is committed to supporting the Government of Malawi’s efforts to provide essential health services, roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, and bring COVID-19 under control,” said USAID Mission Director Catie Lott.
With the new donation, USAID is supporting local health care workers to deliver vaccines to citizens, including those in remote areas. USAID is also partnering with the MOH, district health officials, and traditional leaders to educate citizens on the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, USAID will reinforce the necessary systems to receive, store, and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine and related supplies.
USAID’s investments are advancing the Ministry of Health’s initiatives to offer COVID-19-related education and care for its citizens. Specifically, USAID is teaming up with Malawi’s faith community in 12 districts to boost Malawians’ knowledge about COVID-19 and other issues that have become more prevalent during the pandemic, such as gender-based violence and mental health. USAID partners are also helping medical practitioners to provide lifesaving oxygen, including equipment, commodities, and training on emergency oxygen provision.
In partnership with the global community, USAID is accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines in Malawi and around the world. The U.S. is the single largest donor to COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access initiative, which is supplying vaccines to the Malawian population.