As critical U.S. donor funding remains frozen, the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), a U.S.-based non-profit, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Malawi’s health system by investing in the country’s nursing and midwifery workforce.

Speaking at a scholarship inauguration ceremony in Lilongwe today for 16 new nursing scholars, GAIA’s Programs Manager, Nelson Khozomba, has pledged continued support despite financial headwinds from the United States.

“Even in the face of global funding uncertainties, our commitment to Malawi remains firm,” said Khozomba. “This investment -valued at approximately 200 million kwacha -is aimed at training, deploying, and retaining nurses in rural and underserved communities where the need is greatest.”

The event, attended by government officials and academic leaders, was hailed as a vital step in addressing Malawi’s severe shortage of healthcare workers.

Felix Matemba, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged GAIA’s longstanding contribution to the country’s health sector.

“The government alone cannot meet the health workforce demands we face,” Matemba said. “Every GAIA-trained nurse becomes a lifeline for families in remote areas where access to care is limited. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”

Since launching its scholarship program in 2005, GAIA has supported hundreds of nursing students through tuition, mentorship, and placement initiatives.

Dr. Belinda Gombachika, Associate Professor and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), also praised the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for healthcare transformation.

“This program is not just about scholarships -it’s about building a resilient, responsive health workforce,” said Gombachika. “It empowers students and strengthens our national capacity to deliver quality care.”

Collins Chiwawa, KUHeS scholarship officer, highlighted the importance of sustained support, noting that GAIA’s model of targeted investment has proven effective in rural health outcomes.

Among the recipients was Diana Soko, who expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity.

“This scholarship is life -changing,” said Soko. “It means I can pursue my dream of serving my community and making a real difference where it matters most.”

As Malawi continues to battle healthcare worker shortages, especially in rural districts, organizations like GAIA play an increasingly vital role in plugging critical gaps.

“Our focus has always been on equity and access,” Khozomba added. “That starts with empowering nurses -because when you strengthen the frontline, you strengthen the entire health system.”