Across Malawi, millions continue to grapple with poverty and hunger, with children bearing the brunt of severe malnutrition.

Harsh weather conditions — particularly prolonged dry spells — have deepened the crisis, leaving vulnerable communities in despair.

Earlier this year, approximately 5.7 million Malawians were affected by acute food shortages, driven by the 2024 El Niño-induced drought, economic instability, and systemic challenges in the agriculture sector.

The crisis has led to a surge in malnutrition cases, especially among children, as witnessed during visits to Chikwawa, Balaka, and Zomba districts.

According to Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha, the government requires about K387 billion to feed over four million people between now and early next year.

A Mother’s Struggle in Chikwawa

Dina Kampira, 37, from Biasi Village in the Lundu area of Chikwawa, is a single mother of three. Her youngest child, just one year old, was recently discharged from Chikwawa District Hospital after being treated for malnutrition. But the child’s condition remains fragile.

“I returned to Bereu Health Centre hoping to get nutritious food and medical care,” Kampira says. “We didn’t harvest anything because of the dry spells. I have no food, and my baby is suffering.”

Kampira, who also lives with epilepsy, relies on her elderly mother for support. She recounts how floods from the Mwanza River and recurring droughts have devastated their crops year after year.

El Niño’s Toll, Hope, Healing

In Likaka Village under Mwambo area, Lucy Anafi shares a similar story. Her baby girl recently recovered from malnutrition after receiving treatment at Matawale Health Centre.

“My child had frequent diarrhea and lost weight — from 12 to 10 kilograms,” Anafi explains. “UNICEF officials and health workers taught me how to prepare nutritious meals using local ingredients. I’m grateful my child is now healthy.”

Steve Kamtimaleka, Senior Humanitarian Manager at Save the Children, says the ECHO project, funded by the European Union, was designed to address acute food insecurity and malnutrition in eight districts across southern Malawi.

Led by Care Malawi, the consortium targets over 15,000 families (65,658 individuals), focusing on vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating mothers and malnourished children.

Balaka’s Principal Officer for Nutrition, HIV, and AIDS, Madalitso Mwenemurupa, notes that ECHO’s interventions have helped mitigate rising malnutrition, which increased from 32.6% to 33.7%. She urges more partners to support affected households.

Eric Milanzie, Balaka’s Disaster Risk Manager, adds that persistent dry spells continue to fuel food insecurity in the district.

The Malawi Red Cross Society is also active, implementing disaster prevention programs, constructing homes for vulnerable families, and rolling out social protection initiatives.

According to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), over 51,000 families were affected by dry spells. ECHO’s social protection efforts have helped fill critical gaps in food access and nutrition.

Rising Poverty and Economic Strain: A Call to Action

The World Bank reports that Malawi’s poverty rate surged to 75.4% in June 2025, following the revision of the international poverty line for low-income countries to $3 per person per day. This shift has pushed an estimated 417,000 additional Malawians below the poverty line.

The spike is attributed to worsening economic conditions, including foreign exchange shortages, high inflation, and continued food insecurity stemming from last year’s drought.

As hunger deepens and malnutrition rises, Malawi stands at a crossroads — one where timely action could mean the difference between survival and suffering for millions.

While the challenges are immense, the resilience of Malawi’s communities and the support of humanitarian partners offer a path toward recovery and renewed hope.

The stories of Dina, Lucy, and Tamala are not isolated — they are a call to act swiftly, compassionately, and collectively to ensure no child goes to bed hungry.