Developing Partnerships; Supporting Healthcare Delivery in Malawi
Challenges and potential in healthcare delivery
Malawi is a low-income country, characterised by a heavy burden of disease, evidenced by a life expectancy of around 62 years.
In addition to a continuing high prevalence of infectious diseases, there is a growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). It is estimated that 5.6% of adults have diabetes and 33% have hypertension - the majority unrecognised and untreated. The Malawi Ministry of Health priorities now include the growing challenge of NCDs and highlight the need to manage these through community healthcare services accessible to the whole population.
The ability to meet these health challenges is compounded by the striking lack of healthcare staff resource at all levels. For example, there are fewer than two doctors per 100,000 population in Malawi, compared to the UK with 320 doctors per 100,000 population. This highlights the need to develop a trained and supported healthcare workforce within the country.
Scotland has a close and longstanding relationship with Malawi and RCPE is a member of the Scotland Malawi Partnership. In recent years, the College has developed links with healthcare institutes in Malawi, including a scoping visit by Dr Albert McNeill, Tutor for Overseas Development.
Non-Communicable Disease Management in rural Malawi
Following Dr McNeill’s visit a pilot hypertension screening service was developed in three rural centres associated with Nkhoma Hospital. This initial service was funded by the College and developed by Nkhoma Hospital doctors who trained and supervised the health centre staff to allow local ownership and sustainability. Over 2000 members of the public were screened, of whom more than 200 were started on antihypertensive therapy.
Since then, another grant from RCPE has enabled a further training workshop in 2025 delivered by trainers from the Ministry of Health. This work has expanded the pilot to 9 health centres and include diabetes monitoring.
For further information about RCPE partnerships within Malawi please visit our main Partnerships & Volunteering page or contact Ellie Barnes.