By Patience Longwe
The Parliamentary Committee on Health has raised concern over the health sector’s heavy reliance on donor funding, with 47 percent of the budget coming from external sources.
Presenting the committee’s findings in the House, Chairperson of the Health Committee, Anthony Masamba, said although the sector’s budget has increased by 24 percent to K783 billion, it remains below the Abuja Declaration target of allocating at least 15 percent of the national budget to health.
“Donor withdrawal has worsened the situation, and Malawi must begin living within its means and make difficult decisions to sustain Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services,” he said.
Masamba outlined several key areas of concern, including cancer services as the country requires K80 billion for cancer centre development, but only K15.9 billion has been allocated for the 2026/2027 financial year.
On Teenage pregnancies, he said the adolescent birth rate stands at 32 percent, with rural areas being the most affected.
On Nutrition he said an estimated K3.9 trillion is needed over five years, yet funding allocations remain inadequate.
Masamba said on family planning, despite a contraceptive prevalence rate of 69 percent, teenage pregnancies continue to rise.
He emphasised the urgent need to increase domestic financing and implement sustainable measures to safeguard critical health services.
