Malawi — humanitarian situation

Malawi faces intersecting challenges from climate-related disasters, disease outbreaks, and persistent food insecurity driven by macroeconomic instability and high food prices. Between April and September 2026, an estimated 1.9 million people—10 percent of the analyzed population—are experiencing crisis levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3), with no populations in Emergency phase IPC. Crisis outcomes are expected to intensify in southern and parts of central Malawi from October 2026 through January 2027 as household food stocks decline and families enter the lean season, when they struggle to meet daily food needs. High food prices and macroeconomic instability continue to drive acute food insecurity across both urban and rural populations in 28 districts and four cities IPC. Japan has committed JPY 300 million (USD 1.9 million) to support WFP in providing critical food assistance to 170,000 food-insecure people during the October to March lean season WFP. The health sector confronts a measles outbreak that has escalated since early 2026, with the Ministry of Health reporting 73 measles alerts through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system during Epidemiological Week 27 in late June and early July 2026 IFRC. The outbreak follows months of sustained transmission and has developed into localized outbreaks in several districts. Concurrently, polio vaccination campaigns face operational challenges as children attending traditional initiation camps during school closures require targeted outreach to ensure coverage WHO. The Emergency Committee on poliovirus under the International Health Regulations convened in May 2026 to review epidemiological data on wild poliovirus type 1 and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses affecting multiple countries WHO. Disaster risk management remains critical as Nsanje District and lakeshore areas experience recurrent severe flooding and cyclones. The Malawi Red Cross Society activated its simplified Early Action Protocol in January 2026 following forecasts from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, prioritizing Salima District for early actions IFRC. Concern Worldwide has worked with the Department of Housing to increase community awareness on flood-resilient infrastructure and train local artisanal builders in safer construction techniques in Nsanje District (Concern). Despite the progressive Disaster Risk Management Act 2023 and establishment of a national DRM Trust Fund, implementation gaps persist, with funding prioritizing emergency response over preparedness and district councils remaining under-resourced (Concern).