Malawi — humanitarian situation

Malawi faces mounting food insecurity driven by high food prices and macroeconomic instability, with 1.9 million people experiencing crisis levels of acute food insecurity during the current April to September 2026 period IPC. As the country approaches the October to March lean season, when household food stocks typically run low, vulnerabilities are expected to intensify, particularly in southern and central districts where households are already unable to meet livelihood needs FEWS NET. Most areas currently show minimal or stressed food security outcomes during the post-harvest period, though conditions are projected to deteriorate as families exhaust their own-produced stocks and become increasingly market-reliant FEWS NET. In response, Japan has provided USD 1.9 million to WFP to support 170,000 food-insecure people through the lean season WFP. The country is managing multiple humanitarian challenges beyond food security. Nsanje District is experiencing a worsening measles outbreak with 188 suspected cases and 76 laboratory-confirmed cases as of 17 July 2026, primarily affecting children under 15 years, driven by low immunization coverage and cross-border population movements along the Malawi-Mozambique border (IFRC, Malawi Red Cross Society). Additionally, over 38,000 Malawian returnees from South Africa are increasing humanitarian needs following attacks on foreign nationals in that country WFP. The country also hosts over 63,000 refugees and asylum seekers who depend on WFP assistance WFP. Critical funding gaps threaten response continuity. Without additional resources, both refugee assistance and school feeding programmes face potential disruption from September 2026 onwards, which would affect the 63,000 refugees and asylum seekers as well as nearly 594,000 school learners currently receiving support WFP. WFP is supporting government-led preparedness and anticipatory action as global forecasts indicate strengthening El Niño conditions that could further compromise food security and livelihoods WFP. The situation is compounded by climate-related risks, with Malawi facing escalating climate disasters, particularly floods, which require enhanced disaster preparedness beyond emergency response (Concern).