Malawi

Date Started:

2008

Geolocations

New Clients Enrolled (2023):

123,133

Peer Mentors (2023):

Country Director:

Dr. Bridget Malewezi

Data sourced from the m2m 2023 Annual Programme Review

Geolocations refers to both health facility and community locations

Our work in Malawi

mothers2mothers (m2m) has been operational in Malawi since 2008, addressing the health needs of women, children, and families. Initially focused on preventing vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of HIV, we have steadily evolved our service range. Today, in close partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), our integrated health services encompass HIV prevention, care, and treatment; reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH); early childhood development (ECD); and specialised services for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).

Our proven, peer-led model employs local women living with HIV as Mentor Mothers and Peer Mentors who are trained, employed, and supported as professional community health workers. Initially stationed at health facilities, we introduced door-to-door community work in 2013, a successful innovation now standard in all m2m operating countries.

m2m Malawi has pioneered the integration of nutrition and ECD into broader RMNCH initiatives, aligned with the global Nurturing Care Framework. Today, the families we serve now benefit from integrated ECD services, including nutrition guidance and milestone assessment.

In line with m2m’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, we are expanding our services to meet the growing health needs of our clients. This includes incorporating essential immunisation services for children under five, and collaborating with government-employed Health Surveillance Assistants to ensure access to crucial vaccines such as HPV, malaria, cholera, and others, and actively participating in cervical and breast cancer awareness and screening with support from the Sondra Smalley Women’s Cancer Fund.

Given Malawi’s youthful population, prioritising the health needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is crucial. Our comprehensive services for AGYW aim to enhance sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health, fostering demand for health services, connecting adolescents to Youth Friendly Health Services, and referring those in need ton one-stop centres. These services are delivered by Adolescent Peer Mentors who can better relate to the age group they serve.

Drawing on our 15+ years of experience, we are actively collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Population providing policy advice, sharing data and insights, and working toward the overarching goal of achieving health for all.

Our Impact in Malawi

Success Story

At 15, Jessie discovered she had contracted HIV at birth. She remained undiagnosed until she took an HIV test with friends.

Despite learning the truth, it took her three years to come to terms with her condition. Fortunately, with her family’s support, Jessie received successful treatment, regained her health, and pursued her dream of attending college.

Inspired by Mentor Mothers who support young women in their community, Jessie aspired to join m2m. Today, she works as an Adolescent Peer Mentor, focusing on adolescent health and sexual and reproductive health. As a young woman living with HIV, she uses her story and experiences to connect with others struggling to accept their status and begin treatment. Jessie also encourages girls to get vaccinated for HPV to prevent cervical cancer.