Malawi

With a young population and persistently high fertility, Malawi’s population has grown rapidly. Although maternal mortality has declined, it remains high. HIV rates are high as well – one factor in the short life expectancy in the country. Since 1979, UNFPA has been working with Malawi to improve reproductive health, to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, and to offer assistance in the wake of disasters such as Tropical Cyclone Freddy. It is also working with the government to incorporate population dynamics in development planning.