Malawi’s Ministry of Health recently launched the country’s FP2030 commitment and costed implementation plan, which together seek to increase the modern contraceptive rate in the country from 48% to 60% by 2030.

“The FP2030 East and Southern Africa Hub is looking forward to working even more closely with the Government of Malawi and the civil society and youth focal points to accelerate the use of family planning,” said Dr Sheila Macharia, the FP2030 East Southern Africa Hub Managing Director.

Dr. Macharia also said FP2030 is excited to work with Malawi and other governments in the East and Southern Africa regions to advance the recognition of family planning as central to the agenda for sustainable development.

Honorable Khumbize Kandondo Chiponda, the Minister of Health, noted that family planning is one of the most cost-effective health services and a major contributor toward the improvement of women’s and girls’ empowerment in Malawi.

Malawi’s Family Planning Technical Working Group and the Ministry of Health, Reproductive Health Directorate (RHD) requested the costed implementation plan for Malawi’s family planning commitment.

As part of the CIP development process for the FP CIP, USAID in Malawi and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supported the RHD to conduct a comprehensive situational analysis, including a desk review and consultations; identification of strategic priorities; and strong stakeholder input.

FP2030 East and Southern Africa Hub, USAID Mission in Malawi, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supported the Ministry of Health throughout a protracted planning process.

The plan addresses six thematic areas that are essential for effective implementation of family planning activities: demand generation; service delivery and access; contraceptive security; financing; policy and advocacy; stewardship and governance; and supervision, monitoring, and coordination. Strategic priorities were also identified to ensure that current family planning gaps were addressed, including providing family planning information and access to services for specific groups including youth, rural populations, and the urban poor.