‘Possible rise in maternal deaths’: How USAID cuts strand Malawi’s mothers

Al JazeeraCenterEN 9 min read 100% complete by Imran-Ullah KhanDecember 10, 2025 at 09:44 AM

AI Summary

long article 9 min

A reduction in USAID funding, initiated in February by the Trump administration, is negatively impacting maternal healthcare in Malawi. Remote health posts, vital for providing basic healthcare, antenatal care, and family planning in communities like Mulanje, are facing closure or reduced services. As a result, women are struggling to access necessary medical care, forcing the country’s health system to withdraw critical services, placing further stress on hospitals, and leaving thousands of women and children without needed care. The closures and reduced services are attributed to the funding cuts, which have already led to the shuttering of 20 health posts nationwide. Medical staff and communities express concern about a potential rise in maternal deaths due to the disruption of essential healthcare services.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States ×260% Malawi ×470% USAID ×280%

Keywords

maternal deaths 90% usaid cuts 80% malawi 80% maternal care 70% health posts 70% funding cuts 60% remote communities 50% healthcare 50% medical supplies 40%