About the Situation
By the Numbers
More than 15,879,200 people live in Malawi
53% of the people in Malawi live below the poverty line
46%% of children under the age of 5 are chronically malnourished
(Sources: U.N. and U.S. government)
Malawi, according to the United Nations, is one of the world’s least developed countries and also one of the most populous. The UN also reports that Malawi’s rates of population growth, fertility and mortality for mothers and children are among the highest in Africa.
A rapidly-growing population suffocates Malawi’s already-strained living conditions. More than 25% of Malawi’s residents do not have access to safe drinking water or sufficient sanitation facilities, adds the UN.
Gender inequality has also stifled progress in Malawi communities as many women and girls are not given adequate opportunities to pursue education, to maintain economic stability or to have representation in the political sphere.
How Islamic Relief is Helping
Islamic ReliefTM established an office in Malawi in 2006, following an official presidential request for international humanitarian support. Malawi is one of several African countries supported by IR’s Africa Food Crisis campaign.
Islamic Relief continues to support development projects in Malawi, focused primarily on water and sanitation programs that will alleviate suffering, especially during droughts. Islamic Relief USATM supports Ramadan food distribution and Udhiyah/Qurbani campaigns in the region.
