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Photo: VSO/Susan Hackett
 Malawi Health Crisis
Today in Malawi there are fewer than 2,200 nurses working in all of the country's public hospitals. They are doing what they can but can't possibly serve a population of 12 million. The health infrastructure is in turmoil. 1 in 10 of the adult population is HIV positive and 150,000 people are in urgent need of anti-retroviral treatment. In Africa as a whole 30,000 children die from preventable diseases every day.

Even without the impact of HIV and AIDS, Malawi has suffered consecutive years of severe drought and floods. The population has been severely affected by Malaria, TB and Malnutrition. HIV and AIDS has exacerbated the situation and is claiming the lives of those relied upon to provide treatment and care.

There's an urgent need for the skills of nurses and doctors to assist now. We need to assist with improving basic health services for the Malawian people. At the same time we'll work with both the Malawian and UK Government on the broader issue of terms, pay and conditions for Malawian health workers and the recruitment of these staff by other countries, including the UK.

The solutions to the crisis are in the long term and need to be sustainable but your skills can make the vital difference today.
A VSO health volunteer
What would your role in Malawi be? »