Malawi healthcare strained after US aid cuts

Providers report that US foreign aid cuts in January 2025 have led to major reductions in HIV services in Malawi, with clinic closures, staff layoffs and reduced access to prevention and treatment.

Malawi's health services have been strained since major US foreign aid was cut in January 2025. Providers and aid groups report that specialised HIV programmes, mobile clinics and drop-in centres reduced operations or closed. Staff layoffs and rapid funding withdrawal are cited as the main causes. Community members and service providers describe rising gaps in care and increased barriers for vulnerable people. Key reported effects: - US funding cuts in January 2025 removed a large share of HIV treatment support, previously covering about 60% of the programme budget. - Clinics and NGOs report layoffs, closure of some drop-in centres, and mobile clinics being grounded. - A CEDEP report says PrEP default rates reached about 80% in districts such as Blantyre. - The Family Planning Association of Malawi suspended mobile services, and local reports link this to a rise in unplanned pregnancies in some villages. - Service providers report increased stigma and that some patients stopped seeking care after specialised support ended. Summary: Officials and providers say the rapid withdrawal of US aid has produced substantial reductions in HIV prevention and treatment services, staff losses, and the suspension of some family-planning outreach. As a result, reported PrEP defaults and local rises in unplanned pregnancies have created new gaps in care. Undetermined at this time.