Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world and more than half of the population live below the poverty line. Poverty, as it materializes with malnutrition and crowded living, is a risk factor for tuberculosis. Today, about 25 000 people get tuberculosis every year in Malawi, and almost half of them are living with HIV.

Strong community systems are important to complement underfunded health systems, and our local partners in Malawi, Paradiso, plays a key role in all aspects of tuberculosis. Through this project they help to find more people with tuberculosis by screening and raising awareness about tuberculosis at community level, often sharing their own stories as tuberculosis survivors. This is important to reduce stigma and clarify myths and fears about tuberculosis, and around 1/3 of the country’s tuberculosis notifications are from these districts.

The project provides food support to all persons on treatment for drug resistant tuberculosis in the 9 districts, and other people on treatment are followed up closely so that they are able to complete the tuberculosis treatment. Advocacy for the rights of people with tuberculosis in Malawi, is also a key part of the project, and in 2023 they worked with the Malawian first lady, Mrs. Monica Chakwera who then became a tuberculosis champion.

Building on an earlier project where we demonstrated the great effects of lung rehabilitation for people with post- tuberculosis lung disease in Malawi, and the inclusion of this in the national strategic plan, the project continues to follow up with advocacy to ensure government commitment and implementation.This project is funded by Norad and part of the program: Reducing the burden of tuberculosis in Malawi, Tanzania, Sudan and Zambia (2021-2025)