Health sector experts are urging Malawi’s Ministry of Finance to increase funding for healthcare in the upcoming 2026/27 national budget, citing the urgent need to enhance service delivery and efficiency.
Maziko Matemba, a leading health analyst, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ pre-budget meeting on Friday.
Matemba highlighted that Malawi’s health system faces persistent challenges due to fragmented financing, inefficiencies in spending, and limited resources.
“We are anticipating that the Ministry of Finance will consider increasing allocations for the health sector,” he said, noting that broader social sector needs and deficit management are central to budget planning.
The analyst pointed to the potential role of the Constituency Development Fund, still under discussion, as a channel to support health, education, and other essential services.
He also cited a recent agreement with the U.S. government, which could provide conditional financing for health over the next five years.
Beyond funding, Matemba emphasized the need for structural reforms to ensure that resources are used efficiently.
He proposed a centralized National Health Fund to consolidate financing, streamline planning, and better protect vulnerable populations.
He also raised concerns about equity, suggesting that individuals with private insurance using public facilities should contribute fairly to public health financing.
Matemba further called for reforms to improve grant absorption and reduce inefficiencies in existing programs, arguing that coordinated planning and strengthened civil society engagement could significantly enhance sector outcomes.
His recommendations come amid broader fiscal pressures facing Malawi.
Finance Minister Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha outlined challenges including high public debt, sluggish revenue growth, and chronic deficits, all of which place constraints on the national budget.
He said that careful prioritization will be essential in the upcoming budget.Despite these challenges, Matemba remains cautiously optimistic.
With increased allocations, better planning, and targeted reforms, he believes the health sector can achieve substantial improvements, ensuring better access and services for Malawi’s most vulnerable communities.
