Nearly 20 children are currently living in Malawi’s prisons after being admitted alongside their incarcerated mothers, highlighting ongoing welfare and policy challenges within the prison system.
The children, described by prison authorities as circumstantial inmates, remain in custody solely because their mothers are either convicted prisoners or on remand, with no alternative care arrangements available outside prison.
Malawi Prison Service public relations officer Steve Meke said women prisoners, including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, are admitted to facilities that are close to medical centres capable of providing pregnancy-related and maternal health services.
“Yes, pregnant women are admitted to prisons that are close to medical facilities with the capacity to provide pregnancy-related services,” said Meke, noting that such placements are intended to safeguard both maternal and child health.
While the exact number of pregnant inmates could not be immediately confirmed, prison records indicate that nearly 250 women-both convicted prisoners and remandees-are currently under the care of the Malawi Prison Service.
According to the prison authorities, breastfeeding mothers are only allowed to stay with their children after assessments and recommendations from the Social Welfare Department and other professional bodies to ensure the best interests of the child are protected.
Despite resource constraints, the Malawi Prison Service says it continues to provide basic and necessary care to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the children living with them in custody.
