CARE International’s history in Malawi
CARE began working in Malawi in 1998 to help communities facing poverty, hunger, and major health risks. Our early efforts focused on reducing HIV infections and maternal mortality, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
Over time, CARE Malawi’s expanded its work to address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability.
Today, CARE works with partners to strengthen systems, support locally led solutions, and help communities adapt to climate impacts. We also help improve food security and deliver urgent aid during crises.
CARE and partners’ work in Malawi today
Malawi faces persistent development challenges, including widespread poverty, food insecurity, climate change impacts, and limited access to education and health services. Women and girls are disproportionately affected.
CARE and our partners work with communities across Malawi to address urgent needs while supporting long-term stability and opportunity, with a strong focus on women and girls. Our work includes:
Food and water
We work with farming communities to strengthen food security and support sustainable agriculture.
Climate
CARE helps communities adapt to climate change impacts that affect crops, livelihoods, and rural economies.
Health
We support health programs that improve access to services and reduce risks for women, children, and families.
Gender equality
CARE works to address violence against women and girls, strengthen women’s leadership, and promote equal participation in decision-making.
Crisis response
CARE delivers humanitarian aid during emergencies and works with local partners to help communities better prepare and recover from crises.
A key part of this work is the Humanitarian Partnership Platform (HPP), a locally led coordination and response group that brings together national and community-based organizations. The platform strengthens local leadership and supports women’s participation in humanitarian response.
Members of the HPP include CARE Malawi, Girls Empowerment Network (GENET), Women’s Legal Resources Center (WOLREC), Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD), Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM), Eagles Relief, Njira Impact, Synod of Livingstonia Development Department (SOLDEV), Emmanuel International, Circle for Integrated Community Development (CICCOD), and Find Your Feet.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are central to CARE Malawi’s work.
Despite national policies that promote gender equality, women in Malawi continue to face high levels of violence, limited economic opportunities, and low representation in leadership and decision-making.
CARE works with government institutions, civil society organizations, and women-led groups to strengthen women’s leadership and participation.
Women-led and women-focused organizations also play a key role in our work, including through the Humanitarian Partnership Platform.
For recent updates on CARE Malawi’s work, see here.
