Malawi: A Path Forward

The abrupt defunding of USAID in 2025 caused global shockwaves. The cuts thrust recipient countries who were dependent on foreign aid for medical care into health crises. One area that has been particularly hard hit is Malawi, a country in southeastern Africa where doctors and community organizers are struggling to fill the gaps in essential services left in the wake of the USAID cuts. The loss of local outreach clinics and lack of fuel for ambulances has caused severe delays—and sometimes tragic outcomes—in providing care to mothers and children. A year out from the cuts, we look at how Malawi is rethinking its relationship to foreign aid as it considers how to continue providing vital health services. 

In the first of a series supported by the nonprofit Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with Science Magazine, we provide an on-the-ground look at the impact of USAID defunding on health services in key spots across the globe.  

Guests:  

Catherine Offord– journalist, Science Magazine. Her article, “An Uncertain Path,” appeared in the July 16 issue of the magazine  

Voices heard in the show:  

Fanizo Simenti – community health worker at Katenje Health Post, Kasungu district  

Emily Mvula – former recipient of services provided by USAID MOMENTUM  

Issah Omar Nicks – nursing officer overseeing the maternity ward at the Makiyoni Health Center, Salima District  

Aran Nkhata – medical clinician in charge of Makiyoni Health Center, Salima District  

Flywell Elenesto – cold chain technician for Salima District, Malawi  

Sungeni Thole – nurse midwife technician at Makiyoni Health Center, Salima District  

Anthony Masamba – MP and chair of The Parliamentary Committee on Health  

Show theme by Jun Miyake. Episode image by Thoko Chikondi. 

You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! 

Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact [email protected] to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices