In December 2024, the Malawi National Statistical Office (NSO) and ICF International released the 2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) Key Indicators Report, which highlighted the current situation in Malawi. This report is crucial as it connects to the significance of Seibo’s activities and future challenges.

Supported by various organizations such as the Malawi government, USAID, World Bank, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNHCR, and the Global Fund, the survey provided essential insights.

Key Survey Findings Relevant to Seibo’s Activities:
1. Nutrition Status:
The survey revealed that 38% of children under 5 are stunted, 2% are wasted, and 10% are underweight. These statistics underscore the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of Seibo’s meal support activities. Stunting, especially, indicates chronic malnutrition, necessitating sustained support.

2. Maternal and Child Health:
Antenatal Care:
About 96% of pregnant women received adequate prenatal care, indicating widespread prenatal check-ups. However, only 79% received iron supplements, highlighting gaps in full coverage. Additionally, 89% of mothers received adequate tetanus toxoid vaccinations, indicating room for improvement in vaccination rates.

Delivery Care:
Ninety-six percent of deliveries were assisted by skilled health personnel, indicating improved medical access. However, 97% of deliveries occurred in health facilities, suggesting risks still associated with home deliveries.

Neonatal and Infant Mortality:
The survey reported 24 deaths per 1,000 live births for neonates, 35 deaths for infants, and 48 deaths for children under 5, highlighting ongoing risks and the importance of proper medical care and hygiene.

Child Immunization:
Sixty-seven percent of 12-23-month-olds completed basic immunizations, with only 47% completing the national schedule, indicating ongoing efforts needed to improve vaccination rates.

Malaria:
Fifty-nine percent of households owned insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), but only 26% had one net per two people, falling short of targets. Enhancing ITN distribution, access to preventive medicines, and early treatment are crucial.

3. Family Planning:
Sixty-eight percent of married women use contraception, with 66% using modern methods. However, 13% of women still have unmet family planning needs, highlighting the need for awareness and access improvements.

4. HIV:
Forty percent of young people aged 15-24 (women) and 39% (men) have sufficient knowledge about HIV prevention, underscoring the need for enhanced sex education and awareness campaigns.

Seibo’s Activities and Future Challenges: While the MDHS survey validates Seibo’s contribution to improving nutrition and health issues in Malawi, significant challenges remain:

-Developing and implementing more sustainable and effective meal support programs to eradicate malnutrition.
-Supporting awareness campaigns and improving access to increase vaccination rates.
-Strengthening efforts in ITN distribution for malaria prevention, enhancing access to preventive medicines and early treatment.
-Promoting family planning awareness and improving access to contraceptives.
-Enhancing sex education and awareness campaigns for HIV prevention.

Looking Ahead:
The MDHS findings reaffirm Seibo’s importance while outlining future challenges towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Seibo must collaborate with relevant organizations to contribute to improving child health and nutrition in Malawi effectively.