HIV/AIDS, Maternal and Child Health
How U.S. Support Helped Faith Leaders Transform Health in Malawi
The Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) is a Christian umbrella organization representing over 80 denominations—including Protestants, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and Prophetic ministries—and 60 Christian organizations across the country. Established in 1960, EAM is the largest faith-based network in Malawi, with about 60 percent of the faith community connected to its member churches.
From 2016 to 2024, EAM received support from the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. With this funding, faith leaders were mobilized to help fight HIV, promote healthy pregnancies, and save lives.
Top Photo: Children in a Faith Keeping Children in School Program. Credit: EAM
Reaching People Through Faith
In a country where 97 percent of the population identifies with a religion, faith leaders have unmatched reach and trust in their communities. EAM and its network of churches and mosques played a pivotal role in delivering health services and messages in ways that were culturally and spiritually meaningful.
A team of Religious Leaders during a training on family planning and healthy pregnancies.
Fighting HIV Through Local Faith Leaders
With U.S. support, EAM trained pastors and lay leaders to:
- Promote HIV testing and treatment through congregations
- Distribute self-testing kits
- Offer peer support via “Expert Clients”—people living with HIV who encourage others to stay on treatment
- Partner with church groups to share messages about prevention through songs, poems, stories, and sporting events
These efforts reached people where they already gathered: in churches, mosques, and community events.
Helping Families Plan for Healthier Futures
The project also empowered communities with information and services related to healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies, which is vital for reducing maternal and infant deaths.
- Religious leaders, marriage counselors, and youth mentors were trained using faith-based educational materials
- Messages were delivered in a respectful and trusted context, helping families make informed decisions
- Services were brought to remote communities through outreach clinics and trained volunteers
Muslim women trained as marriage counselors and youth mentors disseminate health messages after worship.
The Scale of Impact
The project was implemented across 11 districts and 148 health facility service areas, in partnership with 2,516 church congregations and 326 Muslim mosques.
With just 18 full-time staff and a vast volunteer network, EAM trained:
- 2,016 faith leaders
- 4,220 faith-based marriage counselors and youth mentors
- 6,380 youth peer educators
Together, they reached 1.9 million people of reproductive age.
These faith leaders acted as a bridge between their communities and government health services, helping to manage and report project outcomes while ensuring that the messages aligned with cultural and spiritual values.
The Work Isn’t Done — But It’s at Risk
Malawi has made progress, but the challenges remain significant. In Malawi:
- 42 percent of girls are married before age 18
- 1 in 3 girls has a child before age 19
- 1 in every 262 mothers dies from pregnancy-related causes, compared to 1 in 508 globally
Despite these sobering numbers, maternal deaths in Malawi have been cut in half over the past two decades, thanks in part to local faith-based efforts supported by U.S. assistance.
But now, those gains are in jeopardy.
Teenage pregnancies reduce after a time of faith community leadership in disseminating sexual and reproductive health messages to youth.
The Cost of Funding Cuts
Due to the end of U.S. funding, all project staff positions were lost. Outreach programs that once brought life-saving services to remote areas have shut down.
While some faith leaders continue to volunteer their time, 67 percent of those who previously had access to health services can no longer reach them. Many live too far to walk to the nearest health facility, and mobile outreach has ceased.
A Message of Gratitude
EAM’s main message to the American people is a heartfelt “Thank you.” Your support made it possible for faith leaders in Malawi to deliver hope, health, and healing. With limited resources and deep commitment, they reached millions, saving lives and uplifting communities. The impact was real and lasting.
International assistance doesn’t just reduce poverty. It builds trust, promotes peace, and brings dignity to people across the globe.
Even a small investment goes far in the hands of local leaders. And when it’s combined with faith, compassion, and partnership, it transforms lives.