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Norway has given Malawi about K55.7 billion in new development financing to boost the country’s health system and support food security efforts amid economic pressures, climate shocks and rising humanitarian needs. The two countries signed the 318 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $31.8 million) agreement yesterday at the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development headquarters at Capital Hill in Lilongwe. From the package, 195 million Norwegian kroner ($19.5 million) will fund the Health Services Joint Fund (HSJF) up to 2028 while the 123 million Norwegian kroner balance will support food relief interventions for households affected by hunger. Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha said the financing will help alleviate the challenges affecting the health sector, agriculture and humanitarian sectors. “This grant will go a long way towards fulfilling our national objectives of ensuring a healthy population and alleviating the suffering of Malawians facing food shortages,” he said. Norwegian Ambassador Annie Sophie Bjelland said the HSJF represents one of the strongest examples of coordinated health financing in Malawi, describing it as a model of partnership between government and development partners to improve the quality and accessibility of essential services. Norway has contributed over 860 million Norwegian kroner ($86 million) to the fund since its establishment in 2015 alongside other like-minded donors, including the FCDO, KfW and the Scottish Government. Bjelland said the new grant is expected to strengthen governance and accountability in health financing, improve service coverage, and enhance coordination with the Ministry of Health as the country continues to pursue universal health coverage.
