The four-year action with a total budget of EUR 4,6 million is jointly co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in close cooperation with Malawi’s Ministry of Health. With a strong focus on improving public health outcomes, the initiative aims to strengthen PHIM’s institutional capacity to deliver essential public health services.

The official launch event was held at the Ministry of Health in Lilongwe on the 16 June 2025 and attended by the Secretary for Health, senior representatives from relevant Ministry of Health Directorates, including PHIM, and officials from the EU Delegation, German Embassy, and GIZ. Their presence reaffirmed national and international commitment to enhancing public health systems in Malawi.

“We believe that strengthening PHIM’s institutional and technical capacity, improving health data systems and aligning research with national priorities are crucial to deliver better health outcomes for all Malawians,” said the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation of Malawi, George Dura.

Specific Objectives of the project are:

• Strengthen PHIM’s regional and international collaboration with African and European NPHIs
• Improve delivery of core public health functions, in particular public health research, and evidence-based policy advice
• Enhance PHIM’s capacity in digital health and effective use of health data to support evidence-based decision-making

Aligned with Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan III, Africa CDC Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, this initiative also contributes to the goals of the EU Global Health Strategy, the EU Gender Action Plan III, and the AU Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2018–2028).

Together, through this partnership, Malawi, the EU, Germany, and other partners are building a more resilient, inclusive, and evidence-based public health system—laying the foundation for healthier communities and stronger institutions.