Malawi Sees Rise In Christmas Day Births, Sparking Family Planning Concerns

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Malawi has recorded 1,487 births on Christmas Day this year, a notable increase from the 1,462 births reported last year.

The breakdown shows 764 girls and 723 boys were born.

According to Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe, the rising number of births underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to prioritize family planning.

Chikumbe stressed the importance of adopting long-term family planning methods, cautioning that Malawi’s resources are insufficient to sustain the growing population.

Donald Makwakwa, Executive Director of the Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM), attributed the increase in births to various factors, including personal decisions made by women to have children.

“Women’s choices and decisions regarding their reproductive health play a significant role in the number of births,” Makwakwa explained.

Lilongwe topped the list with 229 births recorded this year, up from 191 last year.

In contrast, Likoma reported the lowest number of births, with only one recorded this year and none last year.

The rising birth rate has significant implications for Malawi’s development, as it puts pressure on the country’s resources, infrastructure, and social services.

To address this challenge, the government and health organisations are working to increase access to family planning services and education.

Efforts are also being made to promote awareness about the importance of family planning and reproductive health.

By empowering individuals, particularly women, to make informed choices about their reproductive health, Malawi can work towards achieving a more sustainable population growth rate.