Access to quality, inclusive, and responsive health services is central to improved well-being and sustainable development. Health Service Delivery is a key thematic area in Life Concern’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030), with a focus on strengthening community access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment, and the health needs of women, children, adolescents, and other vulnerable populations.

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Malawi continues to face persistent public health challenges, particularly in the areas of HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and maternal and child health. Women, adolescent girls, and children remain disproportionately affected due to biological vulnerability, gender inequality, poverty, and limited access to quality health services. New HIV infections among children remain a concern, with many children and adolescents living with HIV unaware of their status, while gaps in prevention, testing, treatment adherence, and retention in care continue to undermine national efforts. In many rural and underserved communities, barriers such as long distances to health facilities, shortages of health workers and supplies, stigma and discrimination, low male involvement, and harmful social norms limit timely access to essential health services, including family planning, HIV services, and cervical cancer screening.

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In response, LICO implements integrated, community-driven health interventions that complement the public health system and bring services closer to those most in need. The organisation prioritises HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, with particular emphasis on high-risk and underserved groups such as adolescent girls and young women, young people, women of reproductive age, female sex workers, and people living with HIV.

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A flagship component of LICO’s health programming is the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, which strengthens early identification, treatment, and follow-up for pregnant and breastfeeding women and HIV-exposed infants. Through community mobilisation, male involvement initiatives, and health awareness campaigns, LICO promotes shared responsibility in reproductive health, increases uptake of antenatal and postnatal services, and reduces missed opportunities for HIV testing and treatment.

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To improve access at the community level, LICO conducts integrated outreach clinics that provide a package of essential services, including HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral treatment referrals and adherence support, STI screening and treatment, cervical cancer screening, and access to modern contraceptives. These services are designed to reduce distance, cost, and stigma-related barriers, especially for women and adolescents.

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LICO also strengthens youth-friendly health services by revitalising youth-friendly spaces within health facilities and supporting age-appropriate, confidential, and non-judgmental SRHR services for adolescents and young people. Peer leadership and gatekeeper programmes equip adolescent girls, young women, and female sex workers with knowledge and skills to promote HIV prevention, SRHR, and health-seeking behaviour within their communities.

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In addition, LICO addresses menstrual health and hygiene management by providing menstrual health education and distributing reusable sanitary pads to adolescent girls, helping to improve dignity, school attendance, and overall reproductive health.

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Through strong partnerships with communities, health facilities, and government structures, LICO contributes to improved health outcomes, reduced new HIV infections, and strengthened community ownership of health services, advancing Malawi’s progress toward universal access to quality health care.