The United States Agency for International Development (USaid) has granted $2.3 million [about K1.9 billion] for salaries of 151 health, social welfare and four support staff for three years.

The above has been attributed to reducing vacancy rates, maternal, new-born and child morbidity and mortality as well as reduced HIV and TB-related morbidity and mortality. USAID signed on the commitment with the Treasury, as Finance Minister Felix Mlusu and United States Ambassador to Malawi Robert Scott signed on the agreement.

 “Despite the ongoing commitment by the Government of Malawi to improve health for its people, the country still struggles with high rates of HIV and a high burden of maternal, infant and child deaths.” said Scott. “One underlying reason is the severe shortage of trained and qualified health and social welfare professionals to deliver priority health services. So today’s agreement will be addressing this problem directly.”