By Suleman Chitera
United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi has pledged that, if elected, his government will focus on revitalizing Malawi’s economy as the foundation for improving maternal and child health services.
Speaking in Lilongwe during a health policy dialogue organized by Amref Health and partners, Muluzi emphasized that meaningful progress in the health sector cannot be achieved without a strong economic base.
“It is difficult to improve health services in isolation when the entire economy is under strain,” he said. “We need to grow industries and trade so that we can generate the resources required to transform maternal and child health.”
Muluzi, who once served as Minister of Health, highlighted UDF’s manifesto commitments to stimulate industrial growth and expand business opportunities. He argued that such measures will create the financial muscle needed to strengthen hospitals, supply essential medicines, and support frontline health workers.
However, health advocate Maziko Matemba criticized the manifesto for lacking clarity on specific strategies for maternal and child health. He urged the UDF to provide more detailed plans on how it intends to tackle these critical issues.
Joined by UDF chairperson Lillian Patel, Muluzi reassured stakeholders that his party’s economic blueprint is designed to ensure that improvements in wealth creation translate directly into better health outcomes for women and children.
As the September elections draw closer, UDF’s approach positions economic growth not just as a goal, but as a means to safeguard the future of Malawi’s mothers and children.
