Today 1,890 babies will be born in Malawi. 320 will become orphans, half because of HIV/AIDS. 87 will die before their first birthday from malnutrition or illness.
Open Arms is working hard to change these numbers!
In response to the rising number of maternal deaths and orphaned babies in Malawi, Davona Church and Margaret East opened the doors of Open Arms’ first Infant Home in 1995 - caring for 27 newborn orphaned babies.
In 2000, Open Arms Malawi was set up as a registered UK charity and funding trust for Open Arms Infant Homes as the need for support was overwhelming.
Since 1995, the single infant home has evolved into a comprehensive community-base care programme, a short-term residential care facility, nine community-run nursery schools and a community support programme that covers the whole of southern Malawi.
For orphaned children, staying with the wider family is the best solution but due to serious health conditions, malnutrition or in cases of abandonment this can be incredibly difficult. But with the right support it is absolutely possible!
Open Arms Infant Home are used as a successful example of good childcare practices in Malawi due to their focus on supporting the family unit in thriving together, fostering a strong attachment between child and guardian and supporting them holistically to become self-sufficient for the long term.
Thousands of children and families have been supported by our services and we plan to be around for many more children who need our help.
Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries. The population is growing and is expected to reach 23 million by 2025. Up to 74% of the population live below the international poverty line. Maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world and about 10 women die each day through childbirth. Three million people have no access to clean drinking water, about 11% of the population are HIV+, and there are over 1,300,000 orphaned children.
Whilst we cannot fix all the problems in Malawi, there is a special role for us to play in the lives of the children that we care for. By giving short-term support when a child's life is at risk means that they can survive their early years, avoid preventable problems and be raised by their family - securing a brighter future together.
“is for all children to have the chance to grow up fit and healthy with their family”
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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