In Malawi, there are c. 1.3 million orphans - around 17% of the entire child population. The vast majority of these children have lost either one or both parents to AIDS.
For the extended family who look after them, the cost of essential formula milk (around £30 a month) is simply unaffordable.
At Open Arms, we offer a solution. At our two infant homes in Blantyre and Mangochi, we provide round-the-clock medical, nutritional, and social development care to orphaned and abandoned babies until they can return home to their families, happy and healthy.
This is more than just sponsorship. When you sponsor a child with Open Arms, over time a bond develops between sponsor and child as you follow them grow and reach their potential.
When you sign up to support, you will:
Most importantly, however, you will be a part of the solution to Malawi’s chronic orphan problem.
23% of all child death cases in Malawi are related to under-nutrition and only 8% of children aged 6-23 months meet the minimum acceptable diet in Malawi. 6.4% of children in Malawi die before the age of 5 and 37% are affected by stunting as a result of malnutrition. Stunted children are more likely to drop out of school and repeatedly experience lower productivity later in life (UNICEF, 2018).
With an incredibly young population and an annual population growth rate of 2.68%, the need for a solution is paramount. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help.
At Open Arms Malawi, we believe that every child deserves the best start in life as possible. By providing shelter, food, and medical and social development care to some of the most vulnerable babies in the world.
Open Arms offers an important intervention to the inextricable economic and health challenges which many Malawian families unfortunately have to face. Quite simply, without our infant home service, nearly all of the children in our care would die.
“It has been a delight to be part of Ezra’s journey. My family and I couldn’t be more happy to hear the wonderful news that Ezra will be moving forward with a loving new family. This happy outcome is a testament to the amazing work of Open Arms and a heartwarming example of human kindness. We wish Ezra all the best and send love and gratitude to his new parents and siblings” - Izzy and Shiela
Read Ezra’s storyOur approach is always family and community-centred and focuses on the most pressing needs of each child on an individual basis. We currently look after around 50 children in both of our homes. Providing 24/7 medical, nutritional, and social development support to these children generates significant costs. Your regular contribution will go towards the costs of food, medicine, the care staff who look after the children, as well as the running costs of the buildings.
In order to sponsor a child in one of our homes, please complete the form below. A member of our team will be in touch shortly.
Davie's sponsorship has provided a reliable source of support for him, allowing us to plan for his future.
Read MoreYour donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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