Having more than one baby at the same time can bring serious health challenges for both the mother and her children - challenges that are even greater in developing countries like Malawi.
Twins and triplets are more likely to be born early, weigh less than average, or need time in intensive care. Many mothers also find it hard to produce enough breastmilk to feed more than one baby - especially if they are malnourished themselves.
In Malawi, where formula milk costs more than most families can afford, babies from multiple births are at higher risk of malnutrition. With the right support however, families can get the help they need to give all their children a healthy start at home.
Already a single mother of four, Rose* welcomed tiny, beautiful triplets - two boys and a girl - in July 2025.
Her home, a modest grass-roofed house in a small village near Blantyre (pictured right), leaks in the rain, adding to the daily challenges of protecting her growing family.
With seven children to care for, keeping everyone safe and healthy is a constant struggle. Her triplets were born prematurely and needed extra care and nutrition from the very start. Rose also has her own health concerns, and the family survives on occasional piecework and small harvests. Thankfully, she is supported by her mother and sister, who help shoulder the day-to-day challenges.
Despite these difficulties, the women in the household are warm and welcoming. They are deeply devoted to the children, caring for them together, and face each day with remarkable positivity and mutual support.
Still, urgent help was needed.
Following a referral from Social Welfare, the Open Arms team visited Rose’s home, along with the local Child Protection Officer, to understand the support needed and the challenges faced. Her house is basic and food is scarce, but the bond between Rose, her children and the wider family is strong, and the community around them is also actively involved.
Open Arms is now providing a regular supply of infant formula, additional nutritional supplements, mosquito nets and other essentials through our Community-Based Care programme.
But this is just the beginning.
The triplets now have enough food and additional food is being given to Rose and her wider family so that they can all recover their strength.
This is a short-term measure though. Longer term support is vital for the family’s future and resilience.
So, this year, they will join the Open Arms Graduation Programme, which offers three years of support focused on farming and financial empowerment so that they can sustainably provide for their whole family themselves.
With access to land, hands-on help from the community and a strong desire to improve their situation, they are the idea candidates for this transformational programme!
Right: Chikondi from Open Arms teaches Rose how to safely prepare bottle of formula milk.
*Name changed to protect identity
Open Arms is currently supporting 10 multiple-birth families in the community - making sure some of the most vulnerable babies are given the strongest start in life and that whole families have the chance of a brighter future together.
But we can only continue this vital work — and reach more families who need urgent help — with support from people like you.
Please give what you can and together, we can ensure that children grow up healthy, loved and supported within families that are able to thrive.
Last year we introduced you to triplets Jacqueline, Jessica and Janet - also born extremely underweight and at risk. But with the Community-Based Care programme, at two and a half years old, all three girls are thriving at home - as is their family! From £25 per month, you can support a family like this one through their three year journey with Open Arms.
Find out moreYour donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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