Thoughts about the 2023/4 Malawi National Health Budget

Abstract

At 12% of the total national budget, the proposed 2024/24 health budget is most likely the highest ever in Malawi. I say “most likely” or probably, because I have not been careful enough to review what was the country’s health budget in the 1960’s, 80’s, or the 90’s. In addition, in the Malawi context, the budget as approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the State President, doesn’t always mean that it will be followed to the letter through treasury disbursements to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). But 12% isn’t lower when one looks at the other sectors (defence, homeland security, foreign affairs, education and agriculture) which the same national fiscus seeks their attention.