Malawi & Mozambique
Malawi
In the landlocked south-east African country of Malawi, around 85% of the population depend on subsistence farming. Although there has been significant improvement in food production over recent years, harvests are regularly threatened by the twin spectres of flooding and drought. The result is that millions of people face food shortages every year. Other issues facing Malawi’s children include inadequate access to education – less than 50% of school-aged children complete their primary education, and the education system suffers from poor infrastructure and few teachers. It is estimated that half of all girls marry early and one third of children under the age of 14 are child labourers.
Mozambique
Mozambique has been affected by the global downturn in the last two years, with a fall in the value of its major export, aluminium, together with rising food and fuel prices at home. Another huge challenge is the impact of HIV and AIDS. Currently at 15%, the HIV infection rate remains high and the country is struggling to cope with the needs of an estimated 1.5 million people living with the disease. Against this background, World Vision’s two ADPs in Namacurra and Chioco are continuing their work with vulnerable communities, helping them to grow more food and improve access to education and healthcare.
