Malawi is advancing efforts to strengthen its health workforce as a critical step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and resilient, primary health care-oriented health systems. The Ministry of Health, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is finalizing a comprehensive national Health Labour Market Analysis (HLMA). This analysis aims to standardize findings with other countries, inform high-level multisectoral policy dialogue, and guide strategic prioritization of human resources for health (HRH) in Malawi.
The HLMA uses a systematic economic framework to examine the interaction between health workforce supply, demand, population health needs, and budget feasibility. This initiative is designed to strengthen health workforce governance, improve evidence-based decision-making, and support Malawi’s progress toward UHC. It builds on significant national investments in workforce education, recruitment, performance management, professional development, and the Human Resources Information System. Between 2019 and 2024, the total number of health workers in Malawi increased by 38.7%, from 34,287 to 47,555.
Despite this growth, critical staffing gaps remain. Nurse and Midwife Technicians face a 40% vacancy rate, while Medical Officers, Specialists, and Medical Assistants face shortages of 32% and 25% respectively. The HLMA will analyze political and economic factors, training capacity, labor supply and demand, and population health needs to provide evidence-based policy options for health workforce development, employment, and management.
Supported by funding from the United Kingdom Department for Health and Social Care, WHO Africa Region guided a multisectoral team through data analysis using the WHO AFRO HLMA Support Tool. Preliminary outputs include estimates of health workforce requirements to address disease burdens and service delivery needs. The comprehensive HLMA report will facilitate national technical dialogue, building cross-sectoral consensus on workforce policies and long-term strategic planning.
The HLMA process involved representatives from government ministries, regulatory councils, health training institutions, the Christian Health Association of Malawi, and health workers across 72 occupations. The data mining and health workforce needs assessment took place from 10th to 21st November 2025. Officials emphasize that the HLMA will provide a credible evidence base for aligning workforce strategies with population needs, ensuring equitable access to quality care, and advancing the Health Sector Strategic Plan III goals.
WHO underscores the importance of this initiative in building a resilient and equitable health system. By using evidence-driven insights, Malawi can address immediate workforce gaps while laying the foundation for sustainable health workforce investments. The completion of the HLMA will support policies that ensure the country can meet rising demands for health services, respond effectively to health emergencies, and progress toward UHC and health security.
