OUR WORK

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Our Work

For over a decade, Hope for Relief has been working in Northern Malawi on the issues that matter most to our communities. Our programmes are designed with local people, delivered by local people, and sustained by the trust we have built over more than ten years.

HIV/AIDS PREVENTION & CARE

HIV/AIDS remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Northern Malawi. Our community-based HIV education, voluntary testing, ART referral and nutritional support programmes reach some of the most marginalised people in the region.

Our Vyatose Prison Programme has reached over 680 prisoners with HIV education and care — a population that is frequently overlooked by mainstream health services.

We also run a Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) project in Chitipa District, working with mothers and health facilities to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to newborns.

GIRLS’ EDUCATION

Malawi has one of the highest rates of school dropout among girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty, early marriage, pregnancy and lack of sanitary facilities are among the leading causes.

Hope for Relief distributes reusable sanitary pads, builds sanitary facilities, and trains community mother groups to reduce school dropout rates among girls aged 12–18. To date, we have supported 47 girls to stay in school and reached over 2,000 girls with menstrual hygiene education.

ENDING EARLY MARRIAGE

In Rumphi and Nkhata Bay Districts, deeply embedded cultural norms put girls at risk of early marriage and gender-based violence. We work directly with families, schools, village committees and traditional leaders to shift these norms and keep girls in school and in control of their futures.

WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

Economic independence is one of the most powerful protections against gender-based violence. We have equipped 93 women with vocational skills training, providing them with the tools and knowledge to start and sustain small businesses and provide for their families.

EARLY CHILDHOOD & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

We are currently developing the Lupaso Community Childcare Centre — a purpose-built community hub in Lupaso Village that will provide early childhood care for 50 children aged 2–5, HIV/AIDS awareness sessions for youth, and vocational training for women. Land has been donated by the local chief and construction is planned to begin in September 2026.

Learn more about this project on our Current Projects page.