Malawi is the 3rd poorest country in Africa. It is bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.

The country was ‘opened up’ by Dr David Livingstone in the mid 19^th Century in his attempts to put an end to the slave trade – a venture in which he was, ultimately, unsuccessful. His exploration of the area, however, saw him establish Christian missions and today, 150 years later, he is regarded as the “Father of the Country”.

Towards the end of the 19^th Century, many Scottish doctors and missionaries set up hospitals and schools and the country was catered for. Today, that backbone of mission hospitals still caters for the majority of healthcare cases in the country – a living testimony to the dedication of their founders.

Livingstone’s explorations were quickly followed by Colonial expansion and the country was annexed by Great Britain. Known as Nyasaland, it gained its independence in 1964 under the control of Dr Hastings Banda, who was president for thirty years.

During his tenure of office, Malawians were encouraged to remain in their villages and little development took place within the country. In a land where there are few natural resources, 85% of the population remain bound to an agrarian economy of subsistence farming.

Multi-party democracy now exists and growth and development are slowly happening but Malawi still needs a great deal of help.

Malawi News