The Regional Network for Equity in Health in east and southern Africa (EQUINET) identified at its Regional Conference in June 2004 an agenda of “Reclaiming the state, advancing people’s health, challenging injustice”. To give profile to the issues and options for action to strengthen health equity, EQUINET is developing a Regional Equity Analysis. This report explores the health equity issues in Malawi, as a country equity analysis and contribution to this regional picture. It explores the current equity situation in Malawi, and the way forward to promote equity in health through a strong network of equity actors whose voice would advocate for equitable access to basic quality health care in Malawi.
Through a literature review and interviews with key informants, we gathered and reviewed existing evidence on health equity priorities. A country level meeting in Malawi in April 2006 shared evidence, perspective and proposed options for addressing these priorities. The country equity analysis meeting gave an opportunity to look at the available potential among equity actors to address inequities in health and highlight relevant priorities in Malawi.