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Oxfam Australia, in collaboration with four Oxfam affiliates, supports the Joint Oxfam Program in Malawi. This program, managed by Oxfam Great Britain, aims to improve and develop sustainable livelihoods for the rural and urban poor, in particular for female-headed households, orphans and people living with HIV.
Our focus
Sustainable livelihoods
Our long term goal is to build the skills of poor and vulnerable communities in agricultural techniques that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To achieve this, we are working in about 200 villages in Mulanje, Phalombe and Thyolo districts to provide villagers with crop seeds, livestock and better access to clean safe water.
We are also supporting local non government organisations to help people living in poverty to acquire skills, knowledge and resources to increase their access to food and income; to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS; and to increase their participation in decisions that affect their lives.
Advocacy
We are working with civil society to:
- Influence the government to enact new land legislation that recognises the needs of poor people whose livelihoods are dependent on land
- Lobby the government to ensure the reformed Malawi agricultural marketing institution prioritises improving the livelihoods of Malawi’s poor and marginalised people
- Campaign for access to education for orphans and other vulnerable children
- Campaign for access for all to basic health care, especially equitable access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS
About 14 per cent of people aged 15–49 in Malawi are living with HIV and most AIDS-related deaths are among adults in the prime of their lives. They are the people who farm, tend livestock, put food on the table, and care for children. Without them, households fall deeper and deeper into poverty. Our HIV and AIDS program focuses on protecting and promoting the livelihoods of poor households with an emphasis on orphans, chronically sick people and female-headed households. We also promote access to medication and care and improving the welfare of people infected and affected by HIV.
Donate
Help us continue this work (and similar work in other countries) by making a donation:
Find out more about HIV and AIDS
Stories & photos
Bringing it home
Esther Peter is a home based carer in Malenga village who - with Oxfam's support - is caring for members of her community living with HIV.
The wisdom of age
Rural Malawians respect the wisdom of village elders, many of whom play a crucial role in educating the younger generation about safe sex practices.