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Malawi sees slight rise in Christmas births, renewing focus on family planning

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The country has recorded 1,487 births on Christmas Day this year—764 girls and 723 boys—a slight increase from the 1,462 births recorded on the same day last year.

This uptick has reignited discussions surrounding Malawi’s population growth and the critical need for improved family planning services.

The Ministry of Health has expressed concern about the implications of this rising birth rate.

Spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe emphasized the strain this growth places on the nation’s resources.

Ministry of Health Public Relations Officer Adrian Chikumbe

“The rising birth rates demonstrate the need for better family planning and more focus on long-term family planning methods. Malawi cannot afford to continue growing at this rate, as it puts significant pressure on health, education, and economic resources,” Chikumbe stated.

Donald Makwakwa, Executive Director of the Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM), acknowledged the complex factors influencing family size, including cultural practices, access to healthcare, and individual choices.

Babies born on Christmas day

He stressed the importance of continued advocacy for family planning, urging women to make informed decisions that contribute to responsible population management for the well-being of both families and the country.

Geographically, Lilongwe district recorded the highest number of births, with 229 this year compared to 191 last year.

This higher figure is likely attributable to the capital city’s larger population and greater access to healthcare facilities.

In contrast, Likoma, a smaller and less densely populated island district, saw only one birth this year, compared to zero last year.


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Sosten Mpinganjira
Sosten Mpinganjirahttps://nthandatimes.com
Sosten Mpinganjira is a news reporter with a track record of delivering timely and accurate news stories. With vast experience working with renowned news electronic, press, and online outlets, he has honed his reporting skills and has a deep understanding of the media landscape. He has a knack for delivering breaking news with accuracy and insight. He is dedicated to keeping his readers informed about current events and trends that shape our world.

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