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Background
Malawi is a long and narrow landlocked country in Southern
Africa. Most of the 10 million people live in rural areas.
Only half of the population have access to safe water and
waterborne diseases are common. It is estimated that at least
one-tenth of adult Malawians is HIV-positive. This is likely
to take a heavy toll on the country's health services and
economy because of the numbers of men and women in the productive
age groups who will become sick. Since 1994, primary education
has been free, but there is a shortage of qualified teachers
and materials. Fewer than half the adults are literate.
World Vision Australia is working with the communities in Malawi. Below are examples of funded projects:
Nayuchi Area Development Program
Over 3500 fruit trees were planted, providing families with
a source of nutritious food and an opportunity to sell part
of their produce for profit. In partnership with the local
hospital, World Vision is fighting waterborne diseases and
educating community members about the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Programs have been established to care for those infected
and affected by the disease.
Mlolo Project
World Vision distributed emergency supplies of maize flour
in response to the hunger crisis. In addition, farmers were
provided with drought tolerant crops including cassava and
yam as well as cereals such as sorghum, millet and fast maturing
maize. Agricultural training in fruit and vegetable production
assists families to grow enough food. Wells were constructed
throughout the region and now over 5000 people have access
to safe, clean water and better sanitation.
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