Underfive Children
In Malawi, children under the age of five face some of the highest risks of illness and death due to preventable and treatable conditions such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition, and vaccine-preventable diseases. We are committed to changing that reality, one child, one family, one village at a time.
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We believe that health care should begin not at the clinic, but at the doorstep, in the spaces where children grow, learn, and play. Through our Proactive Doorstep Care (PDC) model, we provide lifesaving and preventive services to under-five children living in remote and underserved communities who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the health system.
Why Under-Five Children?
The first five years of life are critical for a child’s growth, brain development, and long-term well-being. Yet in Malawi, far too many children are denied the support they need to survive and thrive. Delayed or missed immunizations, malnutrition, poor feeding practices, lack of early stimulation, unsafe water, and limited access to timely medical care contribute to high rates of preventable illness and death. We are committed to breaking this cycle. We prioritize under-five children in every community we serve, reaching them with health care that is early, regular, compassionate, and delivered directly to the doorstep. Because a strong start in life does not begin at the clinic, it begins at home.
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What We Do for Under-Five Children
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Through our Proactive Doorstep Care model, we deliver a comprehensive package of services designed specifically for children under five. Our CHWs conduct monthly growth monitoring, screen for malnutrition, and refer at-risk children for therapeutic feeding. We ensure children are fully immunized, following up with defaulters and mobilizing families for vaccine days. CHWs provide home-based care for minor illnesses, refer urgent cases to Nurses on Bikes or nearby facilities, and guide caregivers on early childhood stimulation, safe hygiene, and proper nutrition. Our approach is family-centered and community-driven, engaging parents, grandparents, and local leaders to support each child’s development. Using real-time data and digital tools, we track progress, close gaps, and respond quickly when a child’s health is at risk.
The impact is clear: thousands of children screened for malnutrition, 90%+ vaccine coverage in target areas, earlier treatment for illnesses, and growing male caregiver involvement. We serve under-five children in Dowa, Mangochi, and Salima, and as we scale, our commitment remains the same: every child deserves to grow up healthy, strong, and loved.
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