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Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation – Malawi (Baylor Foundation Malawi) is a not-for-profit organization working in partnership with the Government of Malawi since 2005. We deliver high-quality, comprehensive pediatric and family-centered healthcare, train health professionals, and conduct clinical research to improve the health and lives of children and families across Malawi.
The past year has brought significant progress and challenges to Baylor Foundation Malawi. Despite shifting global funding landscapes, our team demonstrated extraordinary resilience in continuing to deliver life-saving care to the children and families of Malawi.
In 2025, our diverse programming portfolio covered HIV care and treatment, maternal and neonatal health, pediatric surgery, cardiology, hematology and oncology, and clinical research. We continued to achieve strong results against national and international benchmarks — including a 97% viral load suppression rate at our Center of Excellence, surpassing UNAIDS targets.
Our commitment to comprehensive, integrated care has enabled us to expand access to health services for children, adolescents, and their families. We extend sincere gratitude to our partners, the Government of Malawi, our dedicated staff, and all those who continue to support this mission.
Mrs. Phebe Nyasulu
Executive Director, Baylor Foundation Malawi
At Baylor Foundation Malawi, we are committed to serving children, adolescents, adults, and families across Malawi. Our services are designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, including those affected by HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, and other health conditions. Through compassionate, patient-centered care, we work to ensure that every individual has access to high-quality health services, regardless of their circumstances.
About Us
Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation – Malawi (Baylor Foundation Malawi) is a locally registered trust and not-for-profit organization working in partnership with the Government of Malawi (GoM) since 2005. Our main areas of focus include direct service delivery, systems strengthening, training, and research.
Baylor Foundation Malawi strives to improve the health and lives of HIV-infected children and families through high-quality, high-impact, ethical, and state-of-the-art comprehensive care and treatment, training of health professionals, and clinical research.
In recent years, Baylor Foundation Malawi has broadened its service delivery to include pediatric hematology and oncology, pediatric emergency medicine, cardiology, and pediatric surgical and anesthesia services at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). The Foundation has also expanded maternal health services to the Ethel Mutharika Maternity Wing at KCH, Area 25 Community Hospital, and the Fistula Center at Bwaila Hospital.
In 2008, the program expanded to support the full cascade of HIV care through the Tingathe program. The current Tingathe CORE (Client-Oriented Response to the Epidemic Control) program supports the Malawi Government in achieving epidemic control across six districts.
To improve the health and lives of HIV-infected children and families through high-quality, high-impact, highly ethical, state-of-the-art comprehensive care and treatment, training of health professionals, and clinical research.
A healthy and fulfilled life for every child, woman, and family.
To provide comprehensive, high-quality pediatric, maternal, family-centered health care, education, and health research in Malawi.
Baylor Foundation Malawi is based at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi's capital city. Through the Tingathe CORE program, we operate across 96 health facilities in five districts, reaching populations in some of the country's most underserved areas.
Baylor Foundation Malawi is a proud partner of the Texas Children's Global Health Network, originally established in 1999 to advance pediatric and family-centered HIV care, treatment, and health professional training. Today, it remains one of the world's largest providers of pediatric HIV services.
In collaboration with Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, the Network has expanded to address health priorities including tuberculosis, malnutrition, cancer, sickle cell disease, cardiology, emergency medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and maternal health.
The Network includes partners in Botswana, Colombia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Romania, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ukraine — operating 10 Centers of Excellence and 9 satellite clinics across three continents.
Programs
Baylor Foundation Malawi delivers a comprehensive portfolio of clinical, outreach, and training programs across Malawi. Each program is designed to reach the most vulnerable populations — from children living with HIV to new mothers, adolescents, and cancer patients — with care that is evidence-based, patient-centered, and integrated.
The Center of Excellence (COE) is the official pediatric HIV clinic for Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) and provides primary HIV care services alongside specialized care for patients with treatment failure, advanced disease, or opportunistic conditions such as tuberculosis. It hosts the Foundation's internationally recognized Teen Club model.
Our adolescent program continues to be a model of supportive, youth-friendly care. This year we reached 1,946 adolescents (52% male) through peer-centered psychosocial support delivered during Teen Club, Transition Clinic, and Camp Hope. Additionally, 2,376 clients received nutrition services, including 660 supported due to food insecurity.
This year, 109 learners rotated through the COE clinic for hands-on training. Of these, 15% were international trainees completing a global health attachment, contributing to a rich exchange of clinical knowledge.
In alignment with Kamuzu Central Hospital's commitment to integrate and sustain partner-supported services, the COE successfully transitioned most service delivery to the KCH pediatric outpatient department. KCH pediatric clinicians now rotate through the COE monthly to ensure continuity of high-quality care.
With support from the U.S. Government, Tingathe implements the Client-Oriented Response for HIV Epidemic Control (CORE) Program across 96 health facilities in five districts — Lilongwe, Salima, Balaka, Mangochi, Machinga, and Phalombe — including the Baylor Center of Excellence. The program works to reduce new HIV infections, expand HIV case identification, improve access to treatment, manage co-infections such as tuberculosis, and promote viral load suppression.
| Target | Indicator | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 95% Aware of HIV Diagnosis | People tested for HIV | 670,632 |
| 95% Aware of HIV Diagnosis | Notified of a positive HIV test | 8,276 |
| 95% Treated for HIV | Clients initiated on ART | 8,409 |
| 95% Treated for HIV | Linkage to ART | 102% |
| 95% Treated for HIV | Total PLHIV in care | 156,881 |
| 95% Virally Suppressed | Viral suppression among PLHIV with VL result | 92% (144,936) |
In January 2025, the U.S. Government temporarily paused foreign assistance programs following a presidential executive order. Tingathe CORE activities were briefly suspended. Teams worked closely with Ministry of Health staff to mitigate impact on client services. Upon receipt of a waiver for lifesaving services, the award was fully reinstated by the end of March 2025. Tingathe remains one of the few formerly USAID-funded programs to remain active.
"Through coordinated efforts, Baylor-Tingathe and partners safeguarded the health of those who rely on our services, even in the face of unexpected challenges, proving that working together is not just beneficial but essential." — Tingathe Program Team
The Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) Program operates in partnership with the Ministry of Health at Area 25 Community Hospital and at the Ethel Mutharika Maternity Wing at KCH. This year, the program achieved significant progress in improving care for mothers and babies across Malawi.
Area 25 Community Hospital runs one of the only hospital-integrated permaculture programs in the world. Spanning five hectares (12 acres), the program applies sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil restoration techniques to directly strengthen maternal and neonatal health. The garden supplies fresh, nutritious food to mothers in the maternity waiting home and provides hands-on training to equip families with climate-smart food production skills.
To improve reliability during power outages, a 24.5 kW solar battery system was installed, now powering two wards, the conference center, and the office — ensuring uninterrupted care.
The COE's Teen Club program is an internationally recognized model for supporting adolescents living with HIV through peer mentorship, relationship-building, self-esteem development, and life skills. The program contributes to improved clinical and mental health outcomes and successful transitions into adulthood.
In a small Malawian village, little Hajira faced unimaginable loss and hardship. Orphaned at just four months old and cared for by her young stepsister, she became severely ill. When brought to a district hospital and later transferred to Kamuzu Central Hospital, doctors diagnosed her with Wilms' tumor and severe malnutrition.
Upon arrival at the pediatric cancer ward, Hajira could not eat solid food. The medical and nutrition teams immediately began chemotherapy alongside intensive nutrition therapy. Slowly, she regained her strength. After a month, she was stable enough to return home with vital nutrition supplies.
Six months later, Hajira had overcome malnutrition, gained weight, and was thriving. The physiotherapy team gave her a walker to rebuild her strength and take her first steps — bringing joy and hope to everyone around her.
"Hajira's story is a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating that even the most fragile lives can be saved when medical, nutritional, and emotional support are combined."— Baylor Foundation Malawi Clinical Team
In January 2025, a U.S. Government Stop Work Order temporarily halted foreign aid-supported programs, threatening HIV treatment services in TA Nankumba, Mangochi District. Community ART Distribution (CAD) clinics — which bring HIV treatment and support to remote populations — were particularly vulnerable.
Recognizing the urgency, Baylor-Tingathe district leadership quickly coordinated with the Global Aid Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) and the Ministry of Health to ensure continuity of care. GAIA redirected resources to sustain CAD services at scheduled outreach clinics while Baylor-Tingathe provided necessary information and materials. As a result, ART distribution continued seamlessly, and patients accessed their medication at their usual outreach sites.
The Mangochi District experience serves as a powerful example of how partnerships and coordinated action can safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations during funding uncertainty.
Clinical Services
Baylor Foundation Malawi delivers a wide range of specialized clinical services at Kamuzu Central Hospital and through the Tingathe outreach network. From pediatric HIV care to cardiology, surgery, cancer treatment, and maternal health, our integrated approach ensures that every patient receives comprehensive, high-quality care.
HIV Testing Services (HTS) anchor the Foundation's comprehensive, family-centered care. At the COE, our approach uses evidence-based counseling, contact tracing, and targeted testing to identify new cases and link them rapidly to treatment.
The Pediatric Cardiology program strengthens life-saving care for children with heart disease at Kamuzu Central Hospital through mentorship, training, and direct clinical care. Each week, our team supports the pediatric cardiology clinic, ensuring timely diagnosis, follow-up, and management for children with congenital and acquired heart conditions.
Through the PenPlus District Mentorship Program, we conduct ongoing pediatric cardiology mentorship including quarterly outreach visits, echocardiography guidance, and remote case reviews. This year, Treasure Mkaliainga received an ICATCH grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics to expand the program into additional districts through annual workshops, quarterly in-person mentorship visits, and ongoing virtual mentorship. Three mentorship visits to district hospitals have already been completed.
The Pediatric Hematology Oncology (PHO) program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, delivers comprehensive care for children with cancer and blood disorders at the Malawi National Cancer Center within KCH.
Baylor Foundation Malawi is the key partner supporting the Paediatric Surgery Department at Kamuzu Central Hospital — having helped establish the department and launch its training program. We now focus on strengthening clinical care, training, and research to ensure children receive high-quality surgical care.
Our pediatric surgery training program continues to strengthen national and regional surgical capacity. This year, the program enrolled 8 trainees, including 5 women and 2 surgeons from South Sudan — a country without its own pediatric surgery training program.
Milestone: In December 2024, we celebrated our first two graduating trainees — Dr. Bvumi Tembo and Dr. Wiseman Phiri. At the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) graduation ceremony, Dr. Tembo was awarded Best Overall Marks across 14 member countries — a testament to the strength of our training partnership with Children's Hospital of Arkansas, Bristol Children's Hospital, pediatric surgeons from the Netherlands, and Baylor College of Medicine.
With support from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF), Baylor Foundation Malawi supports the Ministry of Health's initiative toward the elimination of cervical cancer in Malawi by 2030. Screening uses Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) for immediate results, with Pap smears used when appropriate.
The Foundation delivers comprehensive maternal and neonatal health services at Area 25 Community Hospital and the Ethel Mutharika Maternity Wing at KCH, including antenatal care, safe deliveries, PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission), and newborn support.
Research
Baylor Foundation Malawi drives innovation and improves health outcomes through active research across HIV, maternal and neonatal health, pediatric surgery, cardiology, and oncology. By integrating research into routine practice, our programs identify solutions to pressing health challenges, inform national and international policy, and build the capacity of healthcare professionals.
The COE is participating in the TB GAPS Study (TB Guidance for Adaptable Patient-Centered Service), which evaluates novel TB screening and diagnostic algorithms for people living with HIV across five sub-Saharan African countries: Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Enrollment began in January 2024. The Malawi site has reached 75% of its target (974 of 1,300 participants) — the highest enrollment in the region. This study demonstrates the COE's leadership in research that informs better, patient-centered TB care for people living with HIV.
The Pediatric Cardiology program is participating in the multisite Acute Rheumatic Fever Diagnosis Collaborative Network study (ARC Study), funded by the Leducq Foundation. The study aims to improve diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in children across Brazil, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Pakistan.
During Phase 1 (July 2023 – June 2025), our Malawi site enrolled and retained the highest number of participants among the four countries, with 384 children enrolled. Of these, 53 were confirmed to have ARF and were all initiated on life-saving medication.
Global Presentations: Pediatric Officer Treasure Mkaliainga delivered a plenary talk at the 22nd Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases in Brisbane, Australia. Dr. Amy Sanyahumbi moderated a session at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024.
The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology program received a €111,000 (USD 129,322) My Child Matters – Sanofi grant to launch an innovative digital health platform to strengthen referral systems and facilitate early diagnosis of childhood cancers.
This two-year pilot project in Mzimba and Salima will demonstrate a scalable model to enhance timely access to diagnosis and treatment, improve care coordination, and reduce delays in pediatric cancer care across Malawi.
Launched June 2025 with support from Laerdal, the iKMC project provides immediate skin-to-skin contact for premature babies, helping them stay warm and thrive. So far, 192 low-birth-weight babies have received this life-saving intervention.
Launched February 2025, supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF). Results to date: 2,954 girls received the HPV vaccine; 7,500+ individuals reached with prevention education; 738 women screened for HPV DNA.
The MNH program sponsored four senior residents from Kamuzu Central Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital to attend the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) 2024 Annual Congress under the theme "Transforming Women's Healthcare through Global Collaboration."
Dr. Cathy Luo (Tulane University Fogarty Fellow) analyzed outcomes and clinical practices among neonatal surgical patients at KCH. Findings were shared with doctors and nurses through interviews and workshops to identify actionable improvements. Next phase: implement and evaluate suggested improvements collaboratively.
Dr. Madhushree Zope (University of Alabama Fogarty Fellow) completed a telehealth study on post-surgery follow-up calls. Key finding: 69% of parents responded to a telephone call 30 days after surgery discharge. This work has been submitted to a scholarly journal for publication. Next step: evaluating text message options to improve response rates.
Dr. Martin Chigedwe (Pediatric Surgery Quality Improvement Nurse) researched knowledge, attitudes, and practices among district hospital staff regarding children with gastroschisis (a congenital abnormality where babies are born with bowels outside the abdomen).
Awards & Recognition: Best Oral Presenter at the KCH Research Dissemination Conference · Best Oral Presentation at the 4th International Congress on Innovations for Global Surgery (panelist) · Scholarship for Master's in Global Surgery at Stellenbosch University.
Contact Us
Location:
Kamuzu Central Hospital
Lilongwe, Malawi
Email:
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Phone:
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Your contribution supports life-saving care for children and families across Malawi. Every donation goes directly to our programs.
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We welcome international clinical trainees and global health professionals. Contact us to learn about clinical attachment opportunities at the COE and KCH.
We collaborate with academic institutions and researchers worldwide. If you are interested in partnering on clinical research in Malawi, we would like to hear from you.
We work with governments, NGOs, international health organizations, and corporations. Contact us to explore how your organization can support our mission.
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