St John of God is launching a transformative four-year project to address a silent crisis: the mental health of pregnant women and mothers in Malawi. Despite mental illnesses being a leading cause of disability, with women at twice the risk of depression compared to men, access to care remains limited, especially in rural communities. The profound effects of untreated perinatal depression, extend beyond the mother, impacting the health and development of the child.

Supported by the Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented with KinderNotHilfe (KNH), this vital initiative will build a future of hope and dignity through integrated multi- level approach which will include the following:

• Strengthening Health Systems: We will equip doctors, nurses, and clinicians officers, with specialized trainings in the diagnosis, treatment and referral of maternal mental health conditions.
• Scaling-up access: The project will establish new maternal mental health out patient departments and integrate psychosocial services into 63 basic health centers across Lilongwe and Mzimba North, bringing essential care directly to rural communities that need it the most.
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• Advocating for rights: Through evidence-based advocacy, we will promote the rights of people with mental illness and work to secure sustainable government funding for these critical services.

This project is rooted in a human rights approach, and aims to create lasting, decentralized model of compassionate care. By building a robust mental healthcare system, we are not only transforming lives but also paving a way for a healthier future for families and communities across Malawi.