The Family Planning News Network (FPNN) embarked on its inaugural reporting trip to Lilongwe, Malawi, from May 22nd to May 26th, 2024.
This groundbreaking trip was made possible through a partnership between the 2025 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP), the W. H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health (WHGI) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Ntha Foundation based in Lilongwe. The aim was to showcase the transformative power of family planning and reproductive health investments across Malawi.
Designed to increase local and regional reporting on family planning, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and connected development issues, FPNN provided a platform for both young and established journalists engaged in localized, regional media advocacy efforts.
During the 2024 FPNN Reporting Trip, participants had the opportunity to delve into powerful stories, engage with influential community leaders, and explore new perspectives on key research and data highlighting the importance of access to quality family planning and reproductive health products and services. Through interviews, networking sessions, and visits to local programs and initiatives, attendees gained deeper insights into the impact of reproductive health investments and innovative solutions within Malawi’s capital city of Lilongwe.
The trip underscored Malawi’s success in doubling the rate of modern contraceptive use compared to sub-Saharan Africa, significantly improving women’s health and socioeconomic wellbeing. Despite challenges such as rural distribution and reaching adolescents, Malawi has made various contraceptive choices available nationwide, including self-injectables and long-acting reversible contraceptives. This success, driven by government commitment and innovative strategies, serves as a model for other countries and emphasizes the transformative impact of family planning investments.
Our founder, Ms. Nthanda Manduwi, and FPNN Community Reporter, who was selected as one of 12 Global Media Scholars to cover the 2022 International Conference on Family Planning in Pattaya City, Thailand, played a pivotal role in facilitating the success of the reporting trip. Her expertise and dedication, alongside the collaboration between FPNN and the Ntha Foundation, ensured a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants.
The W.H. Gates Sr. Institute and the Family Planning News Network (FPNN) is in Malawi with a group of journalists and content creators, to report on the transformative power of family planning and reproductive health.
The 2024 FPNN Reporting Trip to Malawi was made possible through the partnership with the W. H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health and the International Conference on Family Planning.
Journalists interested in participating in future FPNN Reporting Trips are encouraged to visit familyplanningnewsnetwork.org for more information and to apply.
For updates and insights from the FPNN Malawi Reporting Trip, stay tuned to the Ntha Foundation website and social media channels.
About Family Planning News Network:
Family Planning News Network (FPNN) is dedicated to amplifying stories and voices from around the world that highlight the importance of family planning and reproductive health. Through the extensive network provided by its sister platform International Conference on Family Planning, FPNN provides journalists and content creators with access to resources, expert insights, and opportunities for collaboration.
About International Conference on Family Planning:
Since its inaugural convening in Kampala, Uganda in 2009, the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) has become a pivotal catalyst in global reproductive health. This world conference is a strategic inflection point for nations, institutions, and individuals seeking to pledge commitments and celebrate successes in family planning and reproductive health. More than a conference, ICFP has evolved into a digital platform resonating with researchers, health equity champions, governments, and communities alike. It’s a dynamic movement propelling universal family planning access, underpinned by a vibrant community fueled by collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and scientific integrity. ICFP stands as a testament to our shared commitment to shaping a world where every individual’s reproductive health is safeguarded, and where the principles of partnership, progress, and empowerment illuminate the path forward.
W.H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, located within the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, works to promote and cultivate new ways to accelerate locally led progress in family planning and sexual and reproductive health. The Institute conducts and facilitates cutting-edge research in family planning, adolescent and youth reproductive health and population dynamics, and translates science into evidence-informed policies, programs and practice.
About Ntha Foundation:
Ntha Foundation is an education trust that fosters the use of creativity and innovation for development through advocacy. We aim to assist in the creation of sustainable businesses, creating employment, and in the long run boosting the private sector. We use creativity and innovation to advocate for socio-economic transformation through strategic communication.
Work With Us
Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact our Business Development Associate; Ms. Abigail Zingani via contact@kwathucentre.org, or give us a call(direct or WhatsApp) on +265991850749.
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