Improving Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Malawi
We are working with adolescents, family and community members, health workers, policy makers, and other organizations to design, implement and evaluate approaches to improving adolescent health and wellbeing.
How we work
We are working with adolescents, parents and guardians and other interested parties to develop promising approaches to improve their health and wellbeing using a multi-sectoral approach. The following are our main work strands:
Capacity Strengthening and Training
Economic and Policy Frameworks
Formative Research and Longitudinal Observatory
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Adolescents
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Inspiring Adolescent Wellbeing
We are a joint research initiative of:
News and Events
NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025
The NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025 brought together researchers, policymakers, and institutional partners in Blantyre to reflect on progress, share insights, and shape the next phase of work to improve adolescent health and wellbeing in Malawi. With presentations across six Work Strands and leadership from key ministries, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to youth-centred, evidence-driven impact.
It’s not just a process! Co-designing workshops also strengthens Mental Health
“It’s Not Just a Process: Co-Designing WASH Interventions Also Strengthens Mental Health”
During Mental Health Awareness Week, NIHR-GHRG Work Strand 4 (WASH and Adolescent Health) reflects on how community-led co-design workshops have supported more than just sanitation solutions – they’ve nurtured adolescent mental wellbeing.
By bringing together adolescents, parents, teachers, health workers, and local leaders to collaboratively design interventions, we created safe, inclusive spaces where young people felt heard and valued. Discussions around menstruation, bullying, and hygiene facilities became gateways for building trust, empathy, and dignity—key pillars of mental health.
This experience reinforces a vital truth: community-driven participation isn’t just about solving problems – it’s a powerful act of collective care.
Listening Differently: WS6 Trains for Child-Centred Research on Adolescent Wellbeing in Blantyre
The Team researching on Inspiring Adolescent Wellbeing (WS6) recently completed a week-long training in Blantyre, Malawi, preparing researchers to explore how adolescents aged 10–14 perceive their social and emotional wellbeing. The training focused on ethical research practices, adapting tools into Chichewa, and using innovative storytelling methods to engage young participants. This participatory and narrative-driven approach aims to create a safe, child-centred environment where adolescents can share what truly matters to them.