Socio-cultural and Economic Aspects of Public Health
Studying how poverty, culture, gender, and health-system design shape health-seeking behaviour and outcomes across Malawi.
CSR does not conduct clinical or biomedical research — instead, this theme examines the social and economic dimensions of health: why households make the health and nutrition decisions they do, why service uptake varies so widely between communities, and where health systems are failing the people who rely on them.
Recent and ongoing work spans reproductive and adolescent health, mental health service availability in rural districts, the economics of family planning provision, nutrition and food choice among women and children, and the wellbeing of informal caregivers supporting elderly or chronically ill relatives. Much of this research is conducted in partnership with international public health institutions and feeds directly into Ministry of Health planning.
This theme contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and the health and population pillar of MGDS III. Consistent with CSR's crosscutting research agenda, it also increasingly incorporates the health effects of climate change and the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic on service delivery and community resilience.
Related Projects
A situation analysis of non-biomedical interventions in Malawi
2011
Access to healthcare for vulnerable people in Africa(Equitable)
Dr. Alister Munthali · 2011
An exploration of barriers and attitudes towards sexuality and reproductive health education in primary schools in Malawi: A pilot study - Dr Chimtsanya
Dr Gloria Likupe, Prof Alister Munthali · 2019
Applicable
Prof Alister Munthali · 2019
Challenging the politics of social exclusion project
2020
Related Publications
The role of social actors in water access in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Malawi and Zambia. Water Resources and Rural Development
Scanlon Ted, Paul Uguru Obinna, Jafry Tahseen, Chinsinga Blessings, Mvula Peter, Chunga Joseph, Mukuka Zimba Lilian, Mwape Mwansa, Nyundo Lucy, Mwiinga Brian, Chungu Kevin · 2016
Early childhood development: The role of community based childcare centres in Malawi
Munthali Alister, Mvula Peter, Silo Lois · 2014
The thought that i could continue with school got lost: a qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on the education and sexual and reproductive health of Malawi youth
Elikem Togo, Tawonga W. Mwase-Vuma, Chrissie Thakwalakwa, Elizabeth Millar, Milissa Markiewicz, Esme Kadzamira, Janine J. Kayange, Dadirai Mkombe & Jessica Fehringer · 2025