The LGPI in Malawi: Selected Findings on Health (2016)

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Gross national income per capita is just $747 U.S., and nearly 51 percent of the population resides below the national poverty line.  As such, much of the population suffers from health ailments. This report draws on data from the Local Government Performance Index (LGPI)—a heavily clustered, multidimensional, experience-based survey implemented in Malawi from March 24 to April 27, 2016. The LGPI records the frequency of illnesses and chronic diseases among Malawians, Malawians’ ability to access health-care services, and the quality of those services. The data allows us to analyze the relationship between disease incidence and socio-demographic indices, such as gender, education, geographical location, and wealth. The results of this analysis can easily be compared with extant data from government and non-government sources.