MALAWI: Blantyre Archdiocese Rethinks Clergy Healthcare Funding
Luke Bisani
The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Malawi, Most Reverend Thomas Luke Msusa, has unveiled plans to shift from the traditional fundraising model of hosting annual dinner-and-dance events to a more sustainable approach to financing priests’ medical care.
Speaking during a Valentine Dinner and Dance held on February 13, 2026, at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre, Archbishop Msusa said the Archdiocese recognizes the need to adopt a long-term funding strategy for the priests’ medical scheme.
“We understand that people may grow weary of attending these events year after year. The Archdiocese is therefore working on a more sustainable way of generating funds for the medical scheme,” said Archbishop Msusa.
He commended patrons from various parishes across the Archdiocese for their continued support, noting that the initiative has significantly eased the challenges priests face in accessing quality medical care.
Among the notable guests was Dalitso Kabambe, leader of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), who applauded the Archdiocese of Blantyre for prioritizing the health and well-being of its clergy.
“When we look at the national allocation to the health sector, the per capita funding remains limited. Initiatives like these ensure that our priests are able to access better medical services,” Kabambe explained.
During the event, the Archdiocese of Blantyre aimed to raise over USD 86,000 towards the priests’ medical cover. The event also received a boost from the neighboring Diocese of Zomba, with the attendance of the Bishop of Zomba, Rt. Rev. Alfred Chaima, priests, and Sisters from the Diocese of Chikwawa, who came in large numbers.
Traditionally, the Archdiocese organizes two annual fundraising dinner-and-dance events to support both the priests’ medical scheme and seminarians’ formation. The proposed shift signals a strategic move towards ensuring long-term sustainability in caring for the clergy.
