University of Malawi Study Finds 32% Teenage Pregnancy Rate and 90% Linked School Dropout in 2024

Researchers at the University of Malawi presented findings at a dissemination meeting by the Centre for Social Research in Zomba on or before 11 May 2026. The study showed teenage pregnancies in Malawi stood at 32 percent in 2024. The school dropout rate linked to teenage pregnancies reached 90 percent that same year.

For more than three decades, Malawi has implemented interventions by NGOs, government departments and development partners to reduce teenage pregnancies. Joseph Chunga said the study gathered views from stakeholders including health officials, parents and community representatives on causes of teenage pregnancies and possible solutions.

"We did not make recommendations ourselves, but instead sought input from stakeholders," Chunga said.

He added that the centre disseminates research findings monthly to encourage discussion and improve future studies.

MacBain Mkandawire stated that stakeholders have been talking about figures since the 1990s but are not talking about the causes.

Next time we are here, let us hear about the causes," Mkandawire said. He stated that many interventions may be doing the wrong things while thinking they are right and that new interventions are needed.

"We have continuously done the wrong things while thinking we are right. We need new interventions to address teenage pregnancies," Mkandawire said. MacBain Mkandawire challenged stakeholders to interrogate the quality of services and whether interventions are helping communities or creating institutional activity without measurable results.