The population of Malawi is projected to more than triple in 30 years. If unchecked, this rapid growth would overwhelm the already struggling health care system, resulting in many inefficiencies and failures. The most recent Demographic and Health Survey shows modern contraceptive use among married women rose from 7 in 1992 to 42 percent in 2010, and the fertility rate dropped from 6.7 to 5.7 during the same period.

U.S. assistance promotes awareness of the importance of family planning and impact of rapid population growth on development through advocacy and social behavior change and communication. Other efforts expand voluntary, quality family planning services within health facilities and through outreach and community-based distribution.