PLACE aims to address the inequality in access to mapping data by establishing a non-profit data trust that serves the public interest. Unlike big tech companies like Google and Facebook, which are driven by shareholder interests, PLACE focuses on democratizing data, ensuring ethical use, and engaging with governments and local partners. The organization operates on a membership model, with members agreeing to ethical data use and contributing to the trust's sustainability. PLACE collaborates with various stakeholders to maintain high standards of data quality, privacy, and security, aiming to improve public services and environmental resilience.

A new licensing agreement is set to double the supply of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV-VR) in sub-Saharan Africa, a significant development for HIV prevention. The DPV-VR, made of flexible silicone and releasing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine over one month, is the first long-acting HIV prevention method approved for women aged 18 and above. It has been hailed as a breakthrough, reducing the risk of HIV infection in women by over 50%.

African leaders are advocating for a reform of the global financial system to better support developing nations in managing economic challenges and climate change impacts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, African countries accrued significant debt to sustain their economies, a situation highlighted by key figures such as Kenyan President William Ruto, African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, and African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina in a New York Times essay. This call for change comes ahead of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings.

Despite extensive civic education campaigns, vaccine hesitancy persists in Malawi, driven by myths about infertility and misinformation. Memory Nkosi, influenced by her Pentecostal church, fears the COVID-19 vaccine could affect her fertility. A study by CARE International found that women in low-income countries, including Malawi, are less likely to trust the vaccine due to these fears. Efforts are being made to combat misinformation, including establishing a toll-free line for vaccine-related inquiries. Experts emphasize the need for better information dissemination to address these myths and encourage vaccination.

AGRA, formerly known as the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, is shifting its focus towards sustainable farming to address the increasing climate calamities affecting Africa. The new strategy aims to develop climate-adaptive seeds and crops, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and expand small-scale irrigation. AGRA's partnership with CGIAR will help provide farmers with early-maturing, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant seeds. The organization aims to work with 28 million farmers in 15 countries to build resilience and enhance food security amidst climate change challenges.

MSI Reproductive Choices calls for the integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services into climate response funding commitments made at COP 26. The organization highlights the direct link between access to SRHR services and climate change, noting that disruptions in contraceptive access due to climate change have affected millions of women. The article discusses the severe impact of climate change on Malawi, emphasizing the increased vulnerability of women to unplanned pregnancies and gender-based violence. Key stakeholders, including the International Center for Research on Women and the World Bank, provide data on the economic and social impacts of climate change, while gender activists call for a gender-sensitive approach to climate adaptation. MSI and its partners urge governments and donors to include SRHR in climate funding to support those most affected by the climate crisis.

In Malawi's remote Nsanje district, traditional ambulances are often inaccessible, leading to high maternal mortality rates. Women and Children First, in collaboration with local NGO MaiKhanda, introduced bicycle ambulances, significantly reducing maternal deaths and improving health outcomes. The initiative has led to a 49% reduction in maternal mortality rates globally. Sakaramenta, a social enterprise, manufactures these ambulances, which have proven to be cost-effective and life-saving. In Tanzania, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Vodafone Foundation have implemented 'ambulance taxis' to further improve maternal health access.

Malawi is experiencing severe drug shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting public hospitals and forcing patients to seek expensive private alternatives. The shortage has critically impacted maternal care and surgical procedures, with health officials citing global logistics disruptions as a major cause. However, long-standing issues such as reduced budget allocations and theft of medical supplies have also contributed to the crisis. Health rights activists and organizations are calling for urgent solutions to address the chronic drug shortages and ensure the availability of essential medications.