21/01/2026
MLW Study Reveals 32% reduction in infection-related maternal deaths and severe illness through Innovative APT Approach
LILONGWE, Malawi – A landmark study by the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW) has found that health facilities implementing the APT Sepsis approach achieved a significant 32% reduction in mothers dying from infections or becoming severely ill.
These results were shared today during a high-level dissemination meeting in Lilongwe. The event, hosted by the MLW Maternal and Neonatal Health Group, brought together policymakers, clinicians, and partners to review evidence aimed at drastically improving maternal health outcomes across Malawi.
The meeting focused on the results of the Active Prevention and Treatment of Maternal Sepsis (APT Sepsis) Study. The research examined whether a structured, evidence-based approach could empower health workers to prevent infections, detect sepsis early, and respond rapidly with life-saving treatment.
The intervention focused on two critical areas namely prevention and treatment. On prevention, the study focused on strengthening hand hygiene and infection-prevention practices, and for treatment, on the introduction of the FAST-M bundle (Fluids, Antibiotics, Source control, Transfer, and Monitoring).
The scale of the study was extensive, covering 59 health facilities across Malawi and Uganda and reaching more than 430,000 women.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Judith Mkwaila highlighted the vital role these findings will play in shaping national health policy. She commended the research team for their work, noting that the study provides a roadmap for eliminating sepsis.
"It is encouraging to see such highly cost-effective approaches making a profound impact on a major national health challenge," Dr. Mkwaila stated. "These findings are essential in shaping Malawi’s efforts to protect the lives of mothers across the country."
