Malawi · Africa
How many people die in Malawi every day?
In Malawi, about 329 people die every day, roughly one death every 4 minutes. That is about 120,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 69th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 62.9 years and the leading cause of death is hiv/aids. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
329
Deaths per year
120,000
Life expectancy
62.9 years
Population
20,405,317
Death rate
5.9 per 1,000
Top cause of death
HIV/AIDS
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Malawi
62.9
World avg
72.8
-9.9 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Malawi
5.9
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Malawi by time period
| Per hour | 14 |
| Per day | 329 |
| Per week | 2,301 |
| Per month | 10,000 |
| Per year | 120,000 |
What people die of in Malawi
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Malawi in 2023 was HIV/AIDS, which accounted for 10.3% of all deaths, about 39 a day. It was followed by pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections and stroke.
Deaths from cervical cancer have more than doubled since 2000, from about 1,640 to 3,658 a year. Deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 80% since 2000, from about 70,484 to 14,394 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HIV/AIDS | 14,394 | 39 | 10.3% | -80% |
| 2 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 12,244 | 34 | 8.8% | -12% |
| 3 | Stroke | 8,532 | 23 | 6.1% | +19% |
| 4 | Malaria | 7,376 | 20 | 5.3% | -61% |
| 5 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 7,180 | 20 | 5.2% | -62% |
| 6 | Preterm birth complications | 6,835 | 19 | 4.9% | +6% |
| 7 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 5,753 | 16 | 4.1% | +55% |
| 8 | Road injuries | 4,571 | 13 | 3.3% | +88% |
| 9 | Diabetes | 3,727 | 10 | 2.7% | +55% |
| 10 | Cervical cancer | 3,658 | 10 | 2.6% | +123% |
Deaths in Malawi since 2000
WHO estimates that about 139,306 people died in Malawi in 2023, 30% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 199,657 deaths |
| 2010 | 155,309 deaths |
| 2019 | 131,113 deaths |
| 2023 | 139,306 deaths |
Life expectancy in Malawi since 1950
A baby born in Malawi in 1950 could expect to live about 32.7 years. By 2023 that had risen to 67.4, a gain of 34.7 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 32.7 years |
| 1980 | 44.3 years |
| 2000 | 46.2 years |
| 2010 | 57.8 years |
| 2019 | 65 years |
| 2023 | 67.4 years |
Malawi compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Malawi ranks 18th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malawi | 329 | 62.9 | HIV/AIDS |
| Zambia | 384 | 61.2 | HIV/AIDS |
| Burkina Faso | 438 | 59.3 | Malaria |
| Chad | 466 | 52.5 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Somalia | 411 | 55.4 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Mali | 521 | 58.9 | Malaria |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Malawi every day?
In Malawi, about 329 people die every day, or roughly one death every 4 minutes. That adds up to about 120,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Malawi?
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Malawi. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put HIV/AIDS first in 2023, with 10.3% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Malawi?
Life expectancy at birth in Malawi is 62.9 years, 9.9 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 161st of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Malawi high?
Malawi records about 5.9 deaths per 1,000 people each year, below the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.