Airtel Money, in partnership with Wella Medical Aid Society (WEMAS), has launched Thanzi, Malawi’s first micro health insurance scheme, aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare for underserved populations, particularly in rural communities.

Speaking at the launch event in Lilongwe, Airtel Money Managing Director Thokozani Sande said the initiative leverages Airtel's mobile money platform to expand health coverage nationwide.

“We believe the Airtel Money platform can serve as a digital health model, not just for sending and receiving money,” Sande said.

Through the Thanzi scheme, users can register and manage their health insurance entirely via the Airtel Money platform, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and expanding accessibility in hard-to-reach areas.

WEMAS Board Chairperson Anderson Gondwe emphasized that the partnership aims to raise the national health insurance coverage rate from around 30 percent to approximately six million Malawians.

Gondwe noted that the microinsurance model addresses the challenge of affordability, with a minimum subscription of just K500 per month, providing coverage of up to K2 million.

“The insurance plan has three tiers: the Bronze package at K500 per month offers coverage up to K2 million; Silver at K1,000 covers up to K3 million; and Gold, at K2,000 per month, provides coverage worth up to K4 million,” Gondwe explained.

Ministry of Health Chief of Health Services for Reforms, Matias Joshua, hailed the initiative as a significant step toward achieving health equity and financial protection for all Malawians. He urged citizens to enroll in the scheme to ensure easier access to affordable healthcare.

As part of the launch, WEMAS donated K560,000 to the Zoe Foundation which supports 112 orphaned children. Additionally, WEMAS will cover the annual health insurance subscriptions for the children and staff at the orphanage under the Thanzi scheme.

The Thanzi micro insurance scheme is positioned as a cost-effective solution to Malawi’s healthcare accessibility challenges.

(Written By: Sarah Tembo)