The project is a partnership between CIC Life, MicroInsurance Services Ltd., and VisionFund Malawi that aims to provide health insurance to women and their families in rural areas of Malawi. 

In Malawi's rural areas, access to healthcare is a significant challenge. With 86% of Malawi's rural population (approximately 20 million people) living on less than $3 per day, these communities are highly vulnerable to health-related risks with little to no financial safety net. Lack of awareness and financial literacy are also major challenges. To address this, the project aims to enhance financial education as a precursor to introducing the Abwenzi Rural Health Insurance product. This comprehensive, hospital cash microinsurance product is designed to provide cash benefits to subscribers in the event of hospitalisation, personal accident injuries, maternity/childbirth, and outpatient visits. 

The primary beneficiaries of this project are the residents of rural communities in Malawi who are currently underserved by traditional insurance offerings. The project targets women and their families residing in these areas, aiming to reach and provide coverage for 100,000 members of households through 50,000 policies.

Women in Malawi are responsible for nursing the sick, caring for the disabled, providing outpatient care for malaria cases, and collecting food assistance from their neighbours at the time of a funeral. Poor families also have limited resources to prepare for an oncoming baby. The product will provide the policyholder with financial assistance, easing the financial burden for women. 

What is innovative about it? The product embraces mobile phone technology which makes access to the product more accessible for rural communities. It is unique in that it bundles multiple risks under one cover, enables premiums to be paid in instalments and is delivered using local formed cooperatives and savings groups. In addition, the ability to quickly settle claims within 24 hours make it a unique and innovative offering. 

How does it follow a value-orientated solution framework? The project takes an innovative and value-oriented approach, intertwining economic empowerment, education, community resilience and gender inclusivity. As a cooperative, there will be constant engagement with the policyholder, starting with the product development and then throughout the project period to ensure the product meets the specific needs of its policyholders.

Gender equality: The project deliberately targets women, recognising their central role in rural communities in Malawi. For instance, the project includes a childbirth benefit, specifically designed to support women. Also, by providing cash benefits to women, often responsible for caring for the sick and managing funeral gatherings, this project provides women with additional financial security. 

Education: The project proposes to provide financial education as a way of raising awareness prior to selling the rural health insurance product. This approach ensures that potential customers understand the importance and benefits of insurance, enhancing their financial literacy and risk management knowledge. 

Community building and resilience: The project leverages community-based organisations like village savings and loan groups (VSLGs) and farmers' cooperatives for the delivery of the insurance coverage. This strategy not only aids in the distribution of the product but also strengthens community ties and resilience. When families have access to health insurance, they are less likely to face catastrophic healthcare expenses that can push them into poverty. Additionally, Abwenzi RHI can encourage people to seek medical care when they need it, leading to improved health outcomes and increased productivity  poverty. Additionally, Abwenzi RHI can encourage people to seek medical care when they need it, leading to improved health outcomes and increased product