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SocietyMalawi

Malawi: Paternity test push sparks tension

February 5, 2026

A surge in paternity testing is catching Malawians off guard and raising fears of family rifts. Why are clinics urging more tests, and what does this trend mean for trust and modern relationships?

https://p.dw.com/p/588pe

An aggressive push for paternity tests is sweeping Malawi, catching many by surprise and stirring fears of broken homes.

With clinics urging couples to get tested and counselors calling for caution, Malawians are questioning what this trend means for trust, culture, and modern family life.

In this episode of DW's AfricaLink podcast, Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena unpacks the paternity-test controversy — and what's driving it — with family counselor Caswell Mkanda and DW's Chimwemwe Padatha in Lilongwe.

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About the show

AfricaLink Podcast

AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink is packed with news, politics, culture and more — every weekday. From combating health issues and freedom of expression to finances, tolerance and environmental protection, we have it covered.