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Getting help

Simple steps for urgent help, helpline numbers, and what to say when you call.

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If the problem is urgent

  • If someone is in danger, get help as soon as you can.
  • Use the fastest safe option: call a hotline, go to a clinic, or go to a protection point.
  • If the first number does not connect, try another safe contact.

Call these contacts

Police emergency

990 or 997

Malawi national police lines. These can sometimes be unreliable — if they do not connect, go to the nearest police post.

Child helpline

116

Use this if a child is in danger, being harmed, or needs urgent protection.

GBV crisis line

5600

Use this for gender-based violence, trafficking, forced marriage, or abuse.

Youth helpline

393

Use this for confidential youth support and referrals.

UNHCR Malawi office

+265 177 2155

Use this for refugee status, documentation, or protection follow-up.

Know these things before you call

  • Your name, if it is safe to give it.
  • A safe phone number, if you have one.
  • Your location or block.
  • What happened and when it happened.
  • What language you need.

Useful next pages

Get help now

The full urgent help page with hotline links and support routes.

Help Desk

Use this when the problem is not urgent and you need help finding the right page.

New to Dzaleka

A practical page if you have just arrived and need first steps.

Where these contacts came from

Checked on 18 April 2026. YONECO lists 116, 5600, and 393 on its public contact page. UNHCR Malawi lists the office phone number and working hours on its Malawi country page.