The US and Malawi governments Tuesday expressed worry over the rate the country’s population is growing, describing it as “way too much” for a country like Malawi.

Director for USAID Health Office in Malawi, Peter Halpert, and Principal Secretary for Health, MacPhail Magwira, sounded the concern in their separate addresses during the launch of the Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) 2016 – 2020 in Lilongwe.

Halpert said the country’s population growth might be the most significant threat to Malawi’s long-term development and prosperity if it remains unchecked.

“Forty million people,” said Halpert, pausing for effect. “That is the estimated number of people that will be living in Malawi by the year 2040 if women continue to have five or more children in their families – that is more than double the current population.