"The government of Malawi salutes Madonna for coming back with the child for the father to see him," Minister of Information, Patricia Kaliati, told Reuters.

Madonna is paying for a new clinic to be built in the village of Gumulira and is supporting efforts by aid groups to help improve food security and education there.

"We are very happy to receive Madonna today and we are thankful for her support," Chief Ntanga, the village chief, told Reuters after meeting the singer.