By Starphel Sithole
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services remain available across Malawi, despite the United States Government policy on foreign aid. The assurance was delivered during a media engagement campaign organized by the Network of Journalists Living with HIV (JONEHA), which focused on addressing the misinformation around the funding suspension and reinforcing public confidence in the health system.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rabson Kachala, Deputy Director for HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis in the Ministry of Health, highlighted that government has activated contingency plans to ensure continuity of HIV services, especially in areas most impacted by funding disruptions.
“We have put in place strategies to ensure that services continue without interruption,” said Dr. Kachala. “No one will be left behind. Our priority is to sustain access to life-saving treatment and care.”
Dr. Kachala disclosed that, as of March 2025, approximately 991,000 people in Malawi are living with HIV, of whom 945,000 are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART). He also noted that 46,000 people remain undiagnosed, underscoring the ongoing need to promote HIV testing services.
David Kamkwamba, Executive Director of JONEHA, urged journalists to play an active role in disseminating accurate information about the availability of HIV services and the importance of treatment adherence.
“People need to know their HIV status and continue accessing ART and viral load monitoring services. These services are still available in our health facilities,” Kamkwamba emphasized.
“The media must help combat misinformation and reassure the public that the health system is still responding effectively.”
Kamkwamba also commended government’s Health Financing Strategy, which aims to increase domestic resource mobilization, improve efficiency in health spending, and build resilience in HIV service delivery through partnerships with development partners.
The media engagement campaign funded by the United Nations Joint Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) highlighted the critical role of journalists in shaping public understanding, reducing stigma, and holding institutions accountable during this period of financial uncertainty. Participants agreed that accurate and consistent media reporting is essential to sustaining progress in the national HIV response.
