By Wendi Mkandawire
The ministry of health says Malawi has achieved the global HIV treatment targets with more than 95 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status receiving life-saving Antiretroviral therapy.
Speaking during the launch of Revolutionary Twice-Yearly HIV prevention Injection known as Lenacapavir on Thursday 2 July 2026, the Minister of health Madalitso Baloyi said that the accomplishments have significantly reduced AIDS related deaths and improved the quality and life expectancy for thousands of Malawians continues to register new HIV infections.
She further said that the new infections remain disproportionately high among adolescent girls and young women and other populations at substantial risk of acquisition.Baloyi has however called upon health workers to continue providing high- quality respectful and confidential services while urging traditional leaders, faith leaders civil society organizations, communities and media to promote accurate information and encourage equitable access to HIV prevention services.
In her remarks Chief Executive Director for the National AIDS Commission NAC Dr Beatrice Matanje said Malawi has made significant strides in the fight against HIV noting that they have managed to achieve 95,95,95 targets by the year 2024.
” We were among the very first in six countries of the SADC region to achieve and we are still going on”, she added.
Matanje indicated that the biggest challenge Malawi still has new infections coming though there is 76 reduction in new infection between 2010 and 2025.
Commenting on the matter United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Jonathan Fischer said that they are providing enough doses to protect 38,000 Malawians this year,2026 with more coming over the next three years .” In clinical trials, Len demonstrated over 99 percent effectiveness making it among the most powerful HIV prevention tools ever development “, he explained
Jonathan further said that the United States is proud to support the effort not just with the Lenacapavir itself but also with the supplies and expertise necessary for a successful and sustainable rollout.
United States, is working with the government of Malawi, the global fund ,civil society faith based organizations, health workers and communities.
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Wendy Mkandawire is a journalist for Leyman Publications based in Lilongwe, Malawi. |
