Government laments gaps in HIV fight

By Isaac Salima

Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has urged people to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring that the country meets the zero HIV infection target by 2030.

The minister made the remarks Thursday in Mpemba, Blantyre, as the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Aids Day.

“We have taken the right direction to eliminate the disease but there are still a lot [of work] to be done, including reaching out to youths and adolescents who are a risky group to infection. We also need to intensify community engagements and also do away with some cultural practices,” she said.

At the event, the minister also launched the HIV/Aids Policy which will run from 2022 to 2027 to guide the nation on how to implement activities in combating the disease.

Meanwhile, the National Aids Commission (Nac) has applauded stakeholders’ efforts in addressing problems associated with HIV infection.

Nac Commissioner Maclan Kankhomba also thanked the government for setting aside money for the procurement of antiretroviral drugs in this year’s national budget.

Malawi Aids Counselling and Resource Organisation Executive Director Clement Odedi called for the scaling up of efforts in the fight.

The day was observed under the theme ‘Equitable Access to Quality HIV Services to All’.