By Cathy Maulidi:
The Global Fund, in partnership with the Malawi Government, has launched three new grants totalling over $525 million (K893 billion) to combat HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in the country.
The grants, covering the period from 2024 to 2027, aim to advance progress against these diseases while strengthening health and community systems across Malawi.
At the launch ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe Tuesday, President Lazarus Chakwera expressed his gratitude to the Global Fund for its ongoing support to Malawi.
“This marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to fighting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria—diseases that have long plagued the people of Malawi and hindered our progress,” Chakwera said.
He added that the Fund’s support is improving the health of Malawians.
The President further stated that the Global Fund has been an invaluable partner to Malawi since 2003, supporting the country’s development agenda through its contributions to the healthcare system and the fight against diseases.
Mark Edington, Head of Grant Management at the Global Fund, praised Malawi’s long-standing partnership with the Fund.
“The grants reflect Malawi’s strong commitment to combating HIV, TB and malaria despite challenges such as climate change,” Edington said.
He also noted that Malawi still needs to do more in its fight against these diseases.
“While not being complacent, this is a fight the Republic of Malawi is winning and we, as the Global Fund, are proud to have stood by its side, along with other partners, over these past 21 years.
“The Republic of Malawi continues to lead the fight to eradicate HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and is a major contributor to achieving the international goals for each of these diseases,” Edington said.
United States Chargé d’Affaires Amy Diaz expressed pride in her country’s role as one of the founding donors to the Global Fund.
The US government has committed $6 billion to the Fund, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the $15.7 billion pledged by donors.
Other countries supporting the Global Fund include Japan, Britain and Norway.
The HIV-focused grant aim to meet the UNAids 95-95-95 targets by expanding comprehensive, patient-centred care, including the management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
The TB grant will accelerate efforts to reduce incidence and mortality by enhancing rapid molecular testing, preventive therapy and optimising treatment for drug-resistant TB.
For malaria, the grant will support Malawi’s goal to eliminate the disease by 2030. This includes increasing coverage with vector control interventions from 37 percent in 2022 to at least 90 percent by 2030.
In addition to disease-specific efforts, the grants will strengthen health systems to support Malawi’s universal health coverage agenda.
