By Brenda Kayo:
The HIV threat continues to linger over Malawi, with statistics indicating that the country is registering 15,000 cases a year.
This came to the fore on Friday at the Executive Committee of the Malawi HIV and Aids Partnership Forum on Friday.
The meeting attracted delegates from Malawi Partnership Forum for HIV and Aids and National Aids Commission (Nac), among others.
Manet+ Executive Director Lawrence Khonyongwa said 15,000 represents a lot of people, such that there is a need for concerted efforts.
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“There is a need for concerted efforts if we are to end HIV and Aids by 2030,” Khonyongwa said.
He, however, said the country is making progress in the 95:95:95 project since people with HIV are aware of their status and are responding well to medication.
“We, as a country, are making progress on 95:95:95 goals. That is to say, a lot of people living with HIV know their status and are on ART.
“As of today, we are at 94:99:94, which shows that we are progressing well,” he said.
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UNaids Country Director Nuha Ceesay commended the Government of Malawi for investing in efforts aimed at eliminating HIV and Aids by 2030.
“We are aware that there is progress in HIV response. We have been estimating 70,000 new HIV infections annually in past years but, now, we are talking of 15,000. Even though one new infection is too many, there is progress.
“We commend the government for developing robust strategies and policies that result in the country identifying game changers that have contributed to the reduction of new HIV infections,” he said.
The conference brought together delegates who discussed matters pertaining to the implementation of the national strategic plan for HIV.
