Malawi’s Chikwama Diocese Launches HIV/AIDS Facility to Tackle Infections

He adds, “We are also addressing cases of sexual violence and GBV among OVC and AGYW”, which are quite alarming in the district as well as enhancing “child protection systems by building the capacity of local organizations.”

Statistics indicate that at 8.9 percent as of 2019, Malawi is one of the top ten countries with highest number of HIV prevalence in Africa, coming after Eswatini (Swaziland), which has 27 percent, Lesotho at 22 percent, and Botswana at 20 percent among other countries on the continent.

UNAIDS also indicates that of all adults aged 15 years and over living with HIV, 79 percent are on treatment, while only 61 percent of children aged 0–14 years living with HIV are on treatment.

The Chikwawa Diocesan project seeks to, among others, build capacity for caregivers, vulnerable families and health workers to collaboratively look into the plight of the OVC and ADYW.

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Commenting on the development, the District Director of Planning and Development, Thokozire Ngwira expressed high hopes about the project saying the district is already alarmed with high cases of GBV and rapid spread of HIV.

She also urged district stakeholders to render all needed support towards a smooth implementation of the project.

The APA project is being implemented with support from USAID and the country’s President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR).

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.