The National AIDS Commission (NAC) would like to respond to recent articles in the media alleging that funds meant to fight HIVand AIDS are instead being abused by funding organizations not directly involved in the fight against HIVand AIDS.
The media has specifically singled out Beautify Malawi Trust, MuhlakhowaAhlomwe and National Intelligence Service (NIS) as those organizations that have benefited from NAC funding, amounting to MK5 million,MK9.4 million and MK45 million, respectively.
The public might wish to be informed that the existing sub granting procedures provide for multiple channels of financing that include both solicited grant recipient organizations as well as demand driven applications.
NAC also uses existing opportunities to advance the HIV and AIDS agenda, through high level advocacy, HIV and AIDS information, education and communication, on issues of HIV prevention, treatment and care, as wellas stigma and discrimination by supporting major national events, where a wide cross-section of the society avail themselves.
NAC wishes to put it on record that it did not grant any money to Beautify Malawi but rather participated in the Beautify Malawi launch activities through buying dinner tables for stakeholders and advertising during the launch.
As a cultural grouping, Muhlakho wa Ahlomwe was supported through high level advocacy activities for HIV and AIDS issues.
The public might also wish to note that in 2013 and 2014, a similar cultural grouping, Umhlangano waMaseko Ngoni was supported, during which NAC had the opportunity to provide HIV and AIDS information, education and communication messages.
As far as the request from NIS is concerned, it was received just like other countless requests the Commission receives from various organizations and this particular request was never funded.
The Commission is very grateful to the media and the public for showing keen interest in the national response to HIV and AIDS and ensuring that resources are put into good use.
For more information please contact:
The Executive Director
National AIDS Commission
P.O. Box 30622
Lilongwe 3
Tel 01770022
Fax 01 776 249
Email: nac@aidsmalawi.org.mw