BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and Aids (UNAids) has announced its decision to leave Malawi and coordinate affairs from Zimbabwe, sparking concern among stakeholders in the HIV and Aids response.
The move is part of a broader transformation under the UN80 initiative, aimed at reforming the UN system.
According to UNAids Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, the decision follows a request from the UNAids Board proposing a new operating model for the organization.
While a small UNAids Secretariat presence will remain in Lilongwe, the bulk of technical and strategic leadership will be provided from Zimbabwe.
Byanyima assured that the UNAids Joint Programme will continue to support Malawi’s efforts to end Aids as a public health threat by 2030.
Concerns from stakeholders
Stakeholders, including the Civil Society Advocacy Forum (Csaf), have expressed deep concern over the recommendation.
Csaf chairperson Gift Trapence described the decision as “a devastating blow,” noting that UNAids has been central to Malawi’s progress toward the global 95-95-95 targets and the 2030 ambition of ending HIV as a public health threat.
Trapence emphasized that UNAids’ absence risks undoing the fragile progress made in Malawi’s HIV response.
Government response
The Malawi Government has increased domestic financing for HIV programming, according to Ministry of Health’s HIV and Viral Hepatitis Directorate deputy director Rabson Kachala.
However, government officials were not readily available for comment on the UNAids decision.
Impact on Malawi’s HIV response
Malawi’s fight against HIV and Aids has made significant progress in recent years, with the country achieving 95%, 91%, and 87% of the UNAids 95-95-95 target. Despite this progress, stakeholders warn that UNAids’ exit will have far-reaching consequences for HIV service delivery, community resilience, and human rights.
With over 1 million Malawians receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment, the country’s HIV response remains a critical concern.
As Malawi navigates this new development, stakeholders are urging the government and international partners to work closely together to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the gains made in the country’s HIV response.
