By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Health rights activists and national HIV stakeholders have urged government and partners to maintain strong financing and focus on the HIV and AIDS response, warning that gains made over the years must not be reversed.

Speaking during World AIDS Day commemorations, health activist Mazuko Matemba stressed the need for continued investment in HIV programmes.

He said HIV and AIDS must remain a key priority for government, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities, noting that the disease still has no cure and continues to affect young men and women.

At the same event, National AIDS Commission (NAC) Executive Director Beatrice Matanje announced that Malawi has reached HIV epidemic control.

She said the country has successfully achieved the 95-95-95 global treatment targets—with 95% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment virally suppressed.

Matanje further highlighted a significant decline in national HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 and above, dropping from over 14% in the late 1990s to 7.3% in 2020, reflecting the impact of sustained national interventions.

Despite this progress, activists are calling for consistent financial support and commitment to ensure Malawi maintains these milestones.

They warn that without continued focus from all sectors, the country risks losing the gains made in controlling the epidemic.

The call comes as Malawi aims to strengthen its HIV prevention, treatment and community support systems to sustain the progress achieved so far.

The Maravi Post