Africa-Press – Malawi. By Brenda Kayo:
The Ministry of Health has said although Malawi has made progress in reducing incidences of HIV infection in women, there are still challenges in producing positive outcomes in men and children.
Samson MndoloPrincipal Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo disclosed this in Lilongwe on Wednesday during a joint review meeting on HIV and Aids response.
According to Mndolo, Malawi has made some progress in controlling the HIV and Aids epidemic, particularly among women—with 97 percent of them knowing their status, 96 percent being on anti-retroviral treatment (ART) and 96 percent achieving viral load suppression.
He, however, said challenges persisted in reaching that feat among men and children.
Mndolo said, currently, 93 percent of men are aware of their status, 95 percent are on ART, with 95 percent achieving viral load suppression.
As for children aged between zero and 14 years, 87 percent are said to be aware of their HIV and Aids status, 83 percent are on ART, with 84 percent achieving viral load suppression.
He said to overcome the remaining challenges, Malawi would need to focus on increasing awareness, testing as well as treatment among men and children.
“There is also a need to address disparities in HIV prevalence and viral load suppression among different age groups and populations.
“In as far as we have achieved the target of 95:95:95, we need to do more in men and our children so that, by 2030, we achieve the zero HIV and Aids-free country status goal,” Mndolo said.
On her part, National Aids Commission (Nac) Chairperson Chipo Kanjo said they would continue to work with all stakeholders to support HIV prevention, treatment and care service provision efforts, particularly those targeting children and men.
“We are closely working with government officials to ensure that this is done,” Kanjo said.
Meanwhile, health rights activist Maziko Matemba has emphasised the need to invest more in the health sector to achieve the country’s goals.
“In as far as we have been doing well in the fight against HIV and Aids, there is a need to invest more money and resources in health service delivery,” Matemba said.
At the review meeting, officials presented awards to hospitals for their exceptional work in responding to HIV and Aids.
Blantyre Adventist Hospital was named the top facility in responding to HIV and Aids.
Statistics from Nac indicate that as of 2023, approximately 946,000 adults were living with HIV in Malawi.
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