I have lost loved ones in my life. The pain sometimes goes away. Then it comes back, like a roller coaster. Death is inevitable, but I wish they were here. Pandemics are a threat to humankind and we do our best to fight and survive. Covid-19, Ebola, HIV.
I am from Malawi. One of the countries with the highest HIV burden in Southern Africa. In a population of about 19 million people, there are 1,060,000 people living with HIV. The first HIV infection was confirmed in Malawi in 1982. That is almost four decades ago. New HIV infections rose to around 111,000 in 1992. AIDS related deaths reached the highest in 2005 with over 60,000 deaths. Despite these alarming figures, due to efforts from civil society, Malawi government through the Ministry of Health and the donor community, new HIV infections in 2020 were at 33,000 and HIV related deaths at 13,000. Surely we are making progress. But this is not enough to end HIV and AIDS.
We can do better
There is urgent need for a multilayered approach in the fight against HIV. HIV treatment is working well yes, but how about we seriously couple it with prevention? Options such as condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision, oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis, long acting injectable PrEP, vaginal dapivirine ring are either available or in the pipeline. Let’s also move a step further to societal enablers. There is need to address the social and structural factors that slow progress against HIV and AIDS. Reduced inequalities in the HIV response will ensure that responses meet the needs of all people. Malawi should therefore review and remove punitive laws that lead to the limitation of access to services for specific communities. Forty years down the line, we should not have stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV as well as key populations. Forty years of HIV should teach us that there is no place for gender based inequality or any form of gender based violence against women and girls in our communities. Fully leveraging the synergies for combination prevention, treatment as well as societal enablers is key to end HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Yes, this can be done!
An opportunity for concerted efforts
Following the political declaration on HIV and AIDS in 2016, another high level meeting will take place between 8 and 10 June this year. This meeting will review the progress made in reducing the impact of HIV since the declaration last made in 2016.
It is of great importance that Malawi government participates in this 2021 high-level meeting and that civil society is fully engaged. This participation is critical and comes at a time where some countries have been pushing back on commitments to strong human rights protections for key populations, and sexual and reproduction health services. There is therefore need to strengthen the political declaration rather that weaken it, as we strive to end HIV and AIDS.
Amplified voice
The need for collaborated efforts in the fight against HIV cannot be overemphasized. Forty years of HIV, Malawi is making strides towards ending HIV epidemic. This is owed to the great national response and coordination work that National AIDS Commission is committed to. This is a result of Advocates’ great work and an amplified voice! This progress could not be registered without key population led organizations taking the lead on issues that affect them. We cannot have better results without healthcare workers who are proud to serve everyone. Shout out to all community-led organizations for the immerse contribution in the fight against HIV! Shout out to the donor community, AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)!
I am a proud Malawian. Proud of the progress we are making towards ending HIV and AIDS. Linking with the COVID-19 response, this 40th anniversary brings with it new commitment and energy to end AIDS by 2030!
Forty years of HIV and AIDS
Very informative article
Well said