Malawi’s Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has called for concerted efforts in combating HIV/Aids in Malawi.
Chiponda, made the remarks at the joint commemoration of World Aids Day and International Aids Candle light Memorial at Chamtunga ground, University of Malawi campus, in Zomba, on December 1.
Speaking during the event, Chiponda acknowledged progress in disease management while expressing serious concerns about rising HIV infection rates among youths and adolescents.
According to Chiponda, the country faces significant health challenges with 14,000 infections annually, approximately affecting young men and women aged between 15 and 39 respectively.
She has emphasized the importance for stakeholders to advocate for policies and promote HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
Said Chiponda: “We are pleading with young men and women in the country to refrain from unacceptable behaviors and take part in championing the right to health by addressing inequalities, advocating for human rights and amplifying marginalised voices. Together, let’s commit to spread awareness, promote equity and work towards a country free from Hiv/Aids.”
Making his contributions, health rights activist Maziko Matemba urged for increased Hiv/Aids funding if the country is to succeed in the fight against the epidemic.
On his part, Army Diaz, Chief of mission for the United States Embassy expressed eagerness to collaborate with the government of Malawi in effectively dealing with key health challenges and most HIV and Aids to end the scourge.
On December 1 every year, Malawi joins the rest of the World in commemorating World Aids Day in raising the Aids ribbon to honor the lives lost to HIV- related complications and the resilience for those who paved the way for progress.
World Aids Day was established in 1988 to highlight the real experiences of people living with HIV/Aids, fighting stigma surrounding the pandemic as well as recognizing the strength and resilience of HIV-infected patients.
The first known cases of HIV/Aids were reported in 1981, and globally, an estimated 32 million people have died due to HIV- related illnesses over the past 40 years.
The Theme for the World Aids Day 2024 campaign is “Take the Rights Path: Together We Remember, Together we end Aids.”
