Antiretrovirals bring hope to people living with HIV and AIDS in Malawi
Malawi is one of the countries hardest hit by HIV and AIDS. This is proving
to be a huge challenge undermining development efforts. As the lead bilateral
donor in Malawi, DFID’s support to Malawi’s HIV and AIDS programmes is crucial.
With over 900,000 people living with the virus out of a population of 12
million, access to anti-retroviral therapy is an important part of the fight
against the disease.
DFID’s contribution to the
Global
Fund is helping to provide access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) increasing
the number of people accessing this service from 4000 in 2003 to about 70,000 in
September. The target is to reach another 10,000 with the drugs by the end of
2006. But increasing supply is not sufficient on its own. We must also look to
increase demand by removing the obstacles which stop people receiving the
support they need.
In country, DFID’s £4.5 million funding over 5 years (2003-2008) to the National Aids Commission is providing grants (so far over 1000) to community based organisations working in the area of HIV and AIDS. These organisations are creating awareness about HIV and AIDS and helping those with the disease to live positively. Tikondane Aids Support Group is one such organisation situated in Dedza, about 100 kilometres from the capital Lilongwe.
Gertrude Tandani, founder of the group, says:
“ARVs are free of charge in hospitals. However, our group visits a lot of sick and poor people who can’t afford the bus fare to go to the district hospital. Bringing ARVs to the rural community where the majority of Malawians live would save a lot of lives. We see a lot of helpless orphans in the villages that either live with their grandparents or siblings after the death of their parents. More parents and guardians would be able to be more productive and take care of their children if these life saving drugs became easily accessible.”
HIV AIDS stabalisation
Mrs Trisca Mkanda is a primary school teacher and one of the 70,000 who have stated on ARVs. She is a member of the Tikondane Aids Support Group. Her experience shows how important ARVs are in:
“I got very sick in 2004 after the birth of my second child. I lost a lot of
weight and could only walk with the support of a stick. When my HIV test
revealed I was HIV positive and had an Aids related condition, the hospital
started my treatment on ARVs. I am now better and have resumed my teaching job.
No-one would suspect I have HIV if they see how healthy I look. My child is also
in good health since she started taking the ARVs.”
DFID’s funding is achieving good results. The number of people tested for HIV more than doubled last year in 2005 to 440,000. HIV Aids prevalence level has stabilised at 12 per cent.
DFID continues to work with the Malawi Government and development partners to increase HIV prevention services, encourage voluntary counselling and testing and to reduce stigma and discrimination against those living with the disease.
Key facts
- Over a half (52%) of Malawi’s population of 12 million people live below the poverty line (IHS 2005), HIV and AIDS prevalence among adults, 15-49 years (12%),
- There are about 1.1 million orphans, half of whom are estimated to be due to HIV & AIDS, approximately 84,000 new orphans every year, annual deaths due to HIV and AIDS total about - 86,592 (2005 estimates)
- DFID has committed £100 million to support Malawi’s health sector over a period of six years (2005/06 to 2010/11). Out of this, £45 million is allocated for an Essential Health Package which includes the prevention& management of HIV and AIDS, HIV Testing & Counselling, access to Anti-Retroviral Therapy and other related services.
Relevant Links
Last updated: 30 November 2006
