PEPFAR commemorates 20 years of partnership in the fight against HIV and AIDS

The United States of America (USA) is celebrating 20th anniversary of partnership with Malawi in the fight against HIV and AIDS through President’s Emergency plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Speaking in Lilongwe during press briefing Wednesday, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Melanie Higgins said Malawi has managed to reduce HIV prevalence among adolescent girls, young women and men through programmes and information which they have been disseminating to the public.

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“Today we are proud to work together with the Malawi government, UNAIDS, Global fund, civil society and other key partners in this life saving work. Malawi is at critical juncture in the fight to end the HIV” Higgins said.

She added that the US government has invested over $1 billion dollars towards the fight against HIV and AIDS programmes[H1]  since 2013 through PEPFAR and they aim at having HIV free generation.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda acknowledged PEPFAR for the  support they render to the Malawi  since they started working.

“We appreciate the support which has been provided since 2006 when PEPFAR came to Malawi, as a ministry, we have been working together with the local authorities to make sure we disseminate information about HIV and AIDS to the youth and we hope  that PEPFAR will continue with their support to the country”, she said.

One of the youth who is living with HIV Lusungu Harawa, highlighted the opportunities which PEPFAR has provided to her saying that she has received support  through a programme which PEPFAR introduced for the youth living with HIV.

PEPFAR which was launched in 2003 and came to Malawi in 2006 , aims at advancing treatment options, increase prevention efforts, raise awareness and strengthen health systems nationwide.