In its quest to improve working relationship with the media, the National AIDS Commission (NAC) on Tuesday August 22, 2025, organized a day-long high-level media engagement. The meeting was held in Mponera. The Commission observed that media interaction was one fundamental aspect to leveraging cordial working relationships as it takes lead in the multisectoral coordination and facilitation of national response to HIV and AIDS. NAC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje said the media continue to play a critical role in disseminating information even in hard-to-reach communities and its prowess in supporting the global and national efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat, should not be underestimated in this information driven era.
The engagement brought together 28 Media houses in Lilongwe and central region districts. The aim of the meeting was to share with journalists some recent developments in HIV programming including the current HIV statistics for Malawi. Similarly, the engagement will enable media personnel to appreciate and learn more about the role of NAC as mandated by the HIV and AIDS Act (No.9 of 2018).”Interaction between the Commission and the media is essential to improving delivery of accurate HIV related information to the public in alignment with our mandate,” said Dr Matanje. By reporting accurately and responsibly, the media can help to reduce stigma, promote prevention, and encourage access to treatment.
Dr. Matanje concluded , “I look forward to a more unified action to sustain the gains so far made in the response to HIV and AIDS as we continue contributing to human capital development for a healthier and wealthier Malawi by 2063” .
Apart from NAC, officials from the Ministry of Health were also part of the engagement. The Ministry’s spokesperson Mr. Adrian Chikumbe has hailed NAC for organizing the meeting which he said has equipped journalists with updated information on HIV and AIDS.
While describing the engagement as timely, the media personalities have pledged support through dissemination of accurate and well researched stories. “The engagement has changed my perception towards HIV AND AIDS response, and I will take necessary action to reach out to young people with various messages on HIV prevention through my programming,” said Eunice Maganga a presenter at Story Club FM.
The media houses include, the Nation Publications Limited, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Malawi Broadcasting Station, Kasupe FM, Mibawa TV, Police FM, Linga FM, Mlimi FM, PLFM, Story Club, CCAP Nkhoma Synod, Nyasa Times, Parliament TV, Luntha TV, Radio Alinafe, Timveni Radio, Umunthu FM, Mudziwathu Community radio in Mchinji, Chisomo Community Radio in Salima, Yetu Community radio in Dowa, Ntchisi FM, Transworld radio, MIJ FM, Kasungu FM, Bembeke Community radio in Dedza and an online publisher AfricanTopStories.
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