Sankha Wekha PrEP! “My PrEP Choices”, a new national HIV prevention communication initiative has been launched and is aimed at empowering Malawians with the knowledge and freedom to choose the HIV prevention methods that best suit their needs and lifestyles.
The Sankha Wekha is providing PrEP as a discreet and effective HIV prevention method for anyone 15 years and older who is HIV-negative and at substantial risk. This communication initiative is being Coordinated by the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Commission (NAC) and Lighthouse Trust.
The initiative is providing a platform and pool of messages that people should have access to a range of HIV prevention options and be supported to make informed decisions based on their individual preferences.
According to NAC’s HIV Prevention and Management Officer, Mr. Francis Mabedi, Sankha Wekha is more than a campaign.
It is a long-term national communication initiative designed to promote informed choice, increase awareness of HIV prevention, and strengthen the country’s HIV response”, states Mr. Mabedi
This seeks to raise awareness about the various HIV prevention options available in Malawi, increase the uptake of HIV and AIDS services, encourage sustained positive HIV prevention behaviors, and contribute to sustaining the country’s progress towards HIV epidemic control.
“Precisely, in Malawi we have two types of PrEP and these are Oral and injectable with two form of injectable (CAB-LA and LEN). Malawi started providing PrEP as an HIV prevention option in 2021. Oral PrEP is taken daily to prevent HIV infection, CAB-LA is admnistered every two month and it offers protection from HIV infection for two months, LEN is admnistered every 6 months and it offers protection from HIV for a period of 6 months. Availability of LEN as a new HIV prevention of choice has marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030”, he explains.
He details that as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package, LEN will complement existing HIV prevention interventions, including oral PrEP, CAB-LA, Condoms, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and Behavioral interventions. Mr. Mabedi indicated that Sankha Wekha communication initiative responds to existing information gaps on HIV prevention.
“Although many Malawians are aware of HIV, comprehensive information on the full range of available prevention options remains limited among the general population and interest in learning about new and more innovative HIV prevention methods continues to grow”
Through Sankha Wekha communication initiative, stakeholders aim to provide clear, accurate, and evidence abased information on the HIV prevention options available in Malawi, enabling individuals to make informed choices based on their needs, preferences, and lifestyles.
Sankha Wekha communication initiative is being diseminated via social media platforms, mass media and Interpersonal communication.
Contributed by Chikondi Masache