The National AIDS Commission (NAC)Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje has officially launched the Civil Society Advocacy Forum’s Transition Initiative Report.
Among others, the report highlights the profound impact of recent funding shifts, especially funding cuts from the US Government, which has historically contributed significantly to Malawi’s national HIV budget.
Speaking at the launching ceremony held on 27th November 2025 at Sunbird Lilongwe hotel, Dr Matanje appealed to stakeholders to use the shrinking pool of international health funding to rethink how the country manages its HIV response, drawing lessons from an era when progress was achieved with limited support.
The report according to Dr. Matanje does not simply document the challenges the nation is facing but it holds up a mirror to all people, government, partners, and civil society of the urgency, responsibility, and unity required as Malawi navigates one of the most significant transitions in its HIV response.
“This report is timely, courageous, and necessary. It challenges us all—and it rightly reminds Government of the political leadership required to protect Malawi from a potential resurgence of new infections” said Dr. Matanje.
She therefore applauded the Civil society organizations for the report saying it is a testament that CSOs remain an indispensable partner to Malawi’s HIV response citing their advocacy, accountability work, human rights leadership, and grassroots services that have been central to the progress achieved over the years.
“You have been the conscience of the national response – holding us to ourcommitments, amplifying community voices, and ensuring that no one is left behind”, added Dr. Matanje.
Furthermore, NAC CEO hinted that the report comes at a right time when Malawi’s HIV response stands at a crossroads. Dr. Matanje detailed that after four decades of relentless effort decades in which Malawi has achieved historic progress in reducing new infections, expanding treatment coverage, lowering AIDS-related deaths, and advancing Key Populations programming, the nation now faces new and unprecedented challenges brought about by significant external funding cuts.
She lamented that this is happening at a moment when we were finally beginning to see the finish line for ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Taking his turn, UNAIDS Country representative Dr. David Chipanta has elaborated that the current funding landscape requires all people to rethink the and device new ways of conducting business. “It is time to work together we must do more with available resources and this calls for transparency and accountability among all stakeholders. We are here to support and ensure smooth transition, states Dr Chipanta.
Following the funding cuts, Frontline AIDS together with the advocates and Civil Society partners across Malawi reviewed national policy documents and strategies and consulted government officials, Civil society leaders and community stakeholders to capture the perspective of those most affected and assess how funding changes are impacting both communities and government responses.
Leave a Reply