The National AIDS Commission says it was greatly impressed with the high-quality deliberation and the high political commitment during the just concluded 2024/2025 Integrated Joint Annual Review held from 22nd to 23rd January 2026 in the Malawi’s Capital City Lilongwe.
A total of 250 delegates among them Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Authorities, Local and International Development Partners, Implementing partners, academicians, Civil Society Organizations, Training Institutions and other Ministry of Health Affiliates were in attendance.
Speaking at the close of 2024/2025 JAR, National AIDS Commission (NAC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje appreciated the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for convening the Integrated Review with coordination support from the NAC.
Dr Matanje said it was encouraging that delegates at this year’s JAR celebrated notable achievements, confronted persistent and emerging challenges, and above all, they engaged in honest dialogue on what must change if the country is to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and the attainment of the national and global commitments.
“It is very clear from our deliberations that for us to make significant impact, the health sector reforms are a key implementation ingredient. Let me also reiterate the importance of transforming Human Resources for Health (HRH) and the need to improve the public health infrastructure and digital health systems as enablers for quality integrated health service delivery. These developments require significant financial investments in the sector, stated Dr. Matanje.
Shedding more light on financial investment, the NAC CEO sadly explained that the financial landscape in the country has completely evolved, characterized by dwindling development partner resources to support the national budget. “This new development has affected all areas, including the health sector, this reality calls for decisive action particularly regarding domestic resource mobilization and the need to diversify domestic health financing options,” appealed Dr. Matanje.
From the HIV and AIDS response perspective, she stated that Malawi has made commendable strides in reducing new infections, expanding access to antiretroviral therapy, and strengthening prevention and treatment outcomes which she indicated are because of strong government stewardship, dedicated health workers, resilient communities, and sustained partner support.
“Yes we are celebrating the gains, however, the declining external financing and the broader socio-economic pressures pose real risks to the sustainability of the gains made over the decades. But be rest assured that National AIDS Commission as a multisectoral coordinator is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the HIV response remains resilient, adaptive, and aligned to the broader health systems, “said NAC CEO.
Meanwhile Minister of Health and Sanitation Honorable Madalitso Baloyi, MP, who was the guest of honor and actively participated throughout the review, has acknowledged that Malawi’s health sector continues to face numerous financial challenges which have also been escalated by the dwindling of resources from development partners. The Minister, therefore, called on public health facilities to consider introducing paying services to those who are able to pay to maximize domestic revenue.
The theme of this Integrated JAR was “Accelerating Universal Health Coverage and Resilient Health Systems through collaboration and resource optimization”.
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