A consortium of six local Non-Governmental Organisations, including Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS, REACH Trust and Y+ Malawi, says it has made significant progress made in implementation of its “Kids Health Kids Rights” project.
Launched in January 2024, the project aims to enhance HIV testing, treatment and adherence among children, pregnant women and lactating mothers living with HIV.
According to the National Aids Commission, the country is registering 2,792 new HIV infections among children as of 2022, a decline from 15,561 in 2010.
Speaking in an interview with MBC, the Project’s Coordinator, Thokozile Kambewankako said there has been improved access to child friendly HIV services, improved knowledge and awareness on HIV as well as empowered communities on health related issues.
“We have been able to test 950 children between 0-14 years,65 children of 0-14 years,175 breastfeeding and pregnant women have been returned to care since the project started,” said Kambewankako.
One of the health workers involved in the implementation of the project, Diana Lwesha, PMTCT Coordinator at Nkhatabay District Hospital said confirmed that they have made a lot of progress in a short period.
The project is being implemented in partnership with three community-based organisations; Mtisunge Aids and Community Development Support Organisation in Nkhatabay, Thunga Community Based Organisation in Thyolo and Foundation for Community Support Organisation in Chiradzulu, with funding from Aidsfonds of Netherlands.
