Malawi National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2023-2027

Abstract

The Revised Malawi National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV and AIDS 2023–2027 is the guiding document for the multi-sectoral response to the HIV and AIDS in Malawi. It extends and replaces the NSP 2020-2025, capitalising on recent local and international developments in policies and strategies on HIV and AIDS. It draws lessons learned from the first 2 years of program implementation, including implications of internal and external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, other disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and global economic crisis. The revised strategy builds on remarkable achievements registered by Malawi by reaching 96:95:94 of the 95:95:95 Fast-Track targets ahead of schedule. It also endeavours to address shortcomings that prevent the country from drastically reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The strategy articulates Malawi’s renewed effort to accelerate the pace towards meeting the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The vision of the revised strategy remains a healthy and prosperous nation free from the burden of HIV and AIDS. The revised NSP outlines the mission, objectives, strategic interventions, implementation arrangements and resources requirements over the 2023-2027 period to realise this long-term vision. The key targets by 2027 are to reduce the annual number of HIV infections from 16,400 in 2022 to 7,400 and AIDS related deaths from 12,100 in 2022 to 7,700 and to achieve virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (<5%). The strategy is aligned to various global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the UNAIDS Fast Track Strategy and the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, the Global AIDS Coalition 2025 Roadmap, the Global Fund Strategy 2023-2028 and PEPFAR’s Five-year Strategy: Fulfilling America’s Promise to End the HIV/AIDS Pandemic by 2030. The strategy has been aligned with local frameworks such as the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi; the Malawi 2063 (MW 2063); the 2018 HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act; the National HIV and AIDS Policy (2022); the Health Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2030; the National Health Financing Strategy 2023-2030; and other key health and sectoral strategies. The revised NSP is in sync with the Malawi 2063 and resultantly the Malawi 2063 first 10-year implementation plan (MIP-1). Specific HIV-related indicators that focus on reducing HIV prevalence, that are tracked through Health and Nutrition which falls under enabler 5: Human Capital Development of the MIP-1, are among the paramount indicators of the response. The revised NSP also recognises the ten Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are key for ending the HIV epidemic, namely No Poverty; Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Reduced Inequality; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and Partnerships for the Goals. Thus, strategies outlined in the revised NSP will not only be key to achieving the HIV-related targets in the next five years, but also put Malawi on the path to reach SDGs targets. It is envisaged that all sectors that contribute to SDGs will play designated roles towards creating an environment not only for eliminating AIDS as a public health threat but also for positively transforming the socioeconomic wellbeing of Malawians. For this reason, the revised NSP emphasises the need for a multisectoral response and highlights the contributions needed from each sector to achieve broader social goals. Success of the revised NSP will depend on strong leadership and commitment from all relevant sectors and a resilient and sustainable health system.