The bad news: Back in November 2014, the media was flooded with alarming reports of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) clashing with then-First Lady Getrude Mutharika. The CSOs demanded an immediate refund of approximately K15 million (about $30,000) that Mutharika, through her Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust and the tribal group Mulhako wa Alhomwe, had siphoned from the National Aids Commission (NAC). These funds, intended for HIV/AIDS initiatives, were misappropriated to finance activities unrelated to the pandemic, a blatant misuse of Global Fund resources during an era marked by impunity.
The good news: Under President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership, the Global Fund has expressed its immense confidence in his administration. Today, the Chakwera government and the Global Fund have signed a landmark USD 525 million grant (approximately K900 billion) for the implementation of HIV, TB, and Malaria interventions from now until 2027 under the 7th Global Fund’s funding cycle.
The agreement was signed at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe by Secretary for Treasury Dr. Betchani Tchereni and the Global Fund’s Head of Grant Management Unit, Mark Edington, in a ceremony presided over by President Chakwera.
In his statement, President Chakwera declared that this grant signals the beginning of a renewed commitment to eradicating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria—diseases that have long afflicted Malawians and stifled the nation’s progress.
“The Government and people of Malawi remain eternally grateful to all the Global Fund donors whose commitment to making the lives of Malawians healthier is unmatched. The Global Fund has been an invaluable partner to Malawi since 2003, supporting our nation’s development agenda by contributing tirelessly to our healthcare system and in the fight against these three diseases but also coming to our rescue when the COVID Pandemic hit us,” Said the President adding that the “grant will not only consolidate the gains we’ve made over the years, it will also strengthen and accelerate our national response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.”
He added:
“With these grants, we have procured ambulances and utility vehicles, procured gas plants and modern hospital equipment such as CT scans, and we have recruited thousands of health care workers. I am therefore highly indebted to the Global Fund for this support. Even so, we acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done. Hence, this Grant Cycle 7 will enable us to build on these achievements, ensuring that our healthcare system is more resilient, efficient, and the services accessible to all Malawians.”
The President wrapped up his remarks by affirming that his government will steadfastly prioritize health as a cornerstone of the national development agenda. He emphasized that a healthy population is the bedrock of sustainable development and economic growth. The Ministry of Health and World Vision Malawi are the primary custodians of these crucial funds.
