Head of Africa and the Middle East at the Global Fund Cynthia Mwase said although the fund is working with various organisations in the country, it is willing to work with Madame Mutharika who is committed to improving the lives of young people living with HIV.

In an interview after meeting the First Lady at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Ms Mwase said the meeting centred on how they could reach out to children and the youth.

“The First Lady is championing a cause that is really critical to getting HIV infections under control. Each year we have new infections and in Malawi most of these are adolescents and young children and that’s the group of people the First Lady has chosen to work with,” she said.

Mwase commended Malawi for the strides it has made in the care and treatment of people living with HIV.

“Malawi is doing very well in providing care and treatment but young children and girls are not being given the necessary attention they deserve in this fight.

She said that is why the Global Fund has decided to work with the First Lady to ensure increased access of HIV services to children and young girls.

“That is why we are here to offer our support and commitment and answer any question she may have on this working relationship.”

Asked whether the fund’s support is financial in nature, this is what Ms Mwase said:
“The good thing about this meeting is that the First Lady made it clear to us that she doesn't intend to establish any new organization. But her role is to support the existing work in the country in the fight against HIV. She wants to use her voice and role to advocate for increased access to children and young girls,” she said.

The Global Fund official who was accompanied by the fund’s Regional Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa Charlotte Kristiansson and the Fund Portfolio Manager for West and Central Africa Plaikessi Kouadjani, said so far there no money that has been specifically assigned for this partnership.

“The First Lady has told us that she is not looking for financial support because she is not establishing a new organisation but will use the existing avenues both in government and the civil society.”

“In this case, there are no monetary attachments coming with this support because her role will be an advocate for the organisations we are already working with.