By Burnett Munthali
Health authorities in Chikwawa district have raised an urgent alarm over the high risk of HIV transmission among the youth, calling for strict adherence to prevention measures. Speaking during World AIDS Day commemorations, Chifundo Manong’a, the district’s Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDS Officer, highlighted the worsening situation driven by widespread sexual activity among young people, often influenced by enticing rewards.
Manong’a, who addressed stakeholders on the sidelines of the event, emphasized the pressing need to empower young people with knowledge and tools to reduce their vulnerability to the virus. However, he did not provide specific data on the district’s current HIV prevalence rate, underscoring the need for more comprehensive statistics to guide intervention efforts.
The increasing risk of HIV transmission among young people in Chikwawa stems from a mix of behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Manong’a pointed to the widespread practice of transactional sex, where young people are lured by material benefits, as a significant contributor to the problem.
Many youths in Chikwawa, like elsewhere in Malawi, face limited economic opportunities, leading to risky behavior that exposes them to the virus. This alarming trend threatens to reverse the district’s gains in HIV management, despite the high level of awareness reported.
World AIDS Day commemorations in Chikwawa were held under the theme: “Take the Right Path: Together we Remember, Together we End AIDS.” The event provided a platform for health authorities, community leaders, and young people to reflect on the impact of HIV and renew their commitment to prevention efforts.
Manong’a reiterated the importance of fostering an environment where young people can make informed choices about their health. “Empowering the youth is now a priority. We are working to equip them with income-generating skills, which will not only help them become self-reliant but also reduce the allure of risky behaviors,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Chikwawa district has made notable strides in HIV management. As of December last year, 30,000 people in the district were on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), reflecting the growing availability of treatment services. Additionally, 98 percent of the population is now aware of their HIV status, a critical step toward achieving epidemic control.
The focus, however, must shift from awareness to behavior change, particularly among the youth. Authorities are urging young people to embrace prevention measures such as abstinence, consistent condom use, and regular testing.
As Chikwawa confronts this growing challenge, stakeholders must intensify efforts to address the root causes of risky behavior among young people. This includes expanding access to education, economic opportunities, and youth-friendly health services.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders also have a vital role to play in fostering open conversations about HIV prevention and supporting young people to make responsible choices.
The message is clear: ending HIV in Chikwawa and beyond requires collective action. The youth, as future leaders, must be at the forefront of this fight—empowered, informed, and supported.
Burnett Munthali is a writer and analyst with a keen interest in health, governance, and community development issues.
