National AIDS conference

Malawi will hold a two-day round table with its development partners this week to raise resources for implementing a new plan to combat HIV/AIDS. A conference statement described Malawi as one of the countries worst hit in the world by the epidemic. With at least eight percent of the country’s population of 10 million already infected, it described HIV/AIDS as the most critical development challenge for the country. The conference, starting on Friday will discuss a five-year plan, known as the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework 2000 - 2004. It was launched by President Bakili Muluzi on October 29, 1999, after 18 months of a nationwide consultative process. “It outlines Malawi’s first comprehensive response to the epidemic. The response is anchored on personal responsibility and multi-sectoral approach at all levels and in all societies, public and private,” the statement said. “The main objective is to reduce HIV infections, especially among the youth, and improve the quality of life of those infected and affected by the epidemic by making information and tools for support and prevention available to all citizens.”