CHALLENGES

    Lack of adequate funding to enable the network implement all planned activities

    Lack of adequate capacity by member support groups and associations to access technical support and donor funding

    Lack of access by many persons in many parts of the country to voluntary counseling and testing sites

    The existence of rampant stigma and discrimination attached to HIV and AIDS in Malawi

    Lack of adequate access to medication including antiretroviral therapy (ART)

    Lack of access by PLWHA to adequate nutrition

    Lack of PLWHA capacity to lobby Members of Parliament to enact pertinent laws based on the newly formulated National HIV/AIDS Policy in Malawi

    Lack of adequate knowledge by PLWHA about their human rights and freedoms including the reciprocal responsibilities

    Lack of widespread dialogue on HIV and AIDS at family, community, organization levels to help normalize AIDS

    Lack of meaningful representation by PLWHA various structures including policy making bodies

    Lack of capacity by PLWHA organizations to attract professionals that are HIV positive to open up about their infection by HIV and/or AIDS and take leading roles in the fight against HIV and AIDS

    Lack of adequate coordination at various levels including community, organization, district, regional

    Lack of adequate facilities to test the HIV presence in persons, CD4 and viral load

    Lack of adequate strategies to fight misinformation, misconceptions and cultural practices that predispose people to HIV infection and prevent full participation of all in mitigating impacts of AIDS

LESSONS LEARNED

    Increased collaboration between MANET+ Secretariat, Member Support Groups, development partners and stakeholders helps to improve the quality of service delivery

    There is need to continue soliciting for more technical and financial resources to enhance implementation of programmes

    There is need for the establishment of MANET+ Regional Offices to anchor the work of Regional Coordinating Committees (RCCs) and member Support Groups

    There is need to strengthen ties between MANET+ member Support Groups and Associations with existing public and private institutions to align themselves with the current decentralization process in the country

Our Activities