WINNING THE BATTLE AGAINST HIV: MDF MARCHES TOWARDS ZERO
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) on Friday, 23 October, 2026, conducted a colourful HIV Open Day at Kamuzu Barracks Football Ground in Lilongwe. The event was held under the theme “Battle Towards Zero New HIV Casualties in the Malawi Defence Force.”
The commemoration began with a Solidarity Walk from Area 23 Police Ground to the barracks, bringing together soldiers, spouses, students and partners in a show of unity against HIV.
Speaking during the event, Major General (Prof) Dan Kuwali, Chief of Policy and Plans at the Joint Headquarters, commended the Military Health Services for their role in the fight against HIV and for driving awareness campaigns across the force.
“As the MDF, we are taking a holistic approach to health matters so that we can achieve zero new HIV casualties. A strong Defence Force is defined not only by the battles it wins, but by the lives it protects and the passion it shows in confronting health challenges,” said Major General Kuwali.
Ms Tione Chilambe, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), also commended MDF leadership for organising the event and for adopting policies that stress sustained prevention, testing and treatment, which Malawi needs if it is to reach zero new infections.
The MDF is working towards the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed being on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
Activities at the Open Day included HIV testing and counselling, health screening, and awareness pavilions.
BY SERGEANT JOSEPH PHIRI
Photo Gallery 4 photos
