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Thanks to the outpouring of support from our generous donors, in 2020, GAIA and the government of Malawi were successful at limiting COVID-19 infections in Malawi, with fewer than 6400 confirmed cases in a population of 19 million. For details on GAIA’s emergency response, click here.
Since the new year, however, Malawi and the region are experiencing a deadly spike in cases — the number of cases has risen to almost 26,000 and deaths to 780. President Chakwera declared a national emergency on January 12 – after two Cabinet Ministers died of COVID-19 within the week – closing all schools and reimposing lockdown restrictions. The government has also announced emergency recruitment of hundreds of healthcare workers to address the country’s health worker shortage and is transforming a national stadium and presidential residence into field hospitals to cope with the surge in COVID-19 cases.
After only one infection among staff during 2020, GAIA is seeing an increase in infections among staff. We are grateful the cases are mild and they appear to be recovering well, but we are closely monitoring all staff and program clients for signs and symptoms. Meanwhile, GAIA’s team continues on the front lines, committed to providing care to the rural communities we serve, draped head-to-toe in PPE.
Yesterday, it was announced that Malawi has secured some doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, but only enough to vaccinate 20% of its people – GAIA is working with global health partners to advocate for urgently needed and equitable access to vaccines.
GAIA’s ongoing work to combat COVID-19 will be needed for much of this year. Please help us protect GAIA staff and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the vulnerable communities in which we work – donate today!
MOBILE HEALTH
CLINICS
2,000,000 Client Visits and Counting
HEALTH WORKER TRAINING
PROGRAM
550+ GAIA Nursing Scholars Supported
TARGETED COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS
100 Villages Served Annually in Malawi
90% of all living with HIV will know their HIV status
90% of those who know their HIV status will receive antiretroviral therapy
90% of all receiving antiretroviral therapy will achieve viral suppression
In December 2013, UNAIDS called for country- and region-led efforts to establish new targets for HIV treatment scale-up. In response, GAIA adapted its programming to help meet these targets in Malawi.
With the support of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, GAIA works to achieve 90-90-90 goals in rural Malawi with bold and innovative programs including Mobile Health Clinics and community-based testing and counseling services. Today we are on track to meet 90-90-90 goals in the areas we work.
Learn more about how GAIA increases access to HIV testing and counseling.
