The Ministry of Health is investigating the rising cases of antiretroviral therapy (ART) resistance in the country, with over 400 cases already recorded since 2024.

Malawi has over 950,000 people currently on antiretroviral treatment.

Dr. Samson Mndolo, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, made the statement during a stakeholders’ conference on HIV resistance in Lilongwe.

Mndolo highlighted that Malawi is performing well in HIV care compared to other African nations.

However, he stressed the importance of implementing targeted strategies to address the growing issue of HIV drug resistance.

Mndolo also called for intensified awareness campaigns to promote drug adherence among patients.

Dr. Sangare Hawa Mamary, Head of Programmes and Clinical Services at the Community of Sant’Egidio, echoed Mndolo’s sentiments, emphasizing that while Malawi is excelling in HIV care, it is crucial to implement proactive measures to manage and prevent drug resistance.