National Association for People living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi

Did You Know?

• The UNICEF-NAPHAM Youth Project was launched in January 2009 for young people.
• The youth project training lasted four days and aimed to empower youth to inform peers about HIV prevention.
• The project was attended by youth leaders and members from UNICEF under the supervision of the Lilongwe District Coordinator.

Background

NAPHAM began as a small support group of four people with HIV in Malawi in 1993: Winnie Chikafumbwa, Dorothy Mluwaza, Jane Paranjeta, and Dickens Kolondo. They soon encouraged three others—Mrs. Munthali, Christopher Chisendera, and Enock Mmbanga—to join. Initially called the National Association for People Living with AIDS (NAPHA), the name changed to include “Malawi” after government permission. The founders first met under a mango tree at Bwaila Hospital (then called Bottom Hospital) in August 1993, later moving to a volunteer’s house in Area 10, Lilongwe. Subsequently, they met weekly on Sundays in a room at Mipondo House in Old Town, Lilongwe, provided by MACRO (later LACE). Action Aid International provided initial funds in 1994, allowing the organization to rent a room in Mipondo House. In 1995, funding from AIDS FONDS enabled recruitment of more staff and a larger workspace, prompting a move to Chilinde. Early activities included group therapy (1993), kitchen gardens (1994), HIV education (1996), and income-generating activities such as a drug revolving fund (1998). From 2008 to 2013, a Strategic Plan aimed to foster a conducive environment for essential services, reduce vulnerability and dependence, enhance care and support for people living with HIV and those affected, and promote personal development. The organization is registered under the Incorporation Act and is considered the largest and oldest network of people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi, with a membership of over 86,000 in more than 1,600 support groups across all 28 districts, including Likoma Island.