Malawi's LGBTQ+ community fights for their rights, access to health care

By Martha Chikoti, Contributor

In Malawi, the LGBTQ+ community faces significant challenges in accessing healthcare services due to discriminatory laws and policies.

Programme Manager at Journalists Association Against AIDS (JournAids),

Dingaan Mithi said the laws are outdated and hinder the community's access to essential health services, particularly for those living with HIV/AIDS.

The laws are outdated- Mithi Pic Martha Chikoti

Mithi said the Malawi's penal code, which dates back to 1948, is a major obstacle.

"We feel the law is outdated. It dates back in 1948 and this is against the rights of the LGBTQ+ which is a huge challenge for them to access health care especially those with HIV/AIDS," said Mithi.

The code prohibits "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" and imposes harsh penalties, including up to 14 years in prison for men and up to five years for women.

Community Health Rights Advocacy (CheRA) is working to address these challenges through the Key Populations Integrated HIV and Human Rights Project (KPIHIVR).

The project aims to advance and reinforce key population-led strategies to counter discriminatory laws and practices.

A Peer Navigator at CheRA, Chisomo Dathetsi observed that the organization's work has been bearing fruit, with a focus on empowering people living with HIV and motivating them to access healthcare services.

However, challenges persist, including high costs, supply chain disruptions, and funding shortages.

Chairperson of the Civil Society Advocacy Forum Gift Trapence emphasizes the need for specific solutions to address these challenges.

The challenges needs to be addressed- Trapence PIC Martha Chikoti

The Community Health Rights Advocacy (CheRA) is working with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to implement a 10-month project that aims to advance and reinforce key population-led strategies to counter discriminatory laws and practices.