Umunthu in Action: Maintaining Essential HIV Services Through Challenges

Commitment Through Crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Malawi in 2020, many feared that essential health services would collapse under the strain. For people living with HIV, interruption of antiretroviral therapy can have serious health consequences. At Umunthu Foundation, we made a promise: no matter what challenges arose, our clients would continue receiving the care they depend on.

How We Adapted

Throughout the pandemic and continuing challenges, we implemented several strategies:

• Extended drug refills: Giving 2-3 months supply to reduce clinic visits
• Community distribution: Taking medications to vulnerable clients at home
• Enhanced safety protocols: Masks, handwashing stations, social distancing
• Continued counseling: Phone-based support when in-person was not possible
• Staff dedication: Our team showed up every day, putting community first

Results Speak Volumes

Zero treatment interruptions among our 1,500+ registered clients. Not a single person lost to follow-up due to service disruption. This is what Umunthu means in practice – standing with our community when they need us most.

As we face ongoing economic challenges and resource constraints, our commitment remains unchanged: comprehensive, quality HIV services will always be available, always free, and always delivered with dignity and compassion.