Malawi: Gay sentence will set back Aids response, says Global Fund

GENEVA - The conviction and sentencing of two men in Malawi based on their sexual orientation presents a serious threat to the country’s AIDS response. Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were this week sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour for "indecent practices between males" and "unnatural offenses."

“The criminalization of individuals based on their sexual orientation is not just a human rights issue - it also undermines investment in HIV and AIDS as it drives sexual behavior underground and creates an environment where HIV can more easily spread”, says Prof. Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “This ultimately affects the broader population, in addition to the devastating impact it has on communities of men who have sex with men”. In southern Africa more than 50% of men who have sex with men also have sex with women[1]. A recent study shows high levels of bisexual behavior in Malawi.

To date the Global Fund has approved around USD 11 billion in the fight against AIDS in 140 countries. In addition to providing HIV treatment, care and prevention services, Global Fund investment can also be used to create strong communities of men who have sex with men and other risk groups so that they can be active in their own HIV prevention campaigns. Investment can also be used to repeal punitive laws and to protect groups at risk from violence and discrimination.
Successful AIDS responses rely on strong communities, comprehensive HIV treatment, prevention and care services and protective legal environments. For optimal impact from HIV investment countries need to prioritize the review of laws that criminalize groups most at risk.

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The Global Fund is a unique global public-private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. The Global Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases.

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant financier of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US$ 19.3 billion in 144 countries. To date, programs supported by the Global Fund have saved 4.9 million lives through providing AIDS treatment for 2.5 million people, antituberculosis treatment for 6 million people and the distribution of 104 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria.

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