By Jones Gadama
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Thom Navicha, MP, was at Area 25 Health Centre today to support the Ministry of Health at the launch of Lenacapavir (LEN), a new long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention.
Lenacapavir is administered once every six months and is expected to expand Malawi’s prevention toolkit by offering a highly effective option to reduce new HIV infections.
Health officials described the introduction as a significant step in the country’s broader response to HIV.
Navicha’s presence underscored government’s push for cross-sector collaboration to improve health and social outcomes, with particular attention to women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. Speaking at the event, she welcomed the rollout and highlighted the importance of prevention choices that meet people where they are.
The Minister of Health was also commended at the launch for taking part in the rollout.
Observers said her involvement demonstrates commitment to expanding prevention and reflects the same urgency President Peter Mutharika set with his “no time to rest” directive.
Navicha, for her part, has been described by colleagues as a minister who works continuously to advance her portfolio.
Those close to her work say she is on duty across long hours, moving between communities, facilities, and policy meetings to ensure programs reach the people who need them.
“Malawi is fortunate to have a minister who shows up and follows through,” said one official at Area 25. “Her participation today shows that commitment in action.”
With Lenacapavir now being introduced, government teams say the focus will be on awareness, access, and integration with existing HIV services so the new option translates into measurable prevention gains.
