BREAKING THE KNOWLEDGEGAP: Communities Leading the Fight Against Hepatitis in Malawi.

Malawi has made significant progress toward the WHO 2030 targets for the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. One lesson is clear: meaningful community engagement is essential to achieving lasting public health outcomes.While advances have been made, a critical gap remains—limited public awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis. Without increased knowledge, many people continue to miss opportunities for early screening, diagnosis, and access to life-saving care. To address this challenge, the Patient and Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM) is coordinating a World Hepatitis Day Awareness Walk on 28 July 2026 in Chikwawa District. This initiative brings together government, healthcare providers, research institutions, development partners, and communities to promote awareness, expand access to screening, and strengthen referral pathways for treatment.The awareness walk will begin at Chikwawa District Health Office and conclude at Dyelatu Primary School Ground, where free hepatitis education, screening, testing, and referral services will be provided. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership: Partner in Hope will provide mass hepatitis screening, testing, and referral to care.Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme is supporting community engagement and strengthening Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) initiatives.PATH's SAFEStart+ Project is contributing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to enhance public awareness.The Ministry of Health is providing technical leadership, healthcare personnel, and essential resources to ensure quality service delivery.As the lead coordinator, PAWEM is overseeing event planning, communications, community mobilization, and first aid services. Under the leadership of Mr. Godfrey Taonga Banda, Director of Programs and Patient Support Services, the team has mobilized partners and resources to ensure this collaborative effort delivers meaningful impact for the people of Chikwawa. This event is more than an awareness walk—it is a call to action to strengthen community-led responses, improve early detection, reduce stigma, and accelerate progress toward the elimination of hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.whether you are a community member, healthcare worker, development partner, researcher, civil society organization, or advocate, your participation can make a difference. Join us on 28 July 2026. Together, we can close the knowledge gap, expand access to care, and move closer to a hepatitis-free Malawi.