Optimum Foundation

27/07/2026

Civil Society Organisations working to promote and protect the rights of le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and q***r (LGBTIQ+) persons have called for inclusion of at least one Commissioner representing the LGBTIQ+ community in the final composition of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).

It comes after the Youth-Decide Campaign also called on the MHRC and President Peter Mutharika to consider appointing at least one qualified young Commissioner in the new cohort of Commissioners.

In a letter to the commission, the CSOs state that they recognise and commend the MHRC for its continued commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all people in Malawi.

These CSOs include Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) Community Health Rights and Advocacy (CHeRA), Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA), Social Justice Foundation (SJF), Angaza Foundation and Optimum Foundation.

It reads: “While we recognise the importance of ensuring representation of other vulnerable and marginalised communities, we respectfully submit that the current appointments present a timely opportunity to address the long standing absence of LGBTIQ+ representation within the Commission.

“Addressing this gap would reinforce the Commission's commitment to ensuring that no community is excluded from the leadership of a national institution mandated to promote and protect the human rights of all people.”

In a notice dated May 15 2026 co signed by Law Commissioner Rosemary Kanyuka and Ombudsman Grace Malera, the MHRC invited public nominations to fill upcoming vacancies, signalling the transition to its ninth cohort of commissioners.

Report by Joseph Mwale

17/07/2026

CSAF update

As part of efforts to strengthen differentiated service delivery (DSD), the International AIDS Society (IAS) is supporting countries to make informed, evidence-based decisions during periods of funding reductions by providing practical tools and data on programmatic trade-offs. To this end, the IAS is expanding and refining the TIER (Tool for Intervention Evaluation and Ranking) to incorporate cost analyses, impact modelling and real-world use cases, with the aim of developing simplified, decision-ready tools for Ministries of Health and partners.

In support of this initiative, CSAF through the HIV prevention thrmatic group today organised the TIER plus Tool validation meeting at lilongwe hotel.

The meeting brought together representatives from DHA, NAC, UNAIDS. GIZ and civil society organizations(from the prevention thematic group) to review and validate the TIER-Plus Tool within the Malawi context.

Foundation Was Part of the Process ....... 17th June, 2026

14/07/2026

The Battle to Bridge Inclusivity & HIV Prevention

Optimum Foundation, with support from The United Nations Development Programme - UNDP, is implementing the Limodzi Project through the Power of Prevention initiative — and the impact is already being felt in Salima

Despite great strides in the HIV response, HIV occurrence among the LGBTQIA community in Malawi remains a pressing concern. The Limodzi Project is stepping up to bridge the gap between inclusivity and HIV prevention, and here's what has been achieved so far.

🏥 Engaged the Salima District Hospital Management Team (DHMT) to lobby for inclusive healthcare services — because everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of who they are.

🎓 Trained PrEP Champion Peer Educators to increase demand for PrEP among the LGBTQIA community in Salima — empowering the community to take charge of their own health!

👩‍⚕️ Trained Health Care Workers on key population-friendly service provision — ensuring that health facilities are safe, welcoming, and respectful spaces for all.

👨‍👩‍👧 Oriented Parents of LGBTQIA Members on PrEP to reduce stigma around PrEP uptake — because family support can make all the difference.

📋 Conducted a PrEP Champion Review Meeting to track progress, share lessons, and strengthen the peer education approach.

🌍 Conducted Outreach Clinics for community members to ease access to SRHR and HIV prevention services — bringing services closer to the people who need them most.

The word "Limodzi" means together — and together, we are building a healthier, more inclusive future for all.

14/07/2026

Optimum Foundation Launches the Limodzi Project in Salima

Despite great strides in the HIV response, HIV occurrence among the LGBTQIA community in Malawi remains a pressing concern. That's why Optimum Foundation, with generous support from UNDP under the Power of Prevention initiative, is stepping up with the Limodzi Project — a bold effort to increase demand for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) among the LGBTQIA community in Salima District! 💪

On 23 January 2026, Optimum Foundation officially introduced the Limodzi Project to the Salima District Executive Committee (DEC), marking the beginning of an important partnership with local leadership and stakeholders in the fight against HIV.

🔑 What is the Limodzi Project about?
✅ Increasing awareness and demand for PrEP among the LGBTQIA community
✅ Strengthening HIV prevention through evidence-based approaches
✅ Building local partnerships for sustainable impact
✅ Empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves

The word "Limodzi" means together — because ending HIV requires all of us working side by side.

We are grateful to the Salima DEC for welcoming this initiative and look forward to a collaborative journey toward a healthier, more inclusive future.

14/07/2026

Following our Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) orientation for healthcare workers, Optimum Foundation, in partnership with CEDEP, brought three critical groups together for an honest, solution-focused dialogue:

🌈Members of the LGBTQIA community
🌈Parents and family members of LGBTQIA people
🌈Frontline healthcare workers

Our goal? To listen to each other, name the gaps that still prevent LGBTQIA people from accessing safe, dignified, quality health care and co-create inclusive, community-centered solutions that work for everyone.

We know stigma doesn't only live in clinic rooms. It lives in families, in communities, and in the spaces between services and the people who need them.

When providers listen to patients, when families are supported to love and advocate for their children, and when community members lead the conversation — we build health systems that truly leave no one behind.

This work is made possible by UNAIDS through the programme "Advancing the Rights of LGBTQIA People in HIV Response in Africa in the Context of Attacks on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Democracy."

The conversation doesn't end here. We keep building, together.

14/07/2026

On 12 January 2026, Optimum Foundation, in partnership with , brought together healthcare workers for a crucial orientation session on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)

The LGBTQIA community continues to face significant barriers in accessing respectful, inclusive, and quality health services barriers that can have life-altering consequences, especially within the HIV response.

This training equipped frontline health providers with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to understand diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, challenge stigma, and deliver care that truly serves every patient with dignity.

Healthcare is a right not a privilege, and not a judgement. When providers understand SOGI issues, patients are more likely to seek care early, stay in treatment, and live healthier lives.

We are grateful to UNAIDS for making this possible through the programme "Advancing the Rights of LGBTQIA People in HIV Response in Africa in the Context of Attacks on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Democracy."

The work continues because inclusive healthcare saves lives.

14/07/2026

On January 11, 2026, Optimum Foundation joined forces with CEDEP to engage the LGBTQIA+ community in a crucial dialogue session here in Salima.

Together, we identified key gaps in SRHR access, particularly for HTC and HIV-related care among Key Populations.

This activity was part of the project: “The Advancing the rights of LGBTQIA People in the HIV response in Africa in the context of Attacks on human rights, Gender equality and Democracy.”

This is a vital step in our fight to protect human rights and eliminate HIV stigma.

We remain committed to ensuring equal access to life-saving care for all.

24/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dv5XA39Zr/

Mfumu yaikulu Kalonga m'boma la Salima yati ndiyokhudzidwa ndi mchitidwe wophana komanso kudzipha m'dera la Nakondwa, ponena kuti pali kufunika kolimbikitsa mauthenga a umoyo wa maganizo angwiro komanso njira zothetsera mikangano mwa mtendere.

Poyankhula ndi Zodiak Online lero, mfumu yaikulu Kalonga yati mchitidwewu wakula pankhani zokhudza kusamvana m'mabanja komanso maubwenzi.

Mfumuyi yati masiku asanu apitawa, mnyamata wina wa m'dera la Nyakwawa Mapiko adadzipha atakangana ndi mkazi wake yemwe adabwerera mochedwa kuchokera koyimba kwaya.

Polankhulapo, mkulu wa bungwe la Optimum Foundation, Chifundo Time, lomwe limalimbikitsanso za umoyo wa maganizo angwiro m'bomali, wati amuna ambiri akadalephera kufotokoza mavuto awo kapena kufunafuna thandizo.

A Time ati kuwonjezera pa kufalitsa mauthenga, pakufunikiranso kuwonjezera malo opelekera uphungu m'madera pofuna kuchepetsa mchitidwe wa kudzipha.

(by Fegson Phabuli - Salima: 06/24/26)

17/05/2026

Optimum Foundation still stands with the Marginalized ones

28/03/2026

On 27th March, 2026, Optimum Foundation participated in the Movement for Community-Led Development (MCLD) Malawi Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lilongwe, where members and partners came together to reflect on progress and strengthen efforts in community-led development.

The meeting created space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore practical ways of improving how communities take the lead in shaping solutions that affect their lives. Conversations also focused on aligning local initiatives with Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

As Optimum Foundation, we continue to implement community-driven initiatives such as the Family Inclusion Project and community dialogue platforms, which empower families, local leaders, and community members to address stigma, improve social support systems, and promote inclusion.

The AGM provided an important moment for us to reflect on our work and learn from others. It also strengthened our commitment to ensuring that communities are not just beneficiaries, but active drivers of change.

We remain dedicated to advancing community-led development by supporting local voices, building trust within communities, and promoting solutions that are owned and sustained by the people themselves.