Creating a HIV free generation
COMMUNITY HEALTH
We operate a purpose-built community centre in Malawi, with the aim of empowering individuals and families to improve their health and well-being.
In 2025 Malawi had 938,000 people living with HIV - 7.3% of the population. HIV affects women more than men with 9.1% of women living with HIV. In Mbedza’s area of operation in Zomba city 16.2% are living with HIV and in Zomba district 10.3%. This makes Mbedza’s HIV prevention work highly relevant and important. We can say that Malawi is winning its war with HIV but there is still more that needs to be done to complete the task.
Our HIV counsellors provide testing at our Songani site but also through outreach in the community. It is important to go out to where the people are. At these events our counsellors often work hand in hand with our Hope Ambassadors - our youth team attract large crowds who can then be guided to the service that we provide.
HIV Counsellor Bainatu (pictured first from right) with a local HIV support group.
Students from Mapalo Primary School receiving their sanitary kits in 2026.Mbedza’s sanitary kit programme is a key strategy, not only in the fight against HIV but also in improving the lives of girls.
When the Mbedza team visits a school our staff provide a presentation covering several important areas - sex and relationship education, HIV awareness and prevention, resisting pressures from boys and ‘sugar daddies’, looking after your washable sanitary kit and personal health.
We have learned the importance of listening to girls questions and you can read an example of this here.
This intervention has been difficult to get off the ground and establish secure funding for it. Since we wrote about this challenge things have improved but there is still a way to go to reach the scale we would like. Our intervention at Kanjedza Primary illustrates all the reasons why this programme is important - creating a good learning environment at school where girls can feel clean and no longer need to absence themselves is the first.
Hope Ambassadors performing at a local market. At the same event our HIV counsellors are available for testing and counselling.Mbedza’s Hope Ambassador programme works hand in hand with our health strategy. Our goal is the creation of a HIV free youth. Through the Mbedza Youth Leadership Award Scheme training is provided in theatre and these skills are taken out into the community performing plays that educate the community. Our first graduation event was a vibrant occasion with much to celebrate.
Mbedza’s Malawi Director is an accomplished playwright and he created a play titled Zisinthe - time for change. The play addresses issues related to sex and relationships and especially many of the myths and misconceptions that young people have revealed. One of our Hope Ambassadors Tiyamike shared with us how participating in this play has helped her learn more.
HOW WE HELP
Empowering individuals and families to improve their health and well-being.
We operate a purpose-built community centre in Songani, Zomba District, Malawi.
The services we offer
-
![]()
Free HIV Testing and Counselling
We understand the importance of early detection and treatment and our trained staff is dedicated to providing accurate and confidential testing to those in need.
-
![]()
Girls Sanitary Workshops
Our sanitary workshops provide young women and girls with reusable sanitary kits so that they don’t have to miss days of education each month and fall behind their male counterparts.
-
![]()
Youth Group "The Hope Ambassadors"
This group of young people visits local communities to perform and raise awareness about health issues, encouraging people to take action to improve their well-being.
-
![]()
Children's Activities
We encourage children to attend our center and participate in a variety of activities and games. Our aim is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can build positive relationships with our staff and feel comfortable expressing themselves.
-
![]()
Free Library Access
We believe in the power of education and provide free access to books and other resources to individuals of all ages. By providing access to valuable information and resources, we aim to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their health and improve their overall well-being.
“It is the start of a new life”
Watch Janet’s story now
OUR PARTNERS
We are immensely grateful to our partner organisations whose generous donations make our work possible.
York Manor CE Academy
•
York Corinthians Foundation
•
European Commission Schuman Trophy
•
Femmes D’Europe
•
York Holy Redeemer Church
•
Holy Trinity Brussels
•
Rotary Club Brussels-Bruocsella
•
Brussels Women's Club
York Manor CE Academy • York Corinthians Foundation • European Commission Schuman Trophy • Femmes D’Europe • York Holy Redeemer Church • Holy Trinity Brussels • Rotary Club Brussels-Bruocsella • Brussels Women's Club
Stories from our community centre
