The Malawi Human Rights Commission says members of the LGBT community continue to face challenges in accessing health services despite the country’s commitment to end HIV/AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030.
The sentiments have been made as the commission has revealed that Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender in the country are subjected to discrimination in accessing health service as well as violence as the country’s laws do not recognize them.
However, Director of Civil and Political Rights for Malawi Human Rights Commission Peter Chisi, said there is need for a peaceful co-existence and bring national dialogue with hope that members of the LGBT community can live in harmony with the rest of people.
Chisi added that members of the LGBT community cannot indicate their sexual orientation openly in fear of the violence perpetrated against them, a situation which puts their lives at risk.
Commenting on the same matter Evans Mwale Chairperson for Mzimba north District Aids Coordinating Committee said if the country will not address the discrimination against members of the LGBT community, the fight against HIV and AIDS will be meaningless.
