Honourable Chief Justice Mzikamanda, SC, delivering his speech during the opening session
The Chief Justice of the Republic of Malawi, Honourable Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, SC, has emphasised the need to strengthen the capacity of judges in interpreting and applying the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act No. 9 of 2018 to ensure justice for all, particularly for people living with HIV.
The Chief Justice made these remarks on Thursday, 6th November 2025, at Sunbird Livingstonia Hotel in Salima, when he officially opened an orientation session for judges on the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act. The session was jointly organised by the Judiciary Training Committee and the National AIDS Commission (NAC) as part of efforts to enhance judicial understanding and application of the law.
In his address, Chief Justice Mzikamanda described the orientation as a timely response to the findings of a 2021 Malawi Human Rights Commission report, which revealed limited knowledge among judicial officers regarding the application of the Act. He noted that such knowledge gaps could undermine the Judiciaryโs constitutional mandate to interpret and apply the law impartially and effectively.
This orientation session comes at the right time. It is our constitutional responsibility to interpret, protect, and enforce the law in accordance with the Constitution. We must be knowledgeable about every piece of legislation that impacts the administration of justice, including this important Act.
He commended the National AIDS Commission and the Judiciary Training Committee for collaborating to bridge this knowledge gap through judicial capacity building. The Chief Justice further reaffirmed the Judiciaryโs commitment to combat stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS within its ranks and in the broader justice system.
I am acutely aware that our function as Judicial officers goes beyond the prevention of stigma and discrimination on grounds of HIV and AIDS within the Judiciary itself. It is much broader than that and extends to the entire nation through the application of the relevant laws,
Speaking earlier, NAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Beatrice Matanje, said the orientation aimed to equip judges with a comprehensive understanding of the Act, which seeks to prevent the spread of HIV, manage and control the disease, and protect the rights of people living with HIV. She indicated that Judges play a pivotal role in upholding the Act in ensuring that justice and dignity for those affected are respected.ย
This is a much-awaited session, and it is my sincere hope that the session will enhance your understanding, promote empathy, and equip you to apply the Act effectively. As concerned parties, I would request that we work together to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and support those living with HIV. This is a critical element that would increase access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The orientation session covered key provisions of the Act, including the legal framework for prevention, management, and protection of human rights related to HIV and AIDS. It follows a similar session conducted for magistrates in 2024, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV-related legal capacity across all levels of the Judiciary.
The event was also attended by Honourable Justice Violet Chipao, who is the Chairperson of the Judiciary Training Committee, Honourable Justice Joseph Chigona, who is the Chairperson of the Malawi Judiciary Development Programme, judges of the High Court, the Chief Registrar, officials from NAC, and expert facilitators
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