A delegation from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) conducted a joint site visit in Mangochi, Machinga, Zumba, Chiradzulu, and Thyolo districts from 21st to 25th August 2023.

The visit aimed to assess and strengthen AGYW activities in Malawi, which have received significant investments from the Global Fund and PEPFAR. The team had a great chance to collaborate with programme implementers and share expertise with the aim of enhancing Malawi's AGYW programme.

During the visit, the Chimwala GBV Community Rapid Response Team in Mangochi, in collaboration with Action Aid Malawi, made several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of AGYW interventions. their suggestions included the establishment of Girls Clubs to facilitate the delivery of interventions and follow-up activities, ensuring a wider reach and coverage.

Also, the team emphasized the need to strengthen the parenting component to actively engage parents and guardians in their children's affairs. They also underscored the importance of the girls, more actively in the interventions. While recognizing the value of Peer Educators, the team emphasized the need for the direct presence and engagement of the girls in the program.

The team stressed the importance of developing a curriculum or guidelines for post-GBV support and negotiation skills. Furthermore, there was a call to intensify tracking of the referral system and interventions to ensure timely and comprehensive support.

To leverage resources and enhance the impact of AGYW programming, the team highlighted the importance of strengthening linkages with other organizations working within the same catchment areas. They also stressed the need for an effective working relationship between the community and relevant stakeholders involved in the intervention.

The joint site visit served as a crucial step towards strengthening AGYW programming in Malawi. By sharing best practices, enhancing collaboration, and addressing the identified areas of improvement, the Global Fund and PEPFAR aim to empower and support AGYW, ensuring their holistic development and well-being.

As Malawi continues to prioritize the needs of AGYW, the outcomes of this site visit will contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for these young women, fostering their empowerment and resilience in the face of challenges.