Although the national HIV prevalence decreased from 12% in 2004 to 10.6% in 2010, Malawi continues to face a severe epidemic. There are an estimated 1,100,000 Malawians living with HIV. Women are disproportionately affected, and there are approximately 770,000 children orphaned because of AIDS. 

In 2009, Malawi became the first country to sign the PEPFAR Partnership Framework that harmonizes U.S. Government and host country government HIV/AIDS programs.

USAID uses PEPFAR resources to invest in systems strengthening; promote a broad range of HIV prevention, treatment, and care activities; and mitigate the social and economic impact of the disease.

USAID participates in national technical working groups where key programmatic and technical decisions are made. USAID also maintains a close working relationship with national and district governance structures by contributing to district implementation planning, strengthening financial accountability, encouraging supportive supervision and program reviews, and engaging in targeted capacity building interventions.