Mara Kumbweza Banda is a Malawian woman, a tuberculosis (TB) survivor, openly living with HIV and an Administrator by profession. Her lived experience with both diseases, particularly the challenges of TB in a context of limited information and stigma, sparked her lifelong commitment to health advocacy.
Growing up on the outskirts of Lilongwe in a low-income setting, Mara witnessed firsthand the lack of awareness and support for rural women with low literacy levels. Health workers were often reluctant to share information, leaving patients isolated and uninformed. Determined to change this, Mara began organizing peer groups to discuss treatment access and side effects, giving voice to communities that had long been silenced.
Her leadership quickly expanded beyond grassroots organizing. Mara spearheaded an advocacy drive with Malawi’s Ministry of Health to replace the harmful Triomune regimen, which was causing physical deformities among patients. This success marked the beginning of her policy influence.
Recognizing the need for a more structured response, Mara founded an organization dedicated to TB advocacy. With support from partners, the initiative mobilized 1,700 TB survivors who now provide information in communities, identify presumptive TB cases, and support patients through treatment completion.
Mara’s vision extended to addressing post-treatment challenges. Survivors often faced long-term health issues such as shortness of breath and reduced physical capacity amongst others. Her advocacy led to the creation of a Lung Rehabilitation Programme, piloted with Global Fund support and now integrated into Malawi’s National Strategic Plan.
It is her aim to help to amplify community voices, ensuring that dignity, equity, and survivor-led solutions in Malawi’s fight against TB and HIV.