 want to reach out to the sex workers and drug users to spread awareness to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS.){kind=link}
Malawi: Karonga Debate Club (KADEC) want to reach out to the sex workers and drug users to spread awareness to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS. The people living in the rural areas of the district are most vulnerable to these infections.
The organization announced that they would conduct a one year long project to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. The announcement was made during the District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting which was convened on Wednesday.
The project manager of KADEC, Gwyneth Kaponda highlighted the significance of the one-year project. She said, the project will be implemented in four different health facilities across the district. The project is called ‘Bringing HIV information and services to key populations and their communities Malawi’
The project manager also shared further details regarding the initiative at the District Executive Committee Meeting. They will target sex workers and people who use drugs in rural communities from Mponela, Mwandovie and Mwakhwawa Villages.
These officials will be conducting awareness programmes in Chilumba, Lwezga, Iponga and Ngana health facilities in the area of Senior Chief Mwakaboko.
Kaponda explained that they have seen an increase in the numbers of HIV Testing in the country. The health stakeholders have also scaled upprevention and treatment services for the HIV/AIDS infections.
However, sex workers and drug users are not being adequately reached with these services in rural settings.
The organization also conducted a baseline survey which suggested that many of the affected persons are afraid. They believe that they might face arrest and prosecution due to themselves being involved in allegedly shameful and illegal activities.”
Project Officer, Gwyneth Kaponda claimed that the project would help people become more knowledgeable about HIV prevention, testing and treatment. The project will also help train sex worker support groups and civil society organisations.
As such, these stakeholders can play a crucial role in monitoring HIV services for drug users and sex workers living with the virus.
Youth Officer for Karonga District, Lapken Liwago said the initiative would help reduce gaps in HIV interventions to key populations.
The project will be implemented with funds from Gilead Sciences Inc. from the USA. The funds total up to K 43.5 million.