US names Malawi model country in Aids fight: Hails ballot democracy
United States has applauded Malawi for its efforts in tackling HIV/AIDS as it has slowed the epidemic and become a model in the AIDS fight.
In a statement, US Secretary of State, John Kerry, made on Thursday congratulating Malawi as the nation celebrate a half century of independence on July 6, he said “Malawians should be proud of their work to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS.”
He pointed out that in the past AIDS was a looming death sentence for the entire African continent but that Malawi has been a model in the fight again HIV and AIDS.
Said Kerr: “While serving in the Senate, I worked closely with Sen. Frist and Sen. Helms on the bipartisan legislation that became the foundation for PEPFAR. Back then, AIDS was a looming death sentence for the entire African continent. What I saw on my most recent trip to Sub-Saharan Africa would never have seemed possible.”
There has been strong government leadership, broad-based partnerships and effective public country.
Government provides free life prolonging drugs to HIV patients in public clinics and also runs a nutritional support project for civil servants who are Aids patients.
The population is mobilised in the fight against HIV/AIDS and virtually everyone is made aware of the consequences that risky behaviour can have.
“Today, we all hold up Malawi as a model and a leader in this fight. Malawi has saved thousands of men, women, and children from HIV infection with the help of antiretroviral drugs. You are on the front lines of a critical mission: creating an AIDS-free generation”, US secretary of state said in the statement.
Commenting on democracy and governance, US noted “this year also marks 20 years of multiparty democracy in Malawi.”
It said the recent elections which was won by President Prof. Peter Mutharika “ served as an example of a peaceful change of government for the entire region.”
Said Kerr: “ Malawians spoke from the ballot box and stood for the rule of law.”
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