Malawi people living with HIV/AIDS petition gov’t on welfare
August 15, 2014
George Bulombola - Mana 3 Comments
Following a two day workshop for people living with HIV and AIDS which was organized by Malawi Interfaith Aids Association in corroboration with Ntcheu District Interfaith Aids Committee, participants to the workshop Tuesday presented a petition which contained some of the challenges which people living with HIV face to Ntcheu District Commissioner.
According to the chairperson of Ntcheu District Interfaith Aids Committee, Bishop Litchapa, the participants to the workshop shared different experiences especially challenges which they face with various service providers.
“The participants who are mainly people living with HIV, among other things expressed concern over shortage of drugs, drug theft in health facilities and covering long distances to access Ant Retroviral Therapy (ART),” said Bishop Litchapa.
People living with HIV-Aids march to the DC
He said the challenges compromise the rights which people living with HIV need to enjoy life.
“Most of the challenges raised by the participants can ably be addressed at district level, hence the resolution to present the petition the district commissioner,” said Bishop Litchapa.
According to Bishop Litchapa, children living with HIV and AIDS are prevented from going to school by their parents and that in cases where the children go to school; they (children) are mistreated by teachers.
“In some instances such children are denied to leave school for medical services,” said Litchapa.
Statistics indicate that HIV prevalence rate in Ntcheu was about 8.9 % as of 2010 and current statistics according to the Assistant District AIDS Coordinator Peter Munthali for Ntcheu, the prevalence rate is at 12.15%.
The comprehensive HIV care and treatment, support adherence to care and treatment, psychosocial support workshop which was attended by health workers, religious leaders, members of village health committees with people living with HIV inclusive was funded by Norwegian Church Aid.
