Malawi’s LICO gets Red Ribbon award for Aids work: Irish envoy presents cheque
The Irish Ambassador to Malawi Aine Hearns, on Monday handed over US$ 10,000 to a Rumphi based home based care, Life Concern Organisation, for emerging this year’s winner of Red Ribbon Award at a ceremony which took place at Irish Ambassador’s residence.
The red ribbon is a global symbol in the movement to address AIDS. The Red Ribbon Award is presented every two years at the International AIDS Conference to honour and celebrate community based organizations for their outstanding initiatives that show leadership in reducing the spread and impact of AIDS.
The awards are given in the following 5 categories: Prevention of sexual transmission; Prevention among/by people who use drugs; Treatment, care and support; Advocacy and human rights; and Stopping new HIV infections in children and keeping mothers alive/ women’s health.
The Irish ambassador commended the Rumphi organisation for winning the award.
Hearns said, she was delighted and cherish that the work of one of local NGO that has been recognised internationally and celebrated.
The award was created by the Leadership and Community Programme Committees of the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Canada, in recognition of the need to strengthen community voices at the 2006 Conference. In addition, the Red Ribbon Award is intended to recognize and support outstanding community leadership and action in responding to the epidemic.
Life Concern Board chair Pearson Kaiwale said the money will be properly put into good use for the benefit of the community.
Ministry of Health chief of health services Dr Charles Mwansambo said the ministry is proud with the award.
“As Ministry we are very happy for the award and we are proud for theSsme,” said Mwansambo.
The LICO Patron Paramount Chikulamayembe was also available at the ceremony.
Life Concern Organization (LICO), Malawi, helps to improve the health and development of marginalised and vulnerable populations in Malawi.
Since February 2009, LICO has worked to empower and lead and engaged community that can make informed decisions in the Rumphi District of Northern Malawi.
The impressive work of LICO has led to its winning in the Category of Treatment, care and support.
Apart from Life Concern Organisation, the other 2014 winning organizations are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kenya, Lebanon, Nepal, Ukraine and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
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Well done LICO we are proud of you. continue helping the malawian communities with development initiatives. Keep it up
Congratulations LICO. Being a worldwide award means alot even to the nation.very proud of you. Iam one of the witnesses of the great work you people are doing in Rumphi
good work keep it up Rumphi people will give you the support
Well done PTK Gondwe for championing this,,God z in control
Well done LICO, you have brought pride to Malawi.