Fransiscans pledge to assist inmates on ART

Roman Catholic Franciscan Missionaries on Friday pledged to continue assisting prisoners on Ant-ritroviral therapy (ART) at Zomba Central Prison.

The commitment was made when the religious order presented to prisoners items, including bales of sugar, trays of eggs and heads of cabbages, chambo and salt valued at about K320 000 ($640).

Franciscans Missionary Sister Anna Tommasi said the donation was in response to challenges inmates who are on ART face while serving their sentences.

She said inmates cannot decide what to take in their meals although people on ART need special diet.

She said unlike people who access special diets, lack of nutritious food among prisoners on treatment is a big problem in Malawian prisons and the situation quickly destroys their immune system.

“People on ART feel hungry now and again and as such they need special food,” said Sister Anna.

On the other hand, Sister Anna appealed to well-wishers to join hands with Malawi Prison Service if reformation and rehabilitation of offenders is to succeed.

One of the beneficiaries, McLemosi Yasini, said since the Franciscans started distributing nutritious food to them, their immune system has improved.

He commended Sister Anna and the entire Catholic Church for their efforts in improving the welfare of prisoners.

Zomba Prison discipline officer, assistant superintendent Beston Chakhumbira, said the support faith-based groups render to inmates on ART has helped to reduce HIV/Aids-related deaths in prisons.

Prisoners from Mikuyu 1, Mikuyu 2 and Chichiri are also benefiting from the project.

Currently, Zomba Prison has over 200 inmates on ART.