Promote behaviour change
The Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM) has asked sheikhs, traditional leaders and initiation rites leaders to promote behaviour change and prevalence of HIV.
The call was made on Wednesday at Namisi in Mangochi when the association held a two-day long dialogue with the leaders.
QMAM executive director Saiti Jambo said chiefs, sheikhs and initiation rites leaders are influential in spreading HIV prevention messages.
“Chiefs are custodians of culture. They can reboot some obnoxious cultural practices that contribute towards HIV transmittion.
“Sheikhs and initiation rites leaders wield community’s influence and play critical role in shaping the children into adulthood. They impact norms which society follows,” said Jambo.
QMAM is implementing a one-year HIV/Aids programme in Karonga, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Salima, Lilongwe, Machinga, Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Mulanje and Mangochi with financial support from National Aids Commission (NAC).
