‘Long road to zero new HIV infections’

UNAids, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids, says Malawi is on the road to substantially reduce Aids-related deaths but the country still has a long way to go to reach zero new HIV infections.

UNAids Malawi Community Mobilisation and Network Adviser Aurelie Andriamialison was speaking in Nkhotakota recently during a Youth Leadership Training Programme on HIV response and management.

The training was organised by Global Hope Mobilisation with support from UNAids.

Andriamialison said as the world travels the road towards zero new infections, the country’s efforts are making a difference in the fight against Aids.

“We should be proud of new and innovative programmes which expand access to key services such as the inclusion of life skills and sexuality in the secondary school curriculum. HIV testing and counselling and voluntary medical male circumcision,” Andriamialison said.

She, however, said the country records 60 000 new HIV infections each year.

Global Hope Mobilisation executive director Caleb Thole said the training targeted the youth because they are among the most at risk group.

“It will provide a platform for the youth to have one voice in lobbying the Malawi Government for their right to access HIV services, right to be respected and included as well as right to access quality treatment as early as possible,” Thole said.—Mana