MSF targets vulnerable groups in new project

Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF)-Belgium is implementing Corridor Project with an aim of ensuring access to treatment and care for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) cases for mobile and vulnerable populations.
MSF medical activity manager Olesi Posula said in an interview that the three-year programme is being implemented in the districts of Neno, Mwanza and Dedza.
“The aim of the project is to reduce HIV and Aids and TB related morbidity, mortality and incidence among mobile population, especially high risk and vulnerable groups in Malawi,” said Posula.
She said the programme will provide one stop clinic at Zalewa, Mwanza and Dedza border posts so that mobile populations such as truck drivers and sex workers can access sexual transmitted infection (STI) treatment, ARVs, HIV, counselling and testing (HCT), TB treatment, family planning and emergency contraception.
“The programme also aims at establishing an effective referral and information system ensuring follow up and continuity of care along the corridors and to the main destinations.
“Neno district health officer Lawrence Nazimera welcomed the project, saying it will help complement government’s efforts to provide health services to vulnerable groups.
“The project is coming at a right time such services are on high demand following the increasing people’s mobility due to the impending railway transport construction between Malawi and Mozambique,” said Nazimera.
MSF already started similar project in February this year in Moatize, Tete, Changara and Beira in Mozambique. n