BCC commemorates Aids Day

Blantyre City Council (BCC) on Wednesday commemorated World Aids Day with a call to residents to avoid contracting HIV and Aids as it continues to claim many lives.

Speaking during the commemorations at Lumbila Primary School ground in Chilomoni Township, Blantyre City West member of Parliament (MP) Tracisio Gowelo, who was the guest of honour, said it is important for people to have their blood tested to plan their lives.

He said: “If you get tested positive, you will be put on life-prolonging drugs and if you get tested negative, you will make sure you prevent contracting the disease at all costs. To all those who went for a test and tested negative sometime ago, I urge you to go again to see if your status is still the same so that you can plan your life accordingly because only a healthy person can contribute positively to the development of this country.”

BCC town planning and estate services director Costly Chanza, representing the council’s acting chief executive officer, speaking in an interview, said it is important for every person to take part in the fight against HIV and Aids for the results to be meaningful.

The commemorations were spiced by different activities such as traditional dances, poem recitations, drama performances and dialogues, all carrying HIV and Aids messages and Gift of the Givers Foundation made a donation of Sibusiso Food Supplement to BCC.

Several organisations and government institutions such as Malawi Prison Service, Malawi Police Services, Medical Aid Society of Malawi (Masm), Gift of the Givers Foundation, Johns Hopkins, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust and Development Aid from People to People (Dapp) mounted pavilions to showcase services they offer to the guests.

The commemorations which were held under the theme Getting To Zero Is Possible With Early HIV Treatment. Act Now! n