High HIV prevalence rate worries Mulanje council

Mulanje District Council has expressed concern that the district is still rated highest on HIV and Aids prevalence in the country despite its efforts to fight the disease.

Council officials expressed the worry on Friday at Nakoma Primary School ground in Traditional Authority Mthiramanja in the district where the council commemorated the World Aids Day.

Mulanje is currently leading with 20.6 percent against national prevalence rate of 9.1 percent.

In an interview on the sidelines of the commemoration, Mulanje District Council principal nutrition, HIV and Aids officer Charles Lomoni said the council, with its partners, is doing a lot to reduce the spread of the virus in the district.

He said: “We are trying our best. Just last week, we had a meeting where we discussed a lot of issues on how we can reduce the prevalence rate and further spreading of the virus in the district. It pains to be leading in the prevalence rate.”

Lomoni cited cultural practices, behaviour and tea estates as the main factors contributing to the spread of HIV and Aids.

“Many young girls are vulnerable here because of cultural practices that do not restrict young girls in terms of age from marriage or to have sex with, is also fueling the spread of the virus”.

The council’s chairperson Isaac Blazio urged communities to go for self HIV testing.

The event, which started with a big walk, was commemorated under the theme Know Your Status, HIV Testing Is Possible. n