Qadria in HIV and Aids awareness campaign

Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi says it will continue encouraging men and boys to go for HIV self-testing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking on Monday during HIV and Aids awareness activities in Traditional Authority (T/A)  Mposa in Machinga, the association’s programmes manager Ousmane Chunga said HIV is still a threat in the country.

He said: “We are implementing a Faith and Community Initiative Project through a Palladium Group/Health Policy Plus that seeks to encourage men and boys to get tested.

“We organised a football bonanza and zikiri competition to spread HIV and Aids messages, especially encouraging men and boys to access self-testing kits.”

In her remarks, Christina Chingunde, a nurse/midwife at Mposa Health Centre, said men and boys shun HIV testing.

“We thank the association’s volunteers for disseminating HIV information in mosques and during football matches,” she said.

Chingunde said about 1700 people are on antiretroviral therapy in the area.

On his part, Chief Mposa said the Covid-19 pandemic has affected HIV and Aids services at the health centre.

“The number of men seeking HIV services has declined. So, we need to encourage them to start accessing the services,” he said.

The project is funded by USAid-President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief through HP+.