Malawi AIDS Counseling and Resource Organisation (Macro) has joined other stakeholders in enhancing the fight against HIV and AIDS in Mzimba through its five- year Intensifying Malawi’s and Key Populations’ Access to Community HIV Testing Services and Treatment (Impact) Project.
Speaking Wednesday in Mzuzu when he brief stakeholders on the project which is expected to run up to 2028, Macro’s Director of Programs, Patrick Mbulaje, said the project will target men between the ages of 20 to 39.
“We intend to reach out through both static and outreach services to men, however, the project will not deny other people services as our main goal is to supplement government efforts in reducing HIV transmission and its impact in the country,” said Mbulaje.
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He added that the project will focus on HIV testing, prevention, treatment and care services which will include provision of condoms, lubricants Anti Retrieval Viral Therapy and viral load monitoring among others depending on one’s HIV status.
“We will also through the project strengthen monitoring and reporting systems and other health related services besides promoting person -centered HIV prevention approaches for our targeted and key populations,” he said.
Mbulaje also said that records indicate that men’s access to HIV and AIDS services is low as compared to women, hence targeting them.
“We understand that the majority of them would say that they are always busy at their workplaces especially in the case of urban settings and to address this, the project will also take services to workplaces as we ponder on how we can work with private clinics on the project,” added Mbulaje.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Mzuzu City Monica Malota, commended Macro for including Mzimba North as one of the benefiting districts of the project.
“This project will go a long way in contributing towards our efforts in ensuring good health amongst the residents of Mzuzu City and Mzimba North. We therefore applaud Macro for the intervention,” said Malota.
She then advised stakeholders to work hand in hand with Macro for smooth implementation of the project which is being funded by Centre for Disease Control.
