Ngabwe District Commissioner, Hector Filongwe has observed that HIV and AIDS remains a great source of concern in the delivery of socio-economic development in the District.
He said this should be countered with equally effective community development programming that identifies the needs of the local people.
Mr Filongwe said this year’s World Aids Day, whose theme was ‘equaliize’ closing the gaps,’ focused on addressing inequalities which perpetuated the AIDS.
“It should be noted that inequalities also arise in the manner capital projects are executed especially in construction of roads, schools, hospitals bridges and dams among others.
These projects require the involvement of HIV prevention component in order to mitigate the socio-economic environmental effects on beneficiary.”
He said there was need to strengthen programming in the area in order to enhance collaboration with the decentralized coordination structures.
Mr Filongwe observed that such a move would speak to closing the different gaps existing in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He listed some of the inequalities to be attended to as ; ending stigma and discrimination, -equal access to HIV services, a must, distribution of condoms, inclusion- leave no one behind.
Others are increasing the availability, quality and suitability of services, for HIV treatment, testing and prevention,ensuring the sharing of technology to enable equal access to the best HIV science between communities so that they would make use of and adapt the ‘equalize’ message to highlight the particular inequalities they face and to press for the action.
And District HIV/AIDS Coordination Advisor, Chisenga Chimbini thanked everyone who took part in the commemoration of the World Aids Day.
She urged all stakeholders to get on board and join the fight against HIV/AIDS
Issued by :
Christopher Habukali
Public Relations Officer