Blantyre honours lives lost to HIV & AIDS in joint commemoration

Blantyre, May 16, 2025, Mana; Blantyre District Council and Blantyre City Council jointly commemorated World Aids Day and International Candlelight Memorial with a series of activities to raise awareness on HIV prevention, with the main event at Lunzu Market where HIV testing and condom provision took place.

Held under the theme: Take the right path; Together we remember, together we can end AIDS, the event over the weekend began with roadshows from Chemusa Township through Chilimba to Kameza Roundabout.

Principal Nutrition, HIV and Aids Officer at Blantyre District Council, Ruth Hara, said World Aids Day is officially commemorated on December 1 every year, but the council decided to hold it on May 16 due to logistical constraints.

“The national commemoration took place in Zomba on December 1, but each district is required to conduct its commemorations. Initially, we had planned to hold the event on March 14 at Lunzu Community Ground, but due to limited financial resources, we opted for a roadshow format to make the most of what we had,” she added.

Hara said the candlelight memorial was an important event, adding that it provides an opportunity to remember people who died with HIV and Aids and provides room to reflect on ways and means to end HIV and Aids.

“It is a time to honour those we lost and renew our commitment to ending this epidemic. We observed a minute of silence to remember those who died of HIV and Aids,” she added.

Programme Officer for IMPACT Project under Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organisation (MACRO), Louis MKwatula, said the organization remains committed to support the Ministry of Health, through Blantyre District Health Office, in the HIV and Aids response.

“MACRO has been a key player in the HIV response in Malawi since the early days of the epidemic. Through our CDC-funded Co-IMPACT Project, we provide community-based HIV testing, with a focus on reaching men.

“We currently operate in seven health facilities across Blantyre, including Mlambe, Chilomoni, Mankheta, Mpemba, Bangwe, Zingwangwa.” Mkwatula added.

He said MACRO uses mobile vans, evening outreach programmes, and social network strategies to reach people who may not easily access health facilities.

“We offer comprehensive services, including free STI screening and HIV testing. These efforts are all part of our contribution towards achieving an HIV-free generation by 2030,” added Mkwatula.

Y-plus Coordinator for Blantyre District, Hope Banda encouraged young people to get tested to know their HIV status.

“I have lived with HIV since I was a child, but today I’m a university graduate and pursuing my career, HIV is not a death sentence. With proper treatment and support, life goes on.” she said.

The event included various traditional dances, drama performances, and speeches highlighting key topics such as PrEP, PEP, and condom use as HIV prevention strategies.

The World Aids Day commemoration and candle light memorial were held with support from various partners, among them; MACRO, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), Medical Aid Society of Malawi, and Development Aid from People to People in Malawi (DAPP).