By Margret Praise Kalua

NKhata Bay, March 18, Mana: A Nkhata Bay based organization, Mtisunge AIDs and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), has embarked on an awareness campaign in the district aimed at changing people’s negative perception, attitudes and practices towards people living with HIV and AIDS.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of an awareness campaign in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri on Sunday, MACODESO Programmes Manager Michael Chirwa said the campaign, dubbed ‘Ndife Amodzi, Know Your Rights’, is targeting hard to reach areas.

"We have organized this campaign to realize strengthened community systems for effective HIV prevention and control of stigma and discrimination towards women and children living with HIV within communities.

"We also want people living with HIV and AIDS to adhere to treatment if we are to achieve reduced HIV transmission. Stigmatizing and discriminating them compromises the situation because they become shy to seek medical services," Chirwa said.

Clinical Officer for Nkhata Bay District Hospital, Chancy Kondowe, said stigma and discrimination can make young girls and women traumatized and remain withdrawn from community activities, a situation which prevents development.

"The campaign will bring different community structures in the area to advocate for change hence improving access for women and children to essential self and adequate multi-sectoral services," he said.

The campaign was organized under the “Kids’ health, kids’ rights: enhancing HIV testing, treatment and adherence among kids, lactating and pregnant mothers living with HIV” project which MACODESO is currently implementing in the district with funding from Aidsfunds Foundation from Netherlands.