By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, March 26, Mana: District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga has challenged partners implementing HIV and AIDS programmes to have work plans that should be tracked to measure positive impacts on district HIV and AIDS response.

Kuphanga made the remarks on Tuesday, during the district's HIV and AIDS stakeholders meeting supported by the National AIDS Commission (NAC) where all key partners in the district merged to discuss coordination, data review as well as HIV and Aids programming.

“We want all partners working in HIV and AIDS programmes to develop work plans for us to see what they plan to do and what has been achieved over time. We want them to challenge us with issues and problems and sit together to brainstorm how we can solve them,” said Kuphanga.

Kuphanga also urged the partners to have goals and targets that are measurable for easy tracking. There is need to track progress being made in regards to HIV and AIDS in the district.

"Further, they should embed issues of nutrition for people living with HIV as well as taking the life prolonging drugs as this is key to adherence to drugs.

“When making such plans, think about nutrition. We expect people on ART to adhere to drugs but let's think about nutrition.  Are they able to get food to eat well? What about those school going children? Are they going to concentrate on their education while on medication when they have no food?” said Kuphanga.

Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDS Officer for Thyolo, Kondwani Luwe said the HIV and AIDS stakeholders meetings play a vital role in HIV and AIDS response in Thyolo through collaboration, information sharing, advocacy and strategic planning.

“Partners need to know the significance of collaboration and partnership in addressing the complex challenges posed by HIV and AIDS. There is also need for collective action involving various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, healthcare providers, community organizations, and affected individuals,” said Luwe.

Luwe also urged partners to focus on prevention efforts, including education, access to condoms, harm reduction strategies for high-risk populations, and promotion of HIV testing and counseling.

Thyolo District HIV prevalence rate is 14.9 percent and a total of 60,012 people living with HIV are on Antiretroviral Therapy, Luwe disclosed.

During the meeting various stakeholders like EGPAF, Pakachere, Banja La Mtsogolo and the District Health Office presented information and data on what they achieved through their various interventions in the district.