By Jacob Nthozi

Nkhata Bay, June 12, Mana: Programmes Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Chirwa has condemned stigma towards people living with HIV and AIDS in Nkhata Bay District.

Chirwa was speaking in an interview on Tuesday after an awareness campaign named ‘Ndife Amodzi, Know Your Rights,’ in the area of Senior Chief Malanda.

He said the campaign is aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV and AIDS in rural communities.

"We are advocating for mindset change so that in the end, people are able to live together in harmony and that those living with HIV and AIDS are able come to facilities without fear of being discriminated," he said.

"We have noted that women and children under the age of 14 are the common victims of stigma and discrimination in rural communities. We are encouraging local leaders to sensitize their subjects on the dangers of stigma," he added.

Chintheche Rural Hospital's coordinator for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTC), Maria Gondwe lauded MACODESO for the initiative that has among others allowed people living with HIV and AIDS know their rights.

She also said the campaign has encouraged communities to go for HIV testing, so that they know their status and follow recommended procedures accordingly.

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” a project which MACODESO is currently implementing with funding from Aidsfunds Foundation from Netherlands through COWLHA.