By Harold Mtepatepa

Lilongwe, July 22, 2023: Malawi Interfaith and AIDS Association (MIAA) has rolled out K56 million worth of project which is geared to reduce gender based violence (GBV) and HIV cases through faith communities in Lilongwe, Mchinji, Salima and Blantyre districts. 

Briefing Lilongwe District HIV and AIDS Coordinating Committee (DACC) about the project in the district on Friday, MIAA Project Officer, Wellington Nkhoma, said the project is expected to create and sustain GBV and HIV free communities.

“As we know that cases of GBV are on the rise. It is on that note that our organisation should come in and work together with the faith community.

“This project will work hand in hand with faith leaders, faith youth leaders and student based organisations like SCOM, Adventist Youth, Young Christian Students and Muslim Students Association on treatment literacy and faith healing sessions,” he said.

He added that the project will promote child-centred practices and conduct GBV awareness among communities so that they are able to speak out about GBV incidents.

This is expected to help mitigate GBV cases and implement activities that will increase access to HIV and AIDs services for boys and men.

Lilongwe District Council Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDs Officer, Edina Mwangonde, commended the initiative, saying it will promote HIV-services-seeking behaviour and GBV prevention in the district.

“The project has come at the right time when the district is grappling with GBV and rising HIV infections. I urge district stakeholders to support its implementation,” she implored the DACC members.

United States (US) President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief will be supporting the project every year for five years.