By Abednego Sibale

Nkhata Bay, December 26, Mana: Programs Manager for Malawi AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Chirwa, Wednesday said that over 140 children aged below 14 in Nkhata Bay have been reinstated on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).

Chirwa said the children have been reinstated on ART after defaulting the therapy for varied periods after their parents and guardians had travelled to other countries in search of employment opportunities.

He was speaking at Chisala in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in Nkhata Bay during Ndife Umodzi Know Your Rights awareness campaign on the rights of children and women living with HIV.

"It was observed that some guardians fail to support children living with HIV to adhere to ART.

With the help of Ndife Amodzi Know Your Rights campaign, I am glad to say that 143 under the ages of 14 have been reinstated on ART in 2024 and we will continue engaging communities so that we maintain the status," said Chirwa.

According to Chirwa, discrimination against people living with HIV is a major obstacle in fighting HIV.

"We will therefore continue empowering communities to report to relevant authorities any forms of discrimination and ART default cases, " he said.

ART Coordinator at Nkhata Bay District Health Office, Yvonne Mnjeza commended MACODESO and other stakeholders for collective efforts towards improving the well-being of children living with HIV who depend on their guardians to manage their life decisions.

"This development is a significant initiative in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly among vulnerable populations like children," said Mnjeza

Community Policing Station Coordinator for Nkhata-Bay Police, Joseph Kyeyo said that he was optimistic that this campaign will enhance   advocacy for women and children health rights.