By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, March 17, Mana: Programs Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Kameta, has urged expectant women and youths in Nkhata Bay to get an HIV test saying this will reduce HIV prevalence and help them access the needed support.

Kameta said this Sunday at Bandawe Primary School Ground in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Malengamzoma during "Ndife amodzi know your rights" awareness campaign aimed at strengthening community systems to prevent stigma and discrimination against women and children living with HIV.

According to Kameta 6.4 percent of Nkhata Bay's population lives with HIV and AIDS and to avoid further transmission it is essential that women and youths know their status.

"In the course of our work, we are still meeting resistance from certain groups to undergo HIV testing.

"There is also resistance from women who after testing positive do not initiate ARV treatment resulting to high rate of transmission hence the call for women and mostly youths who are sexually active to get tested to curb the transmission rate," he said.

Antiretroviral Therapy Nurse at Bandawe Health Centre, Mary Mkandawire, hinted on the importance of couples getting tested together.

"It is good for expectant women to go for HIV testing together with their husbands so that they can be advised on how best to protect unborn babies from the virus, “she said.

Chintheche Police Unit Officer Sergeant Rabecca N'deza linked the high HIV prevalence rate in the district to gender based violence.

"Our unit receives so many cases connected to gender-based violence.

"Women and young girls are being raped and some are left without support, which has contributed to the high prevalence rate of HIV," she said.

Group Village Head Nabayoti commended MACODESO for educating his community about HIV testing and treatment.

"We are grateful for this campaign as it has been an eye opener to many. I am optimistic that this will help change attitudes and behaviour especially among the youths," he said.

The campaign was conducted in partnership with COWLHA, Reach Trust and Y+, under the project called ‘Kids Health, Kids Rights: Enhancing HIV testing, treatment, and adherence among Kids, pregnant women and lactating mothers living with HIV’ with financial support from AIDSFONDS.