LETS FIGHT HIV, AIDS WITH ONE GOAL-NANKHUMWA

Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa has urged Malawians to fight HIV and AIDS in the country with one goal.

Nankhumwa made the remarks on Saturday during the national candlelight memorial ceremony held at Nthema Primary School ground in Mchinji district.

In his speech, the Minister said Malawi is one of the most affected countries which needs to fight the disease with one common goal while encouraging people to go for HIV test.

“We are amongst the most affected countries, it is very important that people know their status through HIV testing.

“Women, and children in particular, are more vulnerable to HIV infection and by keeping the light on HIV and getting tested, we are contributing to the reduction of the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV and its impacts,” he said.

The Information minister therefore said it is important that people go for HIV test with their partners and be open with their status to each other.

Candlelight Memorial is a world annual event done on 20th May with the aim of remembering and paying homage to those who died because of HIV and AIDS.

In Malawi, however, the event was delayed to 20 September taking place in Mchinji district with the theme titled “Let’s keep the light on HIV: Get tested.”

The National commemoration held in the district will be followed by a one week Campaign for HIV Testing and Counseling starting from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th September 2014 as well as International AIDS Candlelight Memorial countrywide commemorations at District Assembly level.