President Dr. Joyce Banda’s recent appointment as a champion of Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) has received different opinions with the majority of Malawians saying it is a sign of good governance.
Random interviews done by Malawi News Agency (Mana), Linda Gama, a court martial in Lilongwe said she was happy with the President’s appointment, saying it is no mean achievement for her as a President and a clear indication of good governance.
“If the President is not governing this country well, she could not be trusted with such a responsibility, but her good leadership and as Malawians we are happy with that,” said Gama.
Tamenji Banda, a first year Chancellor College student said the President’s appointment is a good development not only to Malawi, but also Southern Africa as a whole.
“This is so because it will put Malawi on the map and bring about responsible donors who will help Malawi in fighting against Malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB.
“The President’s appointment is also an encouragement to female youths who are undermining themselves,” Banda, a Social science student said.
Welton Gambatula, a contractor also Dr. Banda for the appointment, saying it has made our nation proud.
The announcement of President Banda’s appointment as a champion on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB in Southern Africa was made during the AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) session at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
African Heads of State and Government are meeting in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa for the 50th African Union Anniversary Summit.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB remain major stumbling blocks to the socio-economic development in the SADC region.
Although SADC member states are implementing HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB interventions, the burden is still heavy with the region being home to an estimated 13.4 million people living with HIV, 63 per cent living in areas that are affected by malaria with pregnant women and children under the age of five being at a greater risk.
