Illovo holds HIV and Aids open day
In an effort to ensure that the national theme of getting to zero discrimination towards people living with HIV and Aids is met, Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Limited organised a week-long voluntary test and counselling (VTC) for its employees and residents of Ndirande Village in Nchalo, Chikhwawa.
Speaking in an interview during the open day on Saturday, the company’s human resource manager, Jeremy Ngolombe, said the event was organised to sensitise the community that zero discrimination towards those living with HIV and Aids is possible.
“This is not the first time for us to hold such events and we are glad to say that since the implementation of this programme, there has been a great change in the way people relate to people living with Aids and how infected people have accepted their status,” he said.
Ngolombe said following the response the community has rendered to the project for the entire week, the company will continue to hold such open days and called on government and other stakeholders to continue to intervene for a better nation.
Chikhwawa District Commissioner Alex M’dooko, who was the guest of honour, said in an interview, hailed Illovo for coming up with such an event, saying it is important for one to know their status and the dangers of the disease.
“We have had a whole week of counselling and testing and as government we are pleased when companies are taking the leading role in ensuring that we get to zero discrimination towards living with HIV and Aids,” he said.
During the event, people were entertained by traditional dances, drama performances and a live band performance all preaching against discrimination towards those living with the disease.
