Karonga registers decrease in HIV and Aids prevalence rate 

Karonga District Aids Coordinating Committee chairperson Kossam Munthali says it is encouraging that the district is making strides in reducing HIV and Aids prevalence rate.

He was speaking at Chilambilo Primary School during the district’s World Aids Day commemoration.

“I am happy that we are making strides in reducing HIV and Aids prevalence rate in the district. Three years ago we were at 10.2 percent, but currently, we are at 4.5 percent. This shows that we can end HIV and Aids by 2030,” he said.

Munthali, however, expressed concern over the conduct of some HIV positive people who default antiretroviral therapy, saying the tendency puts many lives at risk.

“It’s sad that about 230 people stopped taking the ARVs for their own reasons. Let me also warn the religious leaders to stop deceiving people that they can be healed of HIV once they have been prayed for,” he said

Karonga District director of health and social services David Sibale bemoaned discrimination against people living with HIV, saying the tendency discourages people from getting tested.

Sibale advised people in the district against relaxing in following HIV prevention measures due to the reduction of its prevalence rate.

On his part, Karonga District Council vice-chairperson Mokachi Chirambo said the council will continue providing support to HIV and Aids activities in the district to contribute toward ending the epidemic by 2030.

The day was commemorated under the theme ‘End Inequalities, End Aids, End pandemics’.n