Mangochi NGO marches against HIV and Aids stigma

Some people in Mangochi, including chiefs, are perpetrating discrimination against people living with HIV and Aids, it has been learnt.

This came to light on Saturday at Saiti Kadzuwa Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mponda in the district when Women Against Aids (Waga), a community-based organisation, was commemorating 23 years of its existence.

In an interview, Waga executive director Grace Mafuta said people living with HIV in the district are facing stigma perpetrated by neighbours and chiefs.

“We are surprised that this is being fuelled by some people who we thought would protect us. We are appalled to observe that some chiefs are in the forefront encouraging discrimination,” he said.

In an interview, Mangochi district senior nutrition HIV and Aids coordinator Smith Mnenula said his office has never received any complaint, but will investigate the issue. n