NAC hails Mchinji Covid-19, HIV integrated responses

National Aids Commission (NAC) has expressed satisfaction with a Covid-19 and HIV and Aids integrated response programme in Mchinji District.

Speaking during a Covid-19 and HIV and Aids integration briefing in Mchinji, NAC head of programmes sub-committee commissioner Safari Mbewe said it was necessary to intervene in Covid-19 fight using the technique for fighting HIV and Aids pandemic.

He said: “When Covid-19 struck, we thought we could integrate its response with that of HIV and Aids considering that we have done well in the latter’s response with implementing partners in the district.

“So, we are trying to use the same structures in HIV and Aids fight to mitigate Covid-19 impact.”

NAC members and officials from Mchinji District Health Office (DHO) also toured Mchinji-Mwami Border Post to appreciate the integration efforts.

Mbewe said he was impressed with the district’s integration exercise so far.

Mchinji District director of health and social services Juliana Kanyengambeta said the integration has given the DHO an opportunity to maintain quality service delivery of HIV and Aids cases while at the same time dealing with Covid-19.

She said: “For HIV, close interaction with clients is important while Covid-19 response stresses social distancing. So, we had challenges.

“However, through the integration programme, we have been guided on how to handle HIV and Aids cases in the face of Covid-19.”

Kanyengambeta said they are giving a three-month supply of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to their clients as a way of decongesting health facilities.

NAC donated hand sanitisers, face masks and soap to community-based organisations (CBOs) in district.