National Aids Commission (NAC) says female sex workers are important players in the fight against HIV and Aids in the country.
NAC coordinating officer for the Centre, Eric Dakamau, made the remarks in Mchinji on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting.
He said most female sex workers do not know their HIV status and are reluctant to seek HIV and Aids testing services due to fear of being discriminated against, which is putting their clients at more risk.
Dakamau then called on organisations and all stakeholders dealing in HIV and Aids to assist female sex workers acquire services to help in the prevention of the virus.
He said Malawi adopted the 90:90:90 approach by UNAids aimed at ensuring that by 2030, 90 percent of people living with HIV are identified, 90 percent of identified people living with HIV are initiated and retained on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and that 90 percent viral suppression for ART patients is achieved.
“NAC is working with many organisations such as Family Planning Association of Malawi [Fpam] to train the female sex workers and other peer educators on HIV and Aids prevention information,” said Dakamau.
Global Fund project coordinator Tamala Mhango said the organisation is implementing a project aimed at increasing demand and utilisation of HIV prevention care and support services among sex workers in Mchinji. n
