Peer educators intensify HIV fight in Dedza

Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living or Personally Affected by HIV and Aids (Manerela+) has urged men to participate in the promotion of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Aids (PMTCT) to have an HIV-free nation.

Speaking at Chitowo in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaphuka in Dedza recently during an advocacy meeting organised by men peer educators and mentor mothers to promote PMTCT, Dedza Manerela+ project officer Harold Kachepatsonga said traditionally men head families in Malawi.

“Getting men involved in PMTCT will encourage other men to go for HIV testing because many men shun testing and instead use their wives’ statuses,” he said.

Kachepatsonga also said this must stop if we are to win the fight against the pandemic.

During the meeting, Manerela+ distributed eight bicycles to mentor mothers and men peer educators to ease mobility challenges when conducting follow-up visits.

Felistus Chimtengo, a mentor mother, said they will now have no problems reaching out to women in hard-to-reach areas.

In total Manerela+ has distributed 64 bicycles in Dedza. The bicycles were donated by Action Aid through their sub-recipient Christian Aid. n