HIV Prevention Messages Reach Nsanje Fishing Communities
Long distances to health centers like Kalemba Rural Hospital often discouraged testing.
NSANJE, Malawi - The Foundation for Active Civic Education (FACE) has commended communities in Traditional Authority Mbenje for embracing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and tuberculosis prevention efforts, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
FACE Project Officer Constantine Nkhani made the remarks Friday during a follow-up visit after training local fishermen in collaboration with AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
"The training sent messages to villagers along Chisamba and Bulawayo docks," Nkhani said, satisfied with the turnout for HIV testing to know their status.
Resident Alieti Zakeyu praised FACE for bringing services closer, as many avoid distant health facilities. "I'm glad to know my status today after being tested," she said, urging others to get tested.
The outreach targeted new HIV infections resurging in the areas of Traditional Authorities Mbenje and Tengani.
It aimed to help locals make informed decisions through awareness and accessible testing.
Nkhani said FACE, with AHF's support, trained fishermen to curb the spread of HIV, STIs and TB in the lakeshore communities.
Long distances to health centers like Kalemba Rural Hospital often discouraged testing.
The project highlights the need for localized interventions to promote health-seeking behaviors and tackle disesase burdens in hard-to-reach areas like Nsanje's fishing villages.