Malawi launches 2nd annual HIV testing, counselling week

Malawi will on Monday begin a week-long testing and counselling of HIV/Aids among people willing to undertake the voluntary exercise nationwide.

Under the theme, “Plan Your Future: Go for HIV Testing Today,” the campaign hopes to reach 130,000 people this year, according to the country’s health ministry and National Aids Commission (NAC), two bodies coordinating the activities.

In the first exercise last year, some 96,849 people were tested and counselled for HIV. Out of this figure, some 10,421 Malawians were found to be HIV-positive, the ministry said.

According to the ministry, there were 50,545 females who went through the exercise as opposed to 44,711 male volunteers.

It added, “It is important to know one’s HIV status because you can plan for the future better.”

In addition, the ministry noted, those who knew their HIV status to be positive “are free to access available support services, including ARVs (anti-retrovirals) therapy.”

The testing, which will take place at hospitals, health centres, dispensaries and mobile clinics directed at remote areas, will end on 21 January.

According to NAC, 14 per cent of Malawi’s 12 million people have HIV/Aids, one of the highest rates in the world.

In his efforts to develop Malawi, President Bingu wa Mutharika has