MZIMBA: Authorities in Mzimba have noted that most people in the district are slowly changing their mind set towards cultural beliefs that contribute to the spread of HIV.

 

Acting District Health Officer Dr. Alinafe Mbewe said this is evidenced with the reduction of HIV prevalence rate from 7.8 percent last year to 5.6 percent this year.

Dr. Mbewe said this in an interview after she commissioned HIV Testing Center and Under Five Clinic in the Traditional Authority Chindi constructed by World Vision on Tuesday.

Mzimba is one of the districts in the country rich with cultural beliefs that include Chokolo.

Various Non Governmental Organizations especially those taking part in HIV and Aids fight have been against some of the cultural practices saying they contribute to increased cases of new infections.

 

 

 

 

Authorities in the district however said with HIV awareness programmes they conduct in various places in the district most people are changing their mind towards such cultural beliefs.

During the commissioning of HIV Testing Center and Under Five Clinic in the Traditional Authority Chindi, constructed by World Vision Tuesday, Guest of Honor at the event, Acting District Health Officer Dr. Alinafe Mbewe said it is pleasing to note that people are now positively receiving messages of HIV and Aids in the district.

Programme Manager for World Vision in Mzimba Mr. George German said the constructed HIV Testing Center will help to reduce suspected HIV related deaths the area had been experiencing as most people have been dying without knowing what was killing them.

World Vision has invested about nine million kwacha to construct the two structures.