Malawi Network of People Affected by HIV and Aids (Manerela+) Kasungu district supervisor Joseph Nthondo has asked anti-retroviral therapy (ART) recipients to demand quality health services when accessing treatment in health facilities.

He made the call on Tuesday during a dialogue session between health care providers and ART recipients from support groups in the district.

Nthondo said the network, through the Citizen Science community-led and advocacy project they are implementing in the district, wants to forge a cordial relationship between healthcare providers and clients.

He said: “We are providing awareness to recipients of care on one hand and health service providers on the other, that there should be a good relationship between them. We want ART recipients to have better access to health service without being burdened or shouted at.

“This meeting is important because we want to meet the government target of an HIV and Aids-free nation by 2030 and through these dialogue sessions it is possible to achieve this target.”

Participants pose for a group photo

Kasungu District Hospital official Ulemu Zulu said although Kasungu District has registered a decrease in new HIV infections, more need to be done on access to health as some people shun ART services due to fear of being stigmatised.

He said: “We need to work hand in hand if we are to fight the disease and this begins right from accessing the treatment. As Kasungu District Hospital our doors are always open for anyone to access the services.”

Titukulane Tokha Support Group member Mercy Phiri said a cordial relationship btween health providers and recipients strengthens communication and openness among clients.

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