Umunthu Plus Organisation says its Bridging
the Gap in HIV Service Delivery project has surpassed its target by reaching
more than 5,000 beneficiaries against an initial target of 900.
Umunthu Plus Field Officer Mathias Nkhoma
made the remarks during an end-of-project review meeting held at Mwadzama in
Nkhotakota District.
Nkhoma says the project focused on
sustaining critical HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services,
particularly among women of reproductive age, young people and pregnant women.
He says the project also identified factors
contributing to HIV treatment defaulting, including fear of disclosing HIV
status to partners and the mobility of fishermen, who frequently move from one
place to another.
"The project targeted about 900
beneficiaries, but we managed to reach more than 5,000 people. This is a major
achievement for us,” Nkhoma said.
Nkhoma adds that although the project has
come to an end, Umunthu Plus trained expert clients and condom promoters who
will continue supporting HIV prevention and awareness activities in their
communities.
Meanwhile, Kapiri Health Centre Nurse
Stella Nyilenda has hailed Umunthu Plus for implementing the project, saying
the health facility will continue working to address health challenges in the
area.
Nyilenda has also called on other
stakeholders to emulate Umunthu Plus by supporting health initiatives in the
community.
Expert Client Austin Saidi says the project
helped them raise awareness among young people and provided a platform to
encourage condom use and HIV prevention.
The Bridging the Gap in HIV Service
Delivery project was implemented by Umunthu Plus in the area of Senior Chief Mwadzama with financial
support from Egmont Trust.
