MANET + smiles at K75 million worthy Covid-19 hygiene kits donation
By Mphatso Nkaonera – Mana.
Minister of Health and Population Services Friday handed over K75 million worthy Covid-19 related hygiene kits to Malawi Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (MANET +).
The donation ceremony that took place at MANET+ Head Office in Lilongwe realized materials including 45 000 tablets of Dettol soap and 15, 000 Jik lotions which was donated by United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
MANET’s Executive Director, Lawrence Khonyongwa told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Friday during the handover ceremony that the donation was timely and would go a long way to rescue people within the HIV and AIDS constituency.
“This donation will be donated to five thousand people in the community of those living with HIV and AIDS. We know it is not enough as the number of people living with HIV and AIDS is more than this, we have extended our request to Global Fund for help which has assured us of having some support soon,” the Executive Director said.
Representing the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, National Aids Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Gonani said Covid-19 has not spared any age as such the donation was commendable and urged other organizations to emulate UNAIDS.
“By July 23, the country had registered 3,386 cases, and the youngest affected is one month old while the oldest being 93 years, this is a true reflection that everyone can be attacked by the virus.
“It is very commendable to see organizations in the HIV and AIDS fight standing up to defend their clients,” he said.
UNAIDS Programme Officer, Elin Henrysson said her organization believes that engaging the local organizations in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic was a very welcome development as the most remote area dwellers would benefit.
“We are committed to help the government in the battle against the further spread of the pandemic, hence our gesture today,” she said.
Covid-19 has shaken the world’s economic gains as most of the business operations have stalled.
Mana/mn/tha
