By Deogratius Mwalamoyo
Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) says it is committed to supporting young people living with HIV in Ntcheu district.
Programme Support Manager for YONECO, Sewenthe Chipofya Mahwayo made the commitment after donating personal protective equipment (PPE) and funds both amounting to K4 million to Manjawira, Mikoke and Senzani health centers and youth clubs in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Tsikulamowa.
The donation was made to empower youth living with HIV through Village Savings and Loans (VSL) clubs and protecting them from HIV and the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
Mahwayo said YONECO is working hand in hand with the youth living with HIV through implementation of different programs with the aim of making them to be self-reliant.
“Although we are passing through Covid-19 pandemic YONECO is encouraging youth to access different health services and also encouraging the youth to adhere Covid-19 preventive measures,” Mahwayo said.
Speaking after receiving the donation, a representative for Tipindule Youth Village Savings Loans club commended YONECO for the support and pledged his commitment to assisting other people to access sexual and reproductive health (SHR) services.
In his remarks, Village Headman Makasu commended YONECO for working tirelessly with the aim of uplifting the lives of young people living with HIV in his area.
Speaking after receiving the equipment, Ntcheu District Nursing Officer Gloria Magombo said the donation has come at the right time because currently the district is facing a lot of challenges such as lack of personal protective equipment for Covid-19.
The gesture was done with financial support from Egmond Trust through a one-year project called Investing for Impact on HIV and AIDS among the Youth.
The project is targeting young people within the age range of 10-29 in the areas of Group Village Head Chikhasu, Manjawira, Matale, Senzani and Mkonde in Sub Traditional Authority Tsikulamowa in the district.
The goal of the project is to address the impact of HIV among youth and preventing further HIV transmission.
