A REPORT ON LAUNCHING THE MALAWI HIV AND AIDS INTERNATIONAL NETWORK (MAIN) at: The Lighthouse West London , 111-117 Lancaster Road , Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1QT . England. U. K. 11 MAY 2002 Sponsored by Lottery Grants for Local Groups, Awards For All.

In the beginning it was small pox, polio, measles, malaria, TB and cholera joined the list.  These became the most notorious, dangerous and the most feared killer diseases.   When the world thought it had come to a rest because the worst killer diseases had been eradicated, it was not long before HIV and AIDS descended on us just like a thief in the night. As the incubation period takes so long (over 10 years) the chances of even knowing how it had been in existence especially in Africa were  practically nil.

We have heard so many stories about the origins of HIV and AIDS, we have apportioned blame left right and Centre but the truth is that we are dealing with the worst killer disease in the history of humanity. At the rate people are dying from HIV related ailments and AIDS,  is so alarming so much so that we need to put all our efforts together if we are to control its spread.

Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in SADC region and borders with Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and has a total area of 118,484 sq km of which 94,276 sq km is land and 24,208 sq km is water.  Currently Malawi’s population is estimated at 10,640,000 and 90% of this population live in the rural areas while 10% live in the urban areas.

There are various reasons why accurate information is hard to come by., however, the available statistics (estimates) give a clear picture of the suffering that has been inflicted on the people of Malawi due HIV and AIDS.

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Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Fellow Malawians, All Friends and Well-wishers, today is a great day in the life of our country. We have been independent for thirty-seven years. That in itself is a great achievement. It is an achievement by all the people of Malawi: those who have gone to join our ancestors and those who are still with us today. Independence is a heritage that we shall pass on to those who are to come after we are gone. It was not the achievement of any one person or a group of persons. It was not the gift of this or that group of people. It was the achievement of all the people of Malawi. We rose and fought like one to rid ourselves of colonial rule. Freedom was the goal of all of us because freedom is a value. It is sweet and it was worth the struggle that went into its attainment. It is therefore right and proper that we all celebrate this day, this great event.

The life of a nation can be compared to the life of a human being. Like a human being a nation is born and grows up with its aches and pains, joys and sorrows. The major difference between a nation and a human being is that a human being has a limited life-span (and in these days of incurable diseases that life-span has become unusually short) while a nation goes on and on. We might even say that in the life of a nation, thirty-seven years is in the early stages of life on earth, perhaps the childhood stage. Even at this tender age, however, our nation has had its full share of aches and pains, joys and sorrows, successes and failures that we do not care to recount here. It is a mark of our resilience that we came through those pains and sorrows and are once again enjoying the sort of celebrations we are holding here tonight.

But now, Distinguished Guests, Friends and all of you fellow Malawians, a killer is hanging over our nation just as ominously as it is hanging over the whole of Southern Africa. In some countries today, HIV/AIDS is being managed so well that it is becoming merely something that people live with. Not so in Malawi. Not so in Southern Africa as a whole. In Malawi HIV/AIDS is a killer. It is carrying off our able-bodied and able-minded men and women. It is carrying off the rich and the poor, the educated and uneducated. Orphans are multiplying by the day. Some have only old and poor grand-parents to take care of them. Others have no one. Our poverty means that we cannot in any meaningful way cope with this killer. What do we do? Our West African sages used to say that a disease that has not been known before cannot be cured with everyday herbs. HIV/AIDS remains incurable. What do we do? Do we fold our arms and sit "phwiii" as they say at home? It is not in the nature of us Malawians to fold our arms in the face of any catastrophe. We talk about things and we crack our heads on what to do.

That is what we started doing on Nyasanet, yes, Nyasanet, ladies and gentlemen, that list that not everyone admires, until some netters asked why those interested in this topic did not start their own net. Those interested in this topic were serious enough to not only start their own list. They started a whole new organisation devoted to HIV/AIDS It is called Malawi HIV/AIDS International Network (MAIN). This organisation was started by ordinary Malawians who feel strongly and feel deeply that something ought to be done to supplement what our government and people back home are doing. I was personally so impressed by this development that I cheered the founders and told them I was ready to serve in whatever manner they saw fit. The organisation is registered in the UK. Its office is in the Malawi High Commission to the United Kingdom, thanks to the kindness and generosity of His Excellency Mr Msaka, Malawi’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. We have branches in the UK, in Malawi, in the United States and in Botswana. The branches in all these countries are going to be registered. The branch in Botswana is seeking affiliation with the Society of Malawians in Botswana and we will ask the Society's legal adviser, Professor Clement Ng'ong'ola to help us achieve this aim.

Oh, yes, there is a Botswana Branch. Please inquire from Mrs. Ellen Mnthali, Mrs. Nellie Chokani-Namame and Ms. Jessie Kabwila for further details. The important thing is that we do something, however small. Some people who were struggling for the independence of their country used to speak of a moment for what they called 'a futile gesture.'  Perhaps that might be all there is in what we are trying to do. A desperate search. A futile gesture. We would be foolish not to do it. Some day we too may stand before whoever we may have to face, be it God or our ancestors, and be asked, "When the struggle against that killer disease was on, what did you do?"

Distinguished Guests, Fellow Malawians, Friends, it was not my intention to dampen the spirit of these celebrations. I just thought that something that needed to be said could be said anywhere and at any time. The main business before us is that of eating well, drinking moderately and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Let us now do that.

I thank you all.

Felix Mnthali, Patron/Advisor, Society of Malawians in Botswana. President Hotel, Gaborone, July 7, 2001

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For the simple fact that there is a lot to be done around HIV and AIDS, no single group, NGO, Charity, Government, etc can handle the magnitude of the impact created by HIV and AIDS. As a result Malawians around the world began to realise the scope of this dreaded disease on their beloved ones, not only in Malawi but everywhere in the world.

Given the devastation HIV and AIDS is having on the African Communities, in the United Kingdom almost every nationality has an HIV and AIDS organisation to look into the interest of its nationality. To this extent MAIN became the first Malawian community service provider, to be established outside Malawi.  As an International NGO, it came into existence in order to coordinate the efforts of all Malawians both in Malawi and the Diaspora; thus mobilizing resources and complimenting the already existing efforts world-wide.

MAIN was formed in 2000, through an advertisement on the controversial internet forum - on things Malawian- known as  ‘The Nyasanet’.  The response and approval to forming such an organisation was overwhelming - hundreds instantly expressed their interest to join membership.  Thanks to the efforts of our sister Grace Chipo Manyika who conceived the idea and had a vision of putting the organisation together. By 2001 the Network was registered in England and Wales as a Company Limited by Guarantee with the assistance of Dr Margaret Kalilani and Colin Gardner.

MAIN’s vision is to live in a world where HIV and AIDS are no longer a threat but an issue that can be dealt with and its impact on the infected and affected families reduced.

MAIN’s mission is to educate Malawians at home and in the Diaspora about the effects of HIV and AIDS and provide support services to those already affected and to actively support preventative measures.

By way of promoting the organisation and its services, MAIN was launched on the 11^th May 2002,  at West London Light House.

Attendance was free.  The event was attended by Malawians and people from other African Communities, Other HIV and AIDS community service providers, National Health Service Agencies, Government representatives (e.g. Mozambique, Lesotho) and people from various positive support networks.  In total the event was attended by  over 150 people.

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Hon Justice Mrs Jane Ansah (Chairperson) Malawi HIV and AIDS International Network ...

In her welcoming remarks, Justice Ansah said that the 11^th of May 2002 was a memorable day for MAIN and can only be compared to what Ghanaians call out-dooring when a baby is taken out for introduction to the members of the family, friends and the entire community.  In the same way, MAIN is being introduced to friends and relatives to day who care for mankind, who will not be the innocent bystanders watching with indifference of the suffering of those around them.

MAIN stands for Malawi HIV and AIDS International Network and has the following objectives:

• To carry out research on symptoms, prevention, cure and consequences of HIV and AIDS

• Advancing education on HIV and AIDS

• Campaigning and advocating on behalf of those affected

• Reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS through health promotion and ensuring that prevention, care and cure, continues to be a national priority.

How is MAIN going to achieve these objectives? There is no better way than networking. One is inclined to ask why another charitable originations? There are many charities dealing with HIV and AIDS related problems and its side effects such as the widows and orphans.

True there are many charitable organisation but they alone cannot deal with the problem because of its magnitude and its impact on society. There is need for networking so that the efforts of all are coordinated and there is no wastage.  This also ensures that all sectors of the society are reached.

Secondly, the intensity of HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa is alarming.  In Malawi HIV and AIDS is a killer that is devastating and threatening to incapacitate the country as able bodied men and women are attacked, weakened and reduced to being unproductive, useless and dependent, and eventually they died helpless.

The whole social structure is affected, no one is spared - The poor and the rich, the educated and uneducated, the laborers and professionals, the young and the old, more so the productive age. This has brought about a heavy burden on the society and the government as the number of professionals dwindles down, as the productive age become dependent. The big question is dependent on who is next?  As the number of widows and orphans goes up, what then do we do? Do we sit and watch when we can do something? Do we sit and watch when we can make a difference? We can do something to arrest the pending catastrophe. Hence the Malawi HIV and AIDS International Network (MAIN), an Organisation started by ordinary Malawians, we thank God for the life of Grace Manyika, one of the daughters of Malawi who conceived the idea of MAIN, was pregnant with it not for 9 months but for a long time and today we bring out this baby for all to do something. We maybe far from each other or we might think that we have too small to offer, but as we bring our small contribution together, we will grow into a big network and we will make a difference.

It is better for us to get a few facts about the HIV and AIDS situation in Malawi and maybe that will give a better picture what we are dealing with today. Malawi’s population is estimated at 9.8 million. 60% of the population live in poverty, people infected with HIV and AIDS are estimated to be over a million while an average 267 people are infected with HIV every day. 139 people die every day and in 2000, the number of orphans was estimated at 1.2 million.

AIDS has attacked people between 15-49 and AIDS claims 16% of that age group per year. The sorry state of the plight of Malawi due to HIV and AIDS cannot be over-emphasised.

Lastly MAIN is an international organisation, at the moment it has branches in the UK, USA, Botswana and countries like Mozambique and German have shown keen interest in the existence of MAIN.

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Grace Chipo Manyika, Founder and Director of MAIN

In her welcoming remarks, Grace Chipo Manyika expressed her gratitude to all who had contributed to the launching of MAIN.  She went to say that whilst  so many questions are being asked -  Why MAIN?, Why in United Kingdom and United States of America, Botswana and Malawi? Why Launching in London?  Malawians should not waste time questioning the coming of MAIN as there is a lot of work that needs doing about HIV and AIDS for Malawi and its people including those Malawians living outside the country.  She emphasized the importance of networking at all levels, whether as individuals, groups, organisations, countries worldwide if HIV and AIDS is to be controlled effectively.  To this effect Grace asked everyone to involve themselves and come together in order to make a much bigger difference in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As such Grace invited everyone to use MAIN for work they need to do in the fight against HIV and AIDS.  The idea is to make a difference in someone’s life where ever they are in the world.

As much about MAIN had already been explained by the Chairperson, Justice Jane Ansah, Grace said she would not be taking too much time as there was plenty of information to share throughout the day and a lot to be said about HIV and AIDS.  To this effect Grace felt that she should leave the technical discussion on HIV and AIDS related issues to be dealt with by experts invited from various community organizations to give presentations.

To end  Grace gave way for the High Commissioner for Malawi, to the United Kingdom, who is also the Patron of MAIN, His Excellence Mr. Bright Msaka as he too had much say about the initiative.

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Fortunately for mankind, such monumental events are rare and far between, but they do surely confront mankind every once in a while.

When such a challenge does occur, the choices are poignant, leaving nothing in between.  Victory means the survival of a nation, a people.  Defeat, on the other hand dispatches the nation, the people to the annals of history, completely obliterated from the face of the earth.

We are faced with such a challenge. AIDS has established beyond a shadow of doubt, that it has the potential to dispatch our nation, our people, to the annals of history.  We must conquer it, or it will conquer us.  There is no other choice.

Nothing is as important today as the fight against AIDS. For AIDS affects everything we do today and everyone who does it.  It affects our educationists, our farmers, our hospital workers, our captains of industry, our politicians, our voters, our civil servants, our lawyers, our military, our scientists, our economists, managers, our engineers, our thinkers, our children, our parents, our peers, our rich, our poor, our chiefs, the custodians of our culture, everyone.

The battle now is not for the health of our nation, although that is important enough.  The battle is for the very survival of a nation.

The battle started over twenty years ago.  Like the proverbial thief, AIDS crept upon us while we least expected it.  When we awoke from our slumber, many among us had been fatally wounded.

Because we were initially taken unawares, the initial losses could be well understood and accepted.  But now we know the rules of the battle, there is no need for anyone to die, we now can defeat AIDS.

Our heroes on the battlefield are all the men and women, both young and old, rich and poor, who everyday of their lives, take measures to ensure that they are not infected by AIDS. They are out heroes too, those who, being already infected, have taken the decision to break the chain of infection, to insure that AIDS stops with them.  They all deserve medals of honor, we must congratulate them and emulate their example.

Our generals on the battlefield are leaders such as Ms. Grace Manyika, who take the lead, who sing the battle songs, who give inspiration on the war front, who sing the battle songs, who give inspiration on the war front, who ensure that lost ground is repossessed.  They are our generals too, those who attend to the needs of the wounded, and ensure the dying that each departed friend is fuel for our resolve to win the battle against AIDS. Our nation will offer glittering prizes to these generals when the battle is finally won.

Today, every party meeting in Malawi starts with people chanting their commitment to win the battle against AIDS. The network envisaged in MAIN, ensures that such openness permeates to every corner of the globe where our people reside.  The enemy thrived on our silence.  Now the enemy’s cover has been blown. Victory is near.

We must attend to the dilemma of our young beautiful children who find themselves tempted to sell their bodies in order to earn a living. We must assure them that we understand that poverty is indeed an evil from which they must fly.  Bur we must let us show them that they must not run from one enemy to another; fleeing from poverty, they must not take shelter in the arms of sickness and death.

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Where and how did AIDS begin? Did a laboratory experiment go wrong to create AIDS? Or did AIDS indeed mutate from the Congo monkeys? Why is AIDS prevalent in Africa? What really happened in the 60s and 70s? Were all those inoculations wholesome? All these and more are legitimate questions to ask at a time such as this. And we shall find answers in the fullness of time.

But answers to these questions are only relevant if we survive AIDS to tell the tale. Hence, in my view, the primary and most pressing obligation today is to survive AIDS. The answers and the blame, if any, shall come in the fullness of time.  What will be the point, if I may ask, of finding the answers at a time when the last among us is breathing his last?

The first and foremost obligation to fight AIDS remains with ourselves we must be the first ones to want to survive as a nation, as a people.  That yearning to live, that desire to conquer, will give our friends the impetus to join the fight on our side.  If others shall come to our aid, it will be because we ourselves have demonstrated the commitment to win.

The event this afternoon is an important contribution to that fight, a demonstration of the commitment to conquer AIDS.

It has not been an easy road for those that conceived this idea. I know the challenges that they have faced along the way.  I must admit, however, that I have been more that impressed by their perseverance, their tenacity of spirit.

In history, nations gave titles for valor to some of their beloved citizens.  Hence I can recall titles such as "The Great" "The Conqueror" "The Lionhearted". If I were to fashion a similar fitting attribute to Miss Manyika, I would think of "Grace Manyika The Unwavering" or "Grace Manyika The Resolute". Madam, you have earned our admiration and respect.

I recommit my full support for your efforts and wish, MAIN and all your efforts, unmitigated success.. It is my great honor and privilege this afternoon to formally launch the Malawi HIV and AIDS International Network.  

The occasion was, further, graced by  the presence of "Audrey Truman" as she is known in a famous British television show: The ‘Eastenders’. Actress Corinne Skinner Carter had this to say.

"My screen character Audrey Truman ran a Bed & Breakfast in a special street. She loved her sons, fought with them, and tried to inspire them to do better, and as you can see without her there things have gone to pieces. She was involved with the neighborhood and enjoyed many a gossip on street affairs with Dot Cotton. However today is all about getting involved in a positive way, its about getting involved to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS".

I am from Trinidad and Tobago, two beautiful Islands in the Caribbean's, with a population of just 1.2 million people; there we too have a number of people suffering with HIV and AIDS. Trinidad is a long way from Malawi, but the problems are the same, there is lack of HIV education, awareness and resources. I will suggest that we form a sister network to be known as TRTAIN.

This is a worldwide problem and the responsibility to fight it belongs to all in the community.  This organisation has been established to help in this important fight through research, education, promotion and advice.

I would like to say well done to Grace and her colleagues who have worked so hard, to get this organisation started and made today’s launch possible. I would like to wish you all and MAIN success in this important fight.
 

If you would like more details or how to get the full report from this event, please E-mail: mainmalawi@aol.com

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Picture Grim on HIV/AIDS in MDF - Malawi Army Report

Between 25% to 50% of men and women in the Malawi Defense Force may die of AIDS by the year 2005 a PANOS/UNAIDS report of 2000 says. This was revealed last Thursday during the launch of results from a study of factors contributing to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Malawi Defense Forces which took place at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe. According to the report, the Malawi Defense Force has experienced a decline in human resources because of the high incidence of AIDS. It is very important for the Malawi Defense Force to attain and maintain the established size of the army so that it may execute its tasks efficiently in time of war, conflicts and disasters. The major factor for the decrease in strength may be attributed to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, reads part of the report. According to unpublished information, the current strength of the Malawi Defense Force is barely 60% of its required strength of service members. The report further reveals that at any given time there are army service members who contract the virus through other sexual partners when posted far from there accustomed communities or their families for long periods of time.

Just last year from January 2002 to December 2002, 105 service members have retired and 131 service members have died mainly due to HIV/AIDS related diseases. Soldiers who have died have left over 500 children of whom a quarter may be infected by the HIV. The Malawi Defense Force is still experiencing ever increasing numbers of service members dying and many are bedridden, possibly due to HIV/AIDS related illnesses. Speaking during the launch of the study, Minister of Defense; Rodwell Munyenyembe said: In the limelight of my concern over the decline in number of active soldiers, I am impressed, that the results arising from this study conceal nothing. It is an open secret that while HIV/AIDS has made alarming inroads across the country, the military, per se has already suffered tremendously, just like many institutions in terms of dwindling manpower. Munyenyembe added that the decline of the army workforce is mainly through service members who are terminally ill or those who work more slowly as a result of illness and those who die and are not replaced. However Munyenyembe hinted that the army¹s recent commitment in drafting the Malawi Defense Force AIDS policy is a step in the right direction.

Army Commander, General Joseph Chimbayo said that soldiers are a special risk group whose personnel sometimes operate in very hostile environment in pursuit of the national agenda which, in the course exposes them to increased sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Among the factors that predispose soldiers to AIDS, according to Chimbayo are that they feel invincible, have ready cash stacked in their wallets but do not carry condoms. They are additionally under extreme peer pressure to have sex and act aggressively and they place the "conquest" syndrome as important to them. However Chimbayo told The Chronicle in a separate interview that the army is determined to fight the HIV/AIDS issue head on by sensitizing the service members on the dangers they face. He indicated that the launch of the Study of Factors Contributing to the Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the MDF was one of the initial steps to address the pandemic that has decimated the MDF so far. The study was conducted by Brigadier Chirwa with Lieutenant Colonel Gondwe and Ms Ngwata.

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BY WEZIE NYIRONGO

Is there any evidence that the HIV prevalence has started to decline in Malawi? Information provided by the National Aids Commission (NAC) indicated that the HIV prevalence in the year 2001 was lower than that of 1999. The review of the Strategic Framework and operations of NAC said although there are random fluctuations of infections from year to year, the decline witnessed in 2001 could be attributed to a high death rate among older adults. The review has noted some decline in prevalence among 15-19 and 20-24 olds in Lilongwe. There has been no similar decline noted in Blantyre or elsewhere in the country, the report said. According to the NAC report, no firm conclusion could be drawn on the decline without a thorough examination of corroborating evidence of behavioral change, like the increase in condom use, the reduction in number of sexual partners and the increase in age of first sexual encounters. However, the primary mode of HIV transmission in Malawi remains through unprotected heterosexual sex which represents 90% of the infections with more women ( 56% ) infected than men. The report says Infection among women between the ages of 15 and 24 ranges from 12-18 percent compared to 5-8 percent for men of the same age group. This suggests that women are more at risk and are being infected by older men. Approximately 8 percent of transmission is believed to occur from mother to child, with annual HIV positive births totaling more than 20,000 or about 4.2% of total births. Transmission risks due to unsafe blood products, inadequate observation of universal precautions and men having sex with men are unknown but thought to be a negligible 2% or less. The total number of adults infected with HIV is about 740,000. Including infected children (65,000) and adults 50 years and above (41,000), the total number of HIV-infected people in Malawi is approximately 845,000, out of the total estimated population of 11.24 million. Estimated annual AIDS related deaths remain alarmingly high at 81,000 or about 550,000 in cumulative terms. These deaths have produced approximately 500,000 to 800,000 orphans cumulatively who have lost one or both parents, with about 65,000 orphans being added yearly. NAC indicated that for treatment, care and support the most important key accomplishment in this area has been the 129 million US dollars allocation secured from the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in the country over the next five years. It says approximately $125 million of that amount is earmarked for the management of opportunistic infection and ARV therapy for 25,000 to 50,000 AIDS patients using generic ARV drugs. The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) also recently re-established its HIV/AIDS Unit to concentrate on responses dealing with the bio-medical aspects of the National Strategic Framework. A continuum of HIV/AIDS care is being developed in different settings such as Lilongwe (Lighthouse), Thyolo, Chiradzulu and Mzimba distict, Ekwendeni and Embangweni hospitals and Salima district hospital. There has been an increase in the number of CD4 counter machines in the country from two to six, located at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Mzimba District Hospital, Ndirande Health Centre, Johns Hopkins Project (College of Medicine), University of North Carolina Projects, and the private ABC Community Clinic in Lilongwe. As of February 2003, up to 3,000 patients in Malawi may be on ARV treatment, 556 from Chiradzulu hospital, 826 from Queen Elizabeth hospital, 983 from Lilongwe Central hospital and approximately 500 from others including some public and private organizations. In Chiradzulu, where the treatment is free and focused on PMCT, women constitute about 60 percent of the clients. At the Light House in Lilongwe where there is a cost-recovery scheme in place a charge of MK2,500 per client per month is levied with men and women benefit in roughly equal numbers.

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Padare study findings released - www.aidsmap.com

Last week at the Commonwealth Club in London two groundbreaking reports on the treatment information and other needs of African people living with HIV in the UK were launched.

The research into the treatments information needs of African people living in the UK (Project Nasah) was developed, designed and conducted by four collaborating agencies (NAM, The National AIDS Trust, the African HIV Policy Network and Sigma Research). The findings are discussed in a related news story. A second report (Padare) was undertaken by the former Camden and Islington Health Authority, London Borough of Islington and the African HIV Policy Network to examine HIV-related knowledge, sexual attitudes and practices amongst Africans living with HIV accessing HIV-related services in Camden and Islington.

The word Padare refers to a traditional space where intimate matters, including sexual matters are discussed in a number of African cultures. The concept and ethos of the Padare was recreated in London in which HIV-positive African men and women were able to share their experiences of living with HIV as well as make recommendations regarding service delivery. A padare was set up at the HIV service provider in care in Islington and people who attended were asked to complete a confidential questionnaire.

The questionnaire covered various topics that included demographic information, HIV infection, service use, disclosure, discrimination, contraception and reproductive issues, sexual partnerships, and a range of questions regarding HIV-related knowledge, beliefs and behaviors.

Over a three-month period in 2002 214 respondents were recruited. Three quarters (73%) of the respondents were female and the remaining 27% were males. The majority of respondents were born in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia and Congo and most were aged between 25 and 39 years of age, hence likely to be at their most sexually active. Only one fifth of respondents reported living in the boroughs of Camden and Islington. This supports the notion that services within these north central London boroughs are accessed by African community members from a wide range of London boroughs.

Most of the Padare respondents (89%) reported that their sexual partners were usually of the opposite sex (80% of men and 93% of women) The remaining 20% of the men reported same sex partners, with no men reporting sex partners of both sexes. Of the women 5% reported same sex partners whilst 2% reported both sexes.

Slightly over half (53%) reported having learnt of their HIV status within the last 2 years whilst just under a third (28%) had been diagnosed in the last 3-5 years.

Significance of religious beliefs, 65% of respondents reported that their religious beliefs were strong.
Just over one fifth (21%) believed that prayer cured HIV.

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Understanding of key HIV concepts... One fifth of respondents reported that they did not know what undetectable viral load’ meant. The majority (83%) of respondents did not agree with the statement ‘resistance means that my partner cannot catch HIV from me’. However, a small minority (7%)disagreed with the statement, worryingly suggesting they felt resistance was positive and made them less infectious. Three quarters of respondents reported that a pregnant woman taking HIV tablets could effectively reduce the risk of passing on HIV to her unborn baby.

Most respondents reported that they trusted health care professionals to provide information on living with HIV and preventing infections; however elders and peers were also identified as credible sources of such information.

Condom use... Just under one third (30%) reported that they did not expect to use condoms forever and 40% reported that it was hard to use condoms with new sexual partners. 61% reported having had unprotected sex with one or more sexual partners in the last year, whilst one third (33%) had not used condoms with their most recent sexual partner.

Sexual behaviour... All Padare respondents were asked about the biological sex of their sex partners in the last year. Only 83% responded with an answer, of the 178 who did respond, 89% reported that their sexual partners in the last year were of the opposite sex (80% of the men and 93% of the women). The remaining 20% of the men reported same sex partners, with no men reporting partners from both sexes. Of the women, 5% reported same sex partners with 2% reporting partners of both sexes. These findings are important since the needs of gay and bisexual African men and women are unknown.

A smaller proportion (70%) responded to questions regarding their sexual activity in the last month, than in the last six months (75% response rate) and in the last year (79% response rate) The range of primary and secondary risk behaviors reported by the African respondents accessing services in Camden and Islington are in line with other samples of HIV-positive people accessing services in the same location (e.g. gay men attending the Mortimer Market Centre interviewed for the SHARP study.

Study recommendations... On the basis of these findings the study authors recommend that a larger study be undertaken to assess the levels of HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior, and that this be incorporated into the national HIV behavioral surveillance programme. Aiming prevention interventions at HIV service staff should help them ensure that HIV-positive Africans in the UK are fully aware of the notions of ‘drug resistance’ and ‘undetectable viral load’. In addition the researchers recommend the development of peer intervention for youth and interventions directed at community and religious leaders to help improve the accuracy of HIV-related information provided by older community members.


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NAM Publications is a UK-based charity (registration number 1011220) and a registered company (number 2707596).

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Anti-Aids Crusaders Launch Clampdown On Brothels

African Church Information Service

April 14, 2003

Hobbs Gama
Blantyre

Alarmed by increasing HIV-prevalence, campaigners against AIDS have embarked on an aggressive exercise to shut down brothels sprouting in major cities and urban centres in Malawi. The country is among others in southern Africa hard-hit by the disease. Two million of the 10 million population are carrying the virus, according to recent figures from the National AIDS Commission (NAC).

Ministry of Gender, Youth and Community Affairs commissioned a survey that established brothels to be among factors aiding quick spread of the disease. Brothel owners, who have since been threatened with prosecution, were found to be recruiting tender girls to "serve customers", cashing the fee which rarely went to the girls.

One of the anti-AIDS groups involved is Active Youth Initiative for Social Enhancement (AYISE). The director, Marcel Chisi, said they collaborated with local HIV awareness committees in Blantyre, where seven brothels have been closed in an operation that is earmarked to go countrywide. "We appreciated information by the media that alerted us on the HIV situation in urban centres. Now that we have confronted them (brothel owners), they fear the legal penalty," said Chisi.

AYISE is one of the youth organisations lobbying government and donors to establish as many vocational facilities to discourage the youth and women from loitering and resorting to drugs, alcoholism and commercial sex.

Two years ago, President Bakili Muluzi ordered the police to arrest all prostitutes and people earning their living through commercial sex. The act prompted criticism from women associations, who charged that the exercise was discriminatory as it targeted mostly women.

The police have since slackened their clampdown on women at night. However public relations officer of police, George Chikowi, was quoted recently saying the operation was on. "Prostitution is illegal according to the penal code. We shall therefore continue with the exercise," Chikowi asserted.

Aids-Africa is a forum for communication and information on AIDS related issues in Africa. The views are that of the authors.

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