A clergyman in Kasama in Northern Province has urged all stakeholders involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS to take a more proactive approach towards combating the pandemic.
St. Johns Catholic Parish Priest Rudolf Pikiti said there was need for Non
Governmental Organisations addressing the welfare of people living with HIV to avoid
holding numerous workshops on the HIV/AIDS.
He said over the weekend that donor funds as well as Government resources should be
channeled to efforts aimed at uplifting the welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS
unlike holding workshops.
Fr. Pikiti said fewer people living with HIV either in hospitals or homes were
receiving direct support from organisations involved in fighting the pandemic
despite availability of global funds meant for HIV/AIDS programmes in the country.
He proposed that a huge chunk of the global funds on HIV/AIDS be spent on buying of
drugs, food supplements and care of HIV positive persons in order to prolong their
lives.
Fr. Pikiti also observed that many persons have amassed wealth at the expense of
people living with HIV due to the unfair distribution resources.
He explained that looking after chronically ill people including those with HIV was
in line with the biblical teaching where God encourages Christians to be passionate
with the sick and poor.
Fr. Pikiti further urged Government and stakeholders to encourage people living with
HIV to have a positive mindset and contribute to national development.
