Milenge District AIDS Coordination Advisor (DACA) Fanny Gondwe has called for increased funding for youth and women empowerment programs in rural areas.
Ms. Gondwe has observed that this is because some women engage in risky behaviour such as prostitution as they are not self-sufficient.
Ms. Gondwe said in an interview that records indicate that as of May, 2018, 411 females in the district were on ART compared to 228 males.
She disclosed that 516 people in an age group of 25-49 are also on Anti Retroviral Treatment ( ART) in the area.
Ms. Gondwe said most of those affected by the pandemic in the district are women and people in their productive age.
“ If an HIV free generation is to be achieved, government and other stake holders should eliminate causes such as poverty, “ she said.
The DACA said she has since engaged traditional, church and civic leaders in her sensitisation programs so that community members know how to protect themselves.
Ms. Gondwe said if the country is to meet the 90/90/90 target , every citizen should have information on HIV/AIDS in order to prevent new infections.