Moneko Zoto, Nursing and Midwifery officer, who has launched a new project called Home At Large Family in solidarity with young people and children living with HIV/Aids globally.
Moneko from Chitundu Village, Traditional Authority Kanyenda in Nkhotakota said the new project targets children and young adults from Malawi and other countries.
Moneko said stigma and discrimination is real which discourages people from getting tested to know their status.
The nurse, who said is HIV positive told ProjectM that almost all families in the world have been affected by HIV ;hence, those living with the virus should promote the awareness on the dangers of the disease.
Moneko said: “I went through tough times as a person living with HIV and I have faced the harsh reality of being discriminated against which prompted me to come with up efforts to reduce stigma and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for people living with HIV/Aids.
“I recall, I was sent back from China, denied visa, accommodation and my right to education because I was HIV positive. This is an impactful project and we are urging everyone to work towards a better future for all, respecting people’s rights, promoting their voices and supporting their dreams to thrive and reach their potential.”
She said her foundation has so far bought a 45metre by 30metre land to build the organisation’s offices.
Zoto also said other plots have been reserved for farming.
“Through this project, we are fighting for the inclusion of people living with HIV in all activities, be it education, entrepreneurship, psychosocial counselling and access to quality health services. We want to produce leaders who can encourage those living with HIV/Aids to live positively,” she said.
Apart from Malawi, the project has attracted participants from Zambia, Nigeria and other countries.
Zoto holds a Master’s Degree in Advanced Nursing and Medical Technology obtained from Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University in China.
According to National Aids Commission (NAC), an estimated 15 000 people under -14 old get infected with HIV every year in the country and as of 2022, about 1.5 million children are living with HIV globally.
