|
Population Services International (PSI) in conjunction with the Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) this Saturday hold a race in Mwanza to spread anti-HIV/Aids messages.
PSI Malawi’s commercial manager Wanangwa Thindwa said on Tuesday at a media briefing in Blantyre that the district has been chosen because people there are prone to HIV/Aids due to its location.
“Mwanza borders with Mozambique and because of this, commercial sex work thrives along this route attracting sex workers from neighbouring districts.
“So PSI aims at reaching truck drivers, commercial sex workers and travelling businessmen and women with HIV/Aids prevention messages,” said Thindwa.
He added that the race will be concluded in the evening with a grand Chishango Night show to be graced by Billy Kaunda, Mkakeni Kaunda and Geoffrey Zigoma at Sangalala Leisure Centre.
Mwanza District Assembly’s director of planning and development Alex Mdooko commended PSI for the initiative, saying the district is indeed at high risk because even children aged 13 practise prostitution.
“I am happy that you chose Mwanza because there you find children aged as young as 13 loitering around looking for clients,” said Mdooko.
The function was also attended by AAM national coach Ken Dzekedzeke, AAM vice president Godffrey Phiri and other PSI officials.
The race will be divided into two categories. The men category will cover 15 kilometres while the women will do 10 kilometres.
Athletes from the Police, District Commissioner’s office, Red Cross and the Malawi Prison Service will also be participating.
About 200 athletes are going to participate and bicycles, mattresses, radio cassettes, wall clocks, set of pots and T-shirts and other prizes will be splashed to top ten winners.
|
