Illovo Sugar Malawi Limited over the weekend hosted an open day in Nchalo to encourage its staff members to go for voluntary HIV and Aids counseling and testing.
The company has since reiterated its commitment to end stigma around HIV through implementation of various interventions including offering medical assistance to its staff who are living with the disease.
On the day, Illovo staff also sensitised surrounding communities on the importance of HIV testing and prevention measures.
Illovo Company Doctor, Aubert Nkumbwa, said the sensitization saw over 3,400 workers coming forward to be tested.
“This shows that people now understand HIV messages and this is a milestone for the company because those found positive will be assisted faster,” he said.
Nkumbwa also said such interventions are necessary to ensure that the country continues to register better social economic outcomes.
“We came up with a policy on HIV awareness and testing services to ensure that our employees live healthy lives because we understand the impact sickness can have on our operations.
“When we started in 2005, 500 people came forward to be tested. Last year, we had 3,600 people. The numbers continue to improve this year over 3,360 people turned up,” Nkumbwa said.
Guest of Honour at the event, Flora Kaphamtengo, headmistress of Chikwawa Secondary School, hailed Illovo for the initiative.
“These messages are very significant and we have even seen students being impacted. We now understand how to take care of those affected,” she said.
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