13 support groups in Blantyre and Zomba visited in May
Our team followed up on group activities and offered free, confidential HIV testing, counselling and referral to care.
In May 2024, the MASYAP team visited 13 support groups across Blantyre and Zomba districts to follow up on their activities and offer HIV testing.
What the groups are doing
- Skills: many groups have started skills workshops so members can learn new trades and improve their livelihoods.
- Health education: regular sessions are raising awareness of HIV prevention, staying on treatment and general health.
- Peer support: the groups are safe places to share experiences, challenges and successes.
HIV testing
- Testing: free, confidential HIV testing for support group members and the wider community
- Counselling: before and after testing, whatever the result
- Linkage to care: anyone who tested positive was referred straight away for treatment
The difference the groups make
- Members who attend regularly and stay on treatment report better health and quality of life.
- Several members have started small businesses through skills activities.
- The groups are helping to reduce stigma around HIV in their communities.
We thank all support group members for their commitment, and our partners and donors for their continued support.
