DAPP Malawi Participates in 2018 World TB Day Commemoration
The Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Malawi participated in the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day commemoration which was organized by the Ministry of Health. The event took place on 24th March 2018 at Matenje Secondary School Ground, Traditional Authority Khombeza in Salima district.
Every year, the 24th of March is set aside to raise community awareness about the global TB epidemic and efforts to eliminate the disease. This year’s event was presided by the Minister of Health and Population Honourable Atupele Muluzi under the theme “Wanted: Leaders for a TB- Free World. You can make history. End TB”.
The minister emphasized the crucial role everyone has in leading the elimination of TB, and the need for those in positions of authority to get serious about ending TB. “All of us are leaders in one way. Whether you are a person affected by TB or a caregiver, whether you work in government, academia, non-governmental organisation, civil society organisation or a media outlet. This year’s theme of the event calls on all of us to participate in ending TB,” he said.
He also thanked all the developmental partners that support the fight against TB. “Let me recognise all partners that continue to support the ministry in our fight against TB,” Muluzi said.
At the event, DAPP Malawi displayed a booth which was used to present to the minister, government officials, partners and members of the general public the organisation’s key interventions against TB and the important progress made in the fight against the disease.
In fighting TB in Malawi, DAPP has worked closely with government since 2007. Currently, the organisation is implementing the Integrated HIV/TB Project in Thyolo district, Malawi with funding from Comic Relief via TB Alert UK. The project aims to prevent the spread of TB by identifying TB patients through microscopy, conducting HIV testing and ensuring care for those infected by TB. It adopts a community mobilization approach whereby the organisation conducts TB and HIV awareness through door to door visits. This increases the detection rate of TB and HIV and early referral arrangements for TB patients in designated and certified health facilities.
The organisation has also scaled up its interventions against the epidemic by implementing TB projects in Machinga, Chikwawa, Mangochi and Zomba.
