US praised for supporting HIV programmes

—Kasama District AIDS Coordination Advisory, Julius Chilongoshi, has praised the United States government for its continued support to the fight against HIV and AIDS in Zambia.

Mr Chilongoshi said the country has continued to receive support through United States Presidential Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) towards the fight against the virus.

Mr.Chilongoshi was speaking at Twafwane Community Club presentation ceremony of school requisites to fifty (50) Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) at Musenga Township in Kasama today.

He observed that PEPFAR funds have really helped in mitigating the effects brought about by the HIV and AIDS in the region.

Mr Chilongo appealed to the women’s club to be closely monitoring the beneficiaries’ academic performance if they are to see light at the end of the tunnel.

And Twafwane Community Club Chairperson, Sarucy Chishimba, commended PEPFAR for the KR4,200 grant to support the OVCs in the community.

Mrs Chishimba expressed gratitude that the club’s primary objective of assisting the women and OVCs is being realized.

Speaking earlier, Resident Development Committee Chairman, Jackson Chabindwa, commended the PF Government for the prevailing peace and order in his area which was once known for illicit activities.

Mr Chabindwa noted that in the past there was too much politicking at the expense of development.

He thanked the women’s club for the gesture and appealed to other organizations to emulate the good work.

And speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Sharon Chanda observed that lack of basic requirements led to a high number of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children drop out of school.

Ms Chanda said OVCs like all other children in society have the right to quality education.

Among the items donated were uniforms, shoes, books and pens.