Over 150 women in
Siansowa area of Sinazongwe district in Southern province have graduated from a
savings program under Development Aid from People to people’s (DAPP’s) Total
Control of the Epidemic (T.C.E) project.
Government in collaboration with Development Aid from People to
People (DAPP) spent over K 590 987 in the project.
Speaking during the ceremony in Siansowa, Sinazongwe District
commissioner Protacial Mulenga said government is committed to empowering vulnerable
groups in society as enshrined in the 7th National Development Plan.
He said the program is a step forward in accelerating efforts
towards the attainment of vision 2030 which is eliminating HIV/AIDS without
leaving anyone behind.
Mr. Mulenga said the government will continue to partner with the
private sector and other stakeholders as well as create an enabling environment
for such programs to continue.
He further commended DAPP for their efforts in empowering the vulnerable
as it helps reduce the syndrome of dependency.
“In the past we’ve had a problem with dependency. With programs
like these where women are taught how to save and manage finances, poverty and
other vices can be eradicated.” Mr Mulenga said.
And speaking at the same event, DAPP division commander Jabez
Kanyanda said the program, aimed at fighting H.I.V and AIDS through women
empowerment is meant to benefit the vulnerable groups such as widows and
orphans in society.
Mr Kanyanda added that it is only when women are empowered that they
can stand up for their rights.
“When women are empowered financially, it gives them the power to
be able to negotiate issues of sex,” he noted.
Meanwhile Sinazongwe District AIDS Coordination Advisor Chibwili
Njoolo says poverty is one of the driving forces to the spread of HIV/ AIDS as
it causes people to indulge in illicit activities.
She added that the Women’s group Savings program is therefore a
solution in eradicating the HIV pandemic in the district.
“We want to control HIV/AIDS by 2020 and end it by 2030. Through
the 90/90/90 fast track project, we want 90 percent of the population tested
and ensure that 90 percent of those who are tested access treatment and 90
percent of those who access treatment should have their viral load suppressed.
This will only be attained through such interventions,” Ms Njoolo stressed.
DAPP mobilized and trained the first group of women to form clubs
and contribute money which they later lend out to other members who pay back at
an interest rate of 2 percent.
The program started with 4 clubs in the year 2015 and the number
has grown to seven.
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