Leading mobile telecommunications operator Airtel Malawi has injected MK1.6 million in the race to the realisation of new zero HIV infections in Malawi through the global ‘Protect the Goal’ campaign.
Managing Director for Airtel Malawi Heikko Schlittke said it is high time the corporate sector took a frontline role in contributing towards the attainment of the three zeros thus, zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.
“The time is now for us, the corporate players to collectively invest in areas that will accelerate addressing lack of access to HIV and AIDS information as well as services so that our society is comprehensively informed to contain HIV and AIDS completely,” said Schlittke.
Schlittke then presented a MK1.6 million cheque for the cause to celebrated Ghanaian soccer player Asamoah Gyan who is lead sports celebrity for Protect the Goal, at a function that was held in Blantyre, before treating the star to a private dinner in the evening at Ryalls Hotel.
According to Schlittke, the impact of HIV/AIDS on private sector development cannot be over looked hence the need for an increased action as it has had hostile effects on the economic front and human resource development.
‘Protect the Goal’ campaign was launched last year in Malawi in a bid to use soccer as a vehicle to increase access to HIV information and services among young people, in addition to activating the youth to commit to HIV prevention.
