By Meluse Kapatamoyo
The Presidents Emergency Planfor AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Champions contest is back!
Focus of the contest this year
will be on people who have gone the extra mile to promote equal access to quality
HIV services for all Zambians.
"Information and interventions
for HIV prevention and risk reduction remain unavailable for some marginalized
groups in Zambia, such as persons with disabilities, sex workers, and
prisoners.
We could like to honor Champions who support PEPFAR’s public health
approach by striving to reach the thousands of Zambians who are not able to
access HIV services, “ says PEPFAR Development Outreach and Communications
Specialist, Kathryn Koonce.
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| 2013 PEPFAR CHAMPIONS RECIEPIENTS |
Last year, 12
champions were crowned at the inaugural PEPFAR Champions Award Ceremony held at the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel.
Among the recipients were; Colonel
Daka,
a Commanding Officer
at Zambia National Service Camp in Kitwe. He is one of the first military officers to
openly discuss his HIV status and currently promotes counselling and
testing among his troops.
Sister Mariola Mierzejewska, sister-in-charge of Kasisi
Children's Home. She and her staff are currently providing care and support to
250 orphans and vulnerable children, 60 of whom are living with HIV.
His
Royal Highness Chief Eshiloni Mumena from North-Western
province, a powerful advocate of Voluntary MaleMedical Circumcision (VMMC). In 2011 and at age
47, he underwent circumcision. Since his procedure,
he now actively promotes the practice through out Zambia and in other Southern
African countries.
Renowned
doctor, Mannasseh Phiri, one of Zambia's leading and outspoken HIV andAIDS activists. Apart from being a columnist and hosting a radio
show which tackles the complexities surrounding the disease, he addresses
issues head on related to homosexuality, sex workers and gender based violence.
Each champion was
featured in a PEPFAR Zambia 2014 Calendar in addition to receiving a $1, 000 to
donate to a local organization or community group of their choice.
Include specific information about how your champion is promoting equal access to quality HIV services for all Zambians including their work, success, and relevant background information. Please also include 2-3 high quality photos that demonstrate the impact they are making.
Champions will receive a cash prize for the community-based organization of their choice, will be featured in a PEPFAR Champions 2015 calendar, and will be honored at an event in Lusaka around World AIDS Day, December 1, 2014. PYM
