By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD) and the National AIDS Commission (NAC) have launched a campaign to reach persons with hearing impairment with information on HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
The campaign aims to address information and knowledge gaps among the deaf by ensuring accurate, evidence-based HIV and SRHR messages are accessible in Malawian Sign Language, in line with NAC guidelines on inclusive health communication.
Traditional modes of communication, such as radio and loud hailing, are not deaf-inclusive, making it challenging for the deaf to access vital information.
MANAD and NAC engaged deaf adolescent women and girls in Ntchisi District in a Malawian Sign Language HIV/AIDS and SRHR Materials Validation, Content Utilization Training and Community Engagement activity.
Participants received flash discs with NAC-validated HIV and AIDS key messages to share with their peers, promoting community-led HIV prevention and treatment literacy.
NAC’s mandate is to intensify the fight against HIV in all 28 districts, and MANAD’s initiative is a welcome step towards inclusion for marginalized groups.
The project is funded by PEPFAR, supporting NAC objectives and ensuring no population is left behind due to communication barriers.
