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USAID/ Malawi- Success Stories
MACRO: Meeting the growing demand for Voluntary Counseling and Testing
USAID/Umoyo network
Malawi Aids Counseling and Resource Organization (MACRO) was set up in 1995 to strengthen and develop the operation of the two existing counseling centers. Since then, MACRO has been providing social and psychological support to individuals and families aiming at reducing the transmission of HIV and the impact of HIV/AIDS.
MACRO targets men and women of reproductive age, between 15 and 49 years and young adolescents between ten and 14 years.
Today, in Malawi, MACRO centers in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu are the only place where people can undergo free tests in an hour. Hospitals are not able to provide such services and it is common place for someone to have to wait up to three weeks for test results at Lilongwe Central Hospital. At MACRO, in an hour's time, every client meets individually with a trained counselor, prior to and after their HIV/AIDS test.
Client-centered model for Voluntary HIV counseling and testing
Every MARCO client is provided with information, counseling and advice on how to disclose his or her sero-status to their family and sexual partners. Reducing risky behaviors and building awareness is the number one concern.
MACRO Attendance
The demand for VCT is growing in Malawi. In 2000, MACRO centers nation wide welcomed 21,411 clients and more than 40,000 in 2001.
Men are better represented than women, with 75% of the total number of clients. Fifty-four percent of tests are done among the 15-24 years age group.
MACRO clients testify
A 46-year old, married male shared the following story:
With my full genuine consent, I went to MACRO-Blantyre for an HIV blood test. At that time, I had lost weight and hope. I first went for the pre-counseling whereby the counselor explained clearly information about HIV/AIDS, including what it is, what it does, how it can be controlled and how somebody whether positive or negative can be managed.
The results (of the test) came out positive, meaning I had the HIV virus, which causes AIDS. I reacted with anger and frustration towards my counselor. The counselor encouraged me that being HIV positive is not an immediate death sentence. He advised me to maintain a nutritional diet and to join spiritual support groups.
After two days, I decided to disclose my sero-status to my wife. Upon hearing [this], she proposed to go to MACRO for an HIV test. Her results were also positive, and she also received information and counseling. We accepted the situation.
Currently, we are a happy family. The discovery of my sero-status also assisted the clinical officers to help me. As of now, all the diseases I used to suffer are gone. My social behavior has changed and we resolved to use family planning to avoid conception.
Ben Mpulula, a single, 20 year old male had a different experience:
Anytime I heard of HIV/AIDS, I felt very uncomfortable in my mind since (I had) already concluded that I had it. The other challenge is that before I underwent VCT, I did not understand the difference between HIV and AIDS and how it enters the body.
It wasn't until May 13, 1999 that I went for this (VCT) service. That was before they introduced same day testing and after a week I went back to hear of my status which was negative or in other words I did not have the HIV virus which causes AIDS.
I was full of joy and proposed to follow all that I heard in the counseling room by the well-trained counselor. Now with the knowledge I have about HIV/AIDS, my life is free.
Prisca Yona, a single, 20 year old female also shared her story:
When I reached MACRO-Blantyre, I was taught more about how I can take care of myself whether my blood tested positive or negative. The counselor I met took time to clearly explain this plus other information about HIV/AIDS before I had my blood tested. All that time, my life was full of fear.
When I knew my status (which was negative), I broke off with my boyfriend and got another. Before we had sex, we agreed to undergo VCT. He questioned me about VCT and I encouraged him that by knowing your status, trust is built.
After going through VCT, I saw behavior change in this new boyfriend. He did not want to engage himself in habits, like drinking beer, that could lead to unprotected sex and expose you to HIV. This saved both our lives.
Success Stories from:
USAID/ Malawi
1 2 Treatment without Frustration 3 Assistance to small scale farmers 4 Manesi Harison - A Village Savings and Loans (VS&L) Group Participant 5 Dina Moyo, Cash for Work Participant in Khongo 6 Olivetta Mkwenembela, A Business Loan Beneficiary 7 Machinga and Balaka Input for Assets Project 8 Improved survival of pregnant women and newborns 9 Quality education through supporting teaching 10 Community ownership and participation 11 Chishango Condom Social Marketing Anecdotes 12 MACRO: Meeting the growing demand for Voluntary Counseling and Testing 13 COMPASS: Performance and Impact on local communities 14 Growing mushrooms at Chiwembe Dam in Limbe 15 Community-based aquaculture at Kalino Village 16 Improving the quality of education
USAID/ AFR Resources
- Previous Years' Success Stories
- Country Information
- Budget Justification
- Annual Reports
- Internet Guides
Updated: Wednesday, October 2, 2002
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Last Updated on: July 19, 2004 |
