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:

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.