By Evelyn Jonazi (UN Plus/UNAIDS Malawi)
(a) UN Malawi holds UN Wellness Day
The UN in Malawi recently held their annual UN Wellness Day at Peak Gardens in the capital city, Lilongwe, with the aim of reminding the UN personnel of the importance of adopting health seeking behavior.
Ms. Mia Seppo, the Resident Coordinator, led the UN Country Team in signing the pledge against stigma and discrimination in the UN work place in Malawi and in reaffirming the UNCT’s commitment to zero stigma and discrimination in the UN workplace and beyond.
During the official opening, the UN Plus Malawi chapter led the candlelight memorial to remember all those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The ceremony was facilitated by Mrs. Evelyn Jonazi, UN Plus Advisory Group Chairperson, and Mrs. Miriam Nyoni, a member of the Country Chapter Executive Committee.
The day-long event provided UN personnel and their families the opportunity to have health related consultations with doctors, physiotherapists and dentists who were present in the event. There were also blood donation facilities.
The UN Plus Malawi Chapter has recorded zero AIDS-related deaths since the last UN Wellness Day in 2014 and continues to enjoy a great partnership with UN Cares Malawi and the UNCT.
(b) Deputy Regional Director Meets UN Plus Advisory Group Chairperson during his mission to Malawi
Dr. Pierre Somse, the Deputy Regional Director for the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, has completed his week-long mission to the warm heart of Africa, Malawi.
During the mission, Dr. Somse held a series of meetings with key government ministers and officials as well as donors and civil society organizations. He also met with Mrs. Evelyn Jonazi, the UN PLUS Advisory Group Chairperson, and discussed about the UN Plus response to the epidemic in the Eastern and Southern Africa region.