By Taonga Sabola - The Daily Times

Companies under Press Corporation Limited (PCL) group on Tuesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Aids Day during a ceremony which took place in Blantyre under the theme “Press Group Towards 90:90:90".

The commemorations were characterised by speeches, poetry, as well as talk on cancer by oncologist Dr Leo Masamba.

Speaking during the event, PCL group operations executive, Pius Mulipa, said HIV and Aids has had a huge bearing business and that this is the reason why the private sector should take a leading role in the management of HIV/Aids in Malawi. 

“When people are sick, they don’t come to work. When their relatives are sick, their concentration at work goes down. That is why we at Press have made it a policy to ensure that we have an HIV policy for our companies," said Mulipa.

He encouraged members of staff and their families to get tested so that they know their HIV status.

Mulipa said knowing one's HIV status helps in planning well for one's life and helps people to rush for medical attention once they fall sick.

Stuart Chuka from the Malawi Business Coalition against Aids (MBCA) hailed PCL for the commemoration.

He underscored the need for companies to have HIV policies in the workplace to help fight the pandemic better.