CHAMP bemoans high levels of gender based violence child negligence

By SITEMBILE SIWAWA

COMPREHENSIVE HIV/AIDS Managing Programme (CHAMP) has bemoaned the high levels of gender based violence and child negligence in Mandevu, Chaisa, Marapodi and Emmasdale areas.

Commemorating women's day in the month of March last week, CHAMP centre manager Margaret Siame told Femail the centre handles two to three GBV and child negligence cases every day.

Ms Siame said the GBV cases her organisation handles mainly include sexually related cases of minors being defiled.

"We are always glad because people in the nearby communities come to our centre to report such cases due to massive sensitisation on GBV," she said.

She said people in communities fear to report such cases to police in uniforms but prefer those in plain clothes at the centre.

She said it was therefore important that stakeholders continue raising awareness on the fight against GBV in accordance with this year's international women's day which is 'Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum'.

And CHAMP learning centre manager and in-charge of Toll free line Christine Mulenga expressed happiness that a lot of young people are calling the toll free line number to ask questions on male circumcision (MC).

Ms Mulenga said it was inspiring that young people need more information on MC and seeking advice on their sexual and reproductive health, which is sign enough that we are making steady progress in winning the fight against HIV/AIDS and its new infections.

"We normally receive lots of calls from both the young and old but the young people are the frequent callers who ask on various health and social issues.

The toll free line is available on all networks and our counsellors are there 24 hours country wide", Ms Mulenga said.

She has however warned unserious people to desist from making calls which are meant to mock the counsellors.

And speaking earlier, First National Bank (FNB) retail banking regional manager DemitriaLibangu said her organisation will continue using its resources in uplifting the lives of the vulnerable and marginalised in society with information on GBV.

Ms Libangu pledged to help in the free flow of information on GBV as one way of celebrating this year's women's day theme.

She said: "This is now time to stand up, make a promise and end violence among the women and ensure that enough information is disseminated to the women in our communities as our fight gains momentum".