The community of Saint Egidio of the Catholic Church on Friday opened a multi-million kwacha voluntary counselling and HIV testing (VCT) centre in Dzoole, the worst HIV and Aids affected area in Dowa district. People from the area have been covering over 12 km to access HIV and aids services either at Dowa Distrinct hospital or Mtengowanthenga Mission Hospital, officials said. the VCT centre is expected to serve a community of 31.000 people. "We have always sought to be friends to all, especially the poor." said Paola germano, Africa’s coordinator of Community of Saint Egidio’s Dream Project. According to her, nearly 4.000 people are receiving ARVs from the Dream Project.

George Ntonya