Malawian authorities 'trying to tackle high HIV and AIDS rates'
05/01/2010
The authorities in Malawi are taking steps to try and address the country's high rates of HIV and AIDS, it has been noted.
According to the BBC, this has resulted in some voices within government starting to call for increased openness about homosexuality in the country.
The news provider made its assertions as it noted that campaigners in Malawi have come together to form a gay rights body - the Centre for the Development of People.
Gift Trapance, the organisation's executive director, told the news provider that the laws that were used to arrest a gay couple - Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga - in recent days are not valid due to the country's bill of rights that was enshrined in the 1995 constitution.
The men were arrested after getting engaged and are due to receive bail on 10 January 2010 if prosecutors do not finish investigating by that point.
Health charity Avert notes that most HIV infections in Malawi occur through heterosexual sex.
Written by Dan Parr
