Peace Corps Can Help Combat AIDS -- U.S. Ambassador

U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers in Malawi can contribute significantly to the HIV/AIDS fight by helping to dispel misconceptions about the disease. This was the message of U.S. ambassador to Malawi Roger Meece during the swearing-in ceremony of 15 Peace Corps trainees last week. "To control HIV/AIDS, it is important for people to overcome stigma, to understand how the disease is spread, the critical importance of abstinence and faithfulness in a relationship and the use of condoms," said Meece. "As role models in your communities you can do much to dispel misconceptions about HIV... your influence on your friends to practice safe behavior can help keep them HIV negative, and that's a very important role for you all to play," encouraged Meece. The Peace Corps program in Malawi began in 1963, and volunteers work in the areas of health, education, environment, and in helping organizations during crisis situations.

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