One of the concerned persons, Luka Matope, told Zodiak Online on Sunday that patients with various infections are put together with those on ART when assisting them, a development concerned persons say it is a direct violation of right to privacy.

“There is no privacy for people on ART, when health workers want to know someone’s weight, questions are asked while we are put together with other patients,” lamented Matope.

He added that the facility’s committee engaged people around the catchment area to establish how people are accessing treatment, where the issue was raised but to date nothing has changed.

Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director, George Jobe, said discrimination is one of the challenges that have been affecting the fight against HIV/AIDS, adding that it is imperative to keep confidential how people accessing treatment are handled.

Jobe warned that should the current situation at the facility remains unchecked, it will fuel the number of patients defaulting treatment.

Phalombe District Health Office Spokesperson, Daniel Chilomo, has attributed the challenge to inadequate space, saying that those not comfortable with the arrangement can book with health officers to collect the drugs at their own time.