Ondjiva — The provincial secretariat of Angola Red Cross (CVA) in southern Cunene province is since January this year running hiv/aids awareness programmes in rural communities, seeking to curb the propagation of the disease in the region.

According to CVA Cunene project coordinator, Carlos Alberto Saiunda, the programmes aim at sensitising about 120,000 people on the ways of transmission and care in the fight of the disease.

He stated that 26 volunteer activists are involved in transmitting the message of salvation and hope to the communities and people living with the virus.

The programme includes research, inter-personal and door-to-door awareness, distribution of condoms, print information materials and supply of foodstuffs to people infected, the source added.

Carlos Alberto said that the programmes are being conducted in the districts of Namacunde, Kwanhama and Ombadja and will go for four years.

The programme is being financially sponsored by the European Union and the Angolan Health Ministry that have set aside Usd 1.2 million for the purpose.