Ambulance drivers face increased exposure to Aids

Emergency services in Malawi are lacking basic provisions to protect workers against communicable diseases like HIV/Aids.

Because materials are in such short supply, front-line carers are often forced to work without gloves, leaving them exposed to the deadly virus.

"Apart from better salaries we also need risk allowance," ambulance driver Matthias Kalima told Irin News.

In Malawi, ambulance drivers do more than just operate the vehicle, they tend to patients and provide other humanitarian duties.

"With the high prevalence of HIV, ambulance drivers risk contracting the virus in the line of duty. Most people turn a blind eye to this," he added.

The number of emergencies increases over Christmas, the 43-year-old explained, leaving health workers with little opportunity to spend time with their families.

Better equipment, increased pay and improved working conditions were needed, he urged.

More than one million of Malawi's 12 million population were believed to be living with HIV/Aids, according to the World Health Organization.

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