Author: Dezio Macheso

Dezio Macheso grew up in Area 33 in Lilongwe, Malawi, where he was inspired by three of the major public health figures who lived in his neighborhood: Dr Wilfred Nkhoma, Dr Newton Kumwenda and Prof Felix Salaniponi. In 2004, he moved from merely being inspired to active engagement in health programs. He started by mobilizing young people within Area 33 and surrounding communities to utilize Youth Friendly Health Services at Dr David Livingstone Memorial Clinic in an attempt to stall further spread of HIV. Upon enrolling at Catholic University to study Social Science, he co-founded Catholic University Human Rights and AIDS Youth Organization. He was subsequently elected its leader for three consecutive academic years. He collaborated with organizations like Malawi AIDS Counseling and Relief Organization, Malawi Network for AIDS Support Organizations and individuals who have influence among the youth in Malawi. He also worked as an intern at Management Sciences Health, a USAID funded Non-Profit Organization in the Balaka Office. He specifically participated in projects that fall within thematic areas of reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and child health. He also submitted a dissertation, which sought to explore why young people engage in risky sexual behaviors despite being knowledgeable of the risks of contracting HIV and the dangers of AIDS. After completing his undergraduate studies, he joined National Youth Council of Malawi, as an intern in the Youth Reproductive Health Program.