The civil servants in Malawi who are HIV positive will soon be receiving around $ 35 to help them buy food to prolong their lives.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Health Marjorie Ngaunje saying it is in line with the policy of the Malawi Government to ensure all have healthy lives.
An official in the Office of the President and Cabinet, however said the civil servants who are HIV positive will still have to come forward to submit the names to relevant authorities in their line ministries.
This has not gone down well with people who are HIV infected. They say this can expose them to ridicule by their work mates.
They say their bosses will sideline them in terms of promotions once they make their status known.
However, the official said it is not true that the civil servants will be denied promotional benefits saying in the civil service there is no discrimination.
The Malawi Civil Service has been much hit by HIV/AIDS.
Ministries affected most are education and Agriculture.
Salaries of civil servants are not enough to buy food necessities, especially those who are on ARV treatment.
Malawi, like most countries in Sub Saharan Africa, has been hit hard by the virus.
However, health officials say the infection rate is going down.