The Church of Central African Presbytery's (CCAP) conservative Nkhoma Synod has turned to using beer mugs to disseminate anti-HIV and AIDS messages. The synod is known for its strong stance against alcohol consumption where offenders are excommunicated.

Head of the Church and Society Programme of the church, Billy Mayaya, said they are branding beer mugs with anti-HIV and AIDS messages to reach out to the growing promiscuous drinking communities in Kasungu and Mchinji districts.

'Drink responsibly, avoid HIV and AIDS' reads the messages on the mugs distributed for free in target communities.

"We want those who drink beer and are mainly promiscuous to think of their families and spouses as they drink in order to avoid infection and transmission," he said.

The programme is also targeting chiefs and traditional authorities who it sees are influential in behaviour change.

"T/A's are custodians of culture and tradition. There are some cultures that help spread HIV and AIDS and we want them to sensitize their surbodinates and help change or modify such traditions," he added.

The pilot projects are taking place in two strict traditional communities. The Ngoni of Mchinji believe in beer consumption and the Chewa of Kasungu practice a number of traditions that are prone to promotion of the pandemic.

Mayaya adds the programme is being closely monitored to identify impact and implement in other areas.

The CCAP is known for its strong anti-alcohol consumption and promiscuity.