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Abstract
Stigmatization, monitoring and evaluation: churches impact in Nigeria, Cameroun, Ghana
Udah F.1
Objectives: An evaluation at the end of a five year funding programme from UNAID’s Mobilisation for Life Initiative, gauge the impact of churches in mitigating the cruelty of stigmatization. The Redeemers Network (TRN) Africa monitored the rate of distribution of these funds and measured the efficacy of Impact.
Methods: A survey of 674 churches participating across three provinces in West Africa, the crusaders used, surveying attitudes, practices orchestrated, initiative adopted, behavioural changes, assistance rendered, investigating linkages between fighting stigma and prevention strategies implemented by these churches.
Results: Church leaders used church based volunteers to do the work, 47% of the congregation had counselling, adolescent, sexual education, care programmes for people living with HIV/AIDS, and associations for PLWHA (166 associations). 78% of the pastors said they would advise married couples to use condoms if partner(s) were HIV positive. Knowledge, attitude and practice survey of youth involved showed stigma reduction and behaviour change. There was 21% increase in number of youths who welcomes persons with HIV/AIDS into their church. 576 churches showed willingness to reach out. Churches communicate acceptance rather than rejection; many people come out of fear, declaring their status. Over 539 churches were flooded with request for help. (1) Person to person contact destroyed stigma and dispelled fear (2) Increased personal relationships decreased misconceptions (3) Promoting reconciliation destroyed prejudice as churches embraced HIV/AIDS affected people
Conclusions: Church leader are contributors to stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, robbing families of assistance the church was meant to provide. Church engagement is a powerful tool for reconciliation, helping wounds of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. By addressing this issue directly, providing personal exposures and opportunities for church members to help families affected by AIDS, and equipping churches for action with training and regular guidance, the three provinces in West Africa witnessed a dramatic positive change.
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
Abstract no.
CDC136
Suggested Citation
" Udah F.
Stigmatization, monitoring and evaluation: churches impact in Nigeria, Cameroun, Ghana.
:
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention:
Abstract no.
CDC136"
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