Priests and believers in the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa have held a three day training workshop in response to the continuing HIV/AIDS pandemic that is ravaging the coast of Kenya.
The Archbishop Boniface Lele, along with his flock held serious discussions and training sessions from 13th-16th June on the issues of dealing with those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and with the stigma and discrimination that sufferers can face.Some of those participating said that the church, as the Body of Christ, is itself suffering from HIV/AIDS, as the church shares in the suffering of those infected and affected by the pandemic. The workshop was organised by Fr Paul Wangai.
Mombasa itself is a port of entry into both Kenya and Eastern Africa. It is a major tourist destination.
Unfortunately its geographical position along with its cultural diversity make it more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
The workshop was concomitant with the resolutions of the 15th general plenary of the Catholic bishops of Eastern Africa meeting, held in Kampala last year in July in response to the challenges posed in the region by HIV/AIDS.
Archbishop Lele, in an interview with CISA, said that the meeting proposed the establishment of permanent HIV/AIDS committees in the deaneries and parishes, as well as the recruitment of home-based care providers known as “Wahudumu wa Afya”.It was also proposed that HIV/AIDS activities should be strengthened wherever they exist in parishes - for example in those of Mikindani and Voi.
Parishes will also establish support groups and counselling centres as places where Christians can go for voluntary counselling and testing. They will also be able to offer support in positive living, nutritional information and support for the infected.
According to Archbishop Lele, the archdiocese will employ a full time HIV/AIDS coordinator who will conduct training and awareness programmes. Local Parishes will also have field officers and recruit volunteers to facilitate the programmes.
Data and information collection on the extent of the spread of the disease will also be conducted by these groups. They will also be responsible for identifying orphans, vulnerable groups and children (OVCs).
Organisations and interested groups in the area of providing Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), will partner with the Church and will also help conduct viral and immunity tests which are currently very expensive for those who are HIV positive, according to the Archbishop.
