In the effort to stop the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia, seven major faith groups signed a communiqué last Wednesday, expressing their commitment to address one of the most threatening problems in Africa.
According to the statement obtained by the Times of Zambia, the church leaders said they would stand ready and offer support to their members, societies and communities affected and infected by the disease and encouraged them to pray for guidance, protection and grace.Recognising the value and significance of every human being independent of their situation, background or medical condition, the religious leaders said that “all members of our communities suffering from HIV/AIDS and their families shall forever remain our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.”
“We are committed to supporting and giving them hope and upon them God's healing we shall forever seek,” the leaders wrote in the communiqué signed at the launch of the First Zambian Open Day for Care and Compassion for People living with HIV/AIDS.
During the event organised by the Zambia Inter-Faith Networking Group (ZINGO), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Director Paul Mususu and Islamic Council of Zambia (ICZ) President Rasheed Phiri read the statement aloud on behalf of the seven organisations, which included the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ), the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai's (NSAB), the Hindu Association of Zambia (HAZ) and the Islamic Council of Zambia (ICZ).
In the communiqué, church leaders were urged break the silence on HIV/AIDS in their churches, mosque and homes and bring it to open discussion in order to defeat the disease.
The signed statement also called on the National Censorship Authorities and the National Media Commission to regulate pornographic films, music, and traditional dance forms, radio and television programs, since such culture has put the moral values of youths in Zambia at risk and may lead them into a fallen sexual life.We are committed to supporting and giving them hope and upon them God's healing we shall forever seek.
Faith Leaders Communiqué
Furthermore, traditional leaders and government structures were urged to abolish traditional customs and practices that are fueling the spread of the HIV/AIDS, according to the communiqué, reported the Times of Zambia.
"HIV/AIDS is not only a health problem, but also a social, economic and developmental problem that needs the support of all stakeholders," said Health minister of Zambia Sylvia Masebo, who noted the critical role of religious leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS and its consequences.
Masebo celebrated the very positive progress Zambia has achieved in HIV/AIDS prevention. She quoted the official figure from the Ministry of Health, saying that the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country has reduced from around 20 percent in 2000 to the current 16 percent.
However, despite its control over the overall HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, Zambia faces the challenge of protecting the vulnerable children in Zambia because of the AIDS pandemic. According to the South Africa Press Association (SAPA), a mobile clinic operating by the Lusaka district AIDS committee found 120 street children with sexually transmitted infections.
"It is also alarming that over one million children are believed to have been orphaned by AIDS and this number is expected to increase if no interventions are put in place," Masebo was quoted by the Zambia News Agency as saying.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia has warned that the problem of HIV/AIDS infection among street children could wipe out an entire generation, according to the SAPA.
Officials from the Ministry of Health, to which the recently signed communiqué was presented, said they would ensure that the issues tabulated in the statement be given serious consideration by Government, reported Zambia News.
Eunice Or
Christian Today Correspondent
