Kirk to hear from former Zambian President on Aids struggle

Former Zambian President Kenneth David Kaunda will be discussing his work in tackling HIV, Aids and poverty in a visit to the Church of Scotland on Friday.

Dr Kaunda, the son of Church of Scotland missionary Rev David Kaunda, led Zambia to independence and served as the first President of the Republic of Zambia, from 1964 to 1991.

In 1992 he founded the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the establishment of peace and conflict resolution on the continent. He now focuses on fighting HIV and Aids and poverty in Africa.

The death of a son from HIV and Aids during the initial outbreak in Africa was the driving force behind Dr Kaunda’s efforts. He vowed never to allow other African children experience such painful and helpless death. This struggle has taken him to various African countries and outside of Africa, with a mission to assuage the pains of victims, sensitize the public and alleviate poverty.

During his visit Dr Kaunda will be hosted by the Very Rev David Lunan, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and meet with representatives from the Kirk’s World Mission Council and HIV/Aids Project.

Dr Kaunda is the second high profile visitor to address the Church of Scotland this year, following Bishop Desmond Tutu speaking at last month's General Assembly.