AEGiS-14IAC: Role and impact of theological and bible training colleges in AIDS prevention, care and education.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Role and impact of theological and bible training colleges in AIDS prevention, care and education.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. E11460)

Wamae MM, Mnjama MM, Amalemba WL
MAP International, Nairobi, Kenya

ISSUES: Most of our religious leaders went through seminary when HIV and AIDS was non-existent. Their knowledge, attitude and practice has been shaped largely by the media, peer education, and the local culture. This mode of advocacy is often inaccurate and incomprehensive. Most religious leaders have hardly wresstled with their responsibility to people living with aids, ethical and legal challenges stirred by the pandemic. Tomorrows church leaders are in training today. Ignorance has led to discrimination and stigmatisation.

DESCRIPTION: An HIV and AIDS curriculum targeting theological institutions in East and Southern Africa has been developed in our efforts to address the religious institutions, especially churches. The curriculum is offered as an elective, intensive or core course. It is taught through lectures, testimonies, field visits, video, role plays and understudying best practice models. Students write position papers, visit orphanages, home-based care programmes and local congregations.

ISSUES: When church leaders are equipped with facts and information, they are more effective in HIV and AIDS advocacy. Most institutions willing to incorporate AIDS training lack text books, curriculum and faculty to teach. A certain capacity exists to start this intervention.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The future leadership of the church is being trained in theological and bible training institutions. This is a ripe opportunity to shape opinion, impart knowledge on HIV and AIDS and influence action. Support for this initiative is needed by sharing research results, books, expertise and supportive networks with theological and bible training institutions. Enlist your local religious organisation with an activity that promotes prevention, support or care of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Teaching, Schools, HIV Infections, Health Education, Curriculum, Students, Organizations, Africa, Southern, education, prevention & control

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E11460