Apostolic members form HIV support group

are living positively with HIV and Aids, recently formed support groups, which offer counselling and testing services.
Speaking at a three-day workshop in Harare yesterday, Reverend Edison Tsvakai of Zviratidzo Zvevapositori Church said the main objective behind the clubs was to raise awareness on HIV issues among church members.
Rev Tsvakai is also the secretary general of the Union for the Development of Apostolic and Zionist Church in Zimbabwe and Africa (UDACIZA)
“So far we are operating with four districts in the province who are also doing home based care namely Highfield, Seke North and South, Zengeza, St Mary’s and Epworth.
“At first there was great resistance in terms of HIV education, we also train some religious leaders so that they can spread the news to their church members,” Rev Tsvakai said.
He added that there was a lot of stigma and discrimination among church members whereby they did not want to disclose their HIV status.
“Previously, there was resistance among church members and in most cases they tend to refer the illness as being caused by evil spirits.
“Moreover, some could even hide with their white garments claiming that they are clean from any form of illness which was not true,” he added.
Mr John Mapara the project officer with Africare said the project had been a success since he noted that some church members are now divulging their HIV status and were highly knowledgeable on issues of HIV treatment and care.