Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Herald Correspondent
CHURCHES have stepped up efforts to combat the spread of HIV in Harare Metropolitan Province which is topping the list of provinces with the highest infection rates.
According to National Aids Council latest statistics 195 429 people are living with the virus, representing a prevalence rate of 8, 4 percent, the situation remains dire.
Even more alarming is the annual incidence of 2 644 new infections, nearly half of which affect youths aged 15 to 24 years.
In the face of these challenges, churches in Harare are stepping up to play a pivotal role in reducing the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youths.
Speaking on the sidelines of a provincial development committee on HIV held last week Bishop Roger Jeffrey, founder and president of Tabernacle of Worship, Family Ministries International, and chairperson of the Provincial AIDS Action Committee for Harare Metropolitan Province, outlined the various ways in which the church is contributing to this fight.
According to Bishop Jeffrey, the church is uniquely positioned as a gatekeeper in the community to amplify Government messages and initiatives aimed at combating HIV.
The church, working alongside the Government and the National AIDS Council (NAC), is playing a key role in ensuring that the national vision of ending AIDS by 2030 is realised.
This aligns with the Government’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Bishop Jeffrey said; “We belong to the community, and as churches, it is our duty to amplify the voices of His Excellency the President, the Minister of Health and Child Care, and NAC. We coordinate programming, brainstorm, and communicate effectively to ensure that accurate information reaches everyone.”
Through their efforts, churches are complementing Government strategies by mobilising congregations, educating communities, and fostering collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders.
One of the major challenges in combating HIV is the stigma and discrimination that continues to affect those living with the virus.
Bishop Jeffrey highlighted that this stigma is still prevalent even within church circles. To address this, churches are prioritising education and awareness campaigns, guided by the principle that “my people are perishing because of lack of knowledge.”
The churches, with support from NAC, are disseminating information about HIV prevention, treatment, and care to their congregations.
This includes promoting the importance of drug treatment and creating spaces where individuals feel safe and supported to seek help.
Recognising the influence of social media on young people, churches are also leveraging digital platforms to provide accurate information and promote behavioural change.
Bishop Jeffrey acknowledged the dual nature of social media, noting that while it can be a powerful tool for education, if misused, it can also lead to misinformation and harm.
“We are teaching the youth that social media, when used properly, can bring life. It is an effective tool to promote behavioural change and disseminate accurate information about HIV prevention,” he said.
Through social media campaigns, churches are advocating abstinence and encouraging safe sexual practices, particularly emphasising that sex within the confines of marriage is both good and holy.
Churches are also working to protect young people from the various risks associated with HIV, including teen pregnancies and drug abuse.
