Churches in Nigeria have a very crucial role it must play in seeking to reduce the stigma and discrimination that is associated with the HIV/AIDS.
The churches have their part to play in the prevention, care and support programmes; they could also help in reducing the high level of discrimination associated with the disease.
“Stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV have helped to drive the epidemic underground and have accelerated the spread of the epidemic. The leaders of many churches and faith-based organizations are in a unique position to bring attention to the stigma and discrimination and encourage a change in attitude and practices across the region.”
Champions for Change 11 Conference held in Georgetown, in 2005, church leaders were encouraged to work alongside people living with HIV/AIDS to understand their needs and the impact the stigma and discrimination of the disease has had on their lives.
Churches and faith-based organizations generally provide a wide range of help and support to the needy and that people living with HIV and AIDS need that type of support more than most.
Home based care was not a replacement for hospital care; it merely forms part of a range of prevention, care, treatment and support services that include the family, the community and health care providers.
With appropriate care and education, people with HIV/AIDS can live full and healthy lives and this home based care initiative is designed to focus on health and well-being.
Every priest irrespective of your denomination have a role to play in strengthening the response to HIV/AIDS and, “it is important that we work together and not in isolation.