Teso religious leaders commit to fight HIV & AIDS using sermons
Oct 02, 2024
“It is a shame that we feature on top as the leading HIV & AIDS region," said Rev. James Opio of Soroti Anglican Church on Wednesday during an engagement with officials from UAC in Soroti.
Religious leaders with the officials from Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), (third right) is Dr Rebecca Kivumbi and Hope Murungi (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
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Religious leaders in Uganda's eastern region of Teso have resolved to incorporate messages on HIV and AIDS in their sermons so as to mitigate the spread of the virus.
HIV — human immunodeficiency virus — attacks the body’s immune system, while AIDS — acquired immunodeficiency syndrome — occurs at the most advanced stage of infection.
HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives to date, according to the World Health Organization.
The UN health agency says transmission is ongoing in all countries globally.
'Act before it's late'
Soroti, which is in Teso, is one of the areas in Uganda with the highest prevalence of HIV, according to the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) report of 2023 that ranked the city third after Mbarara and Fort Portal.
“It is a shame that we feature on top as the leading HIV & AIDS region," said Rev. James Opio of Soroti Anglican Church on Wednesday during an engagement with officials from UAC in Soroti.
Religious leaders reading the leaflets of the Commission about the HIV prevalance. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
"It is high time we embark on engaging our Christians to act before it is too late."
Janet Biriwali from Global Harvest Church said, they will offer a platform for health experts to sensitize their respective congregations on issues around HIV and AIDS.
“We have been doing it but not in detail because we had thought that the health issues are for medical experts," she said.
"But we have been energized that we are very resourceful in passing messages that can save our followers."
David Okurut from the Orthodox Church said, they are targeting the youth in their sermons by teaching them about the dangers of engaging in sex before marriage.
“If there are no efforts put in place to mitigate the spread of HIV and AIDS, it is likely that Soroti could actually top the country," warned Hope Murungi, the coordinator of the private sector and civil society at UAC.
"So, we call upon the religious leaders to [step] up in the fight."
'120 hotspots'
Dr. Rebecca Kivumbi Mayanja, the manager of reproductive health and HIV & AIDS at the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), said religious leaders have the ability to reach out to over 20 million people physically and online.
“They lead prayers in their respective churches and mosques as well as preach at burials, weddings and thanksgiving functions that serve as a good platform for them to pass on health-related messages,” she said.
Isaac Ekellot, the HIV & AIDS focal point for Soroti city, said the key factors fueling the HIV prevalence include; having multiple sexual partners, low condom use, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
“As much as Soroti city is small, we have over 120 hotspots. I believe that if the religious leaders embrace the call to engage their followers to live responsibly, we shall save more people from getting infected,” he said.
Hope Murungi, Coordinator private sector and civil society at Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC). (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
UAC officials said that on average, at least 100 people get infected with HIV every day in Uganda, with the majority being young people below the age of 26.
William Oriokot, the health educator of Soroti district, urged the religious leaders to encourage their followers living with HIV to ensure they take their drugs and avoid false prophets who mislead people that they can heal from HIV.
There is no cure for HIV infection.
However, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
Uganda's targets for 2025 are:
— 96 percent of people living with HIV know their status
— 90 percent of people living with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy
— 86 percent of people living with HIV are virally suppressed
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