HIV: Christians urged to preach hope

HEALTH   HIV/AIDS

In a bid to end stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDs, Christians have been urged to preach hope.

The remarks were made by Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha on Sunday to Christians of St. Stephen's Nfuufu Church of Uganda, Bunamwaya Parish in Wakiso district.

In his sermon, Byamugisha, told the congregation to be faithful to their partners, know their HIV status and always take proper medication as prescribed by medics.

"I am here to let you know that God likes health people, being HIV positive is not a crime, and neither is it a sin. Don't drop ARVs thinking you will be saved, God is always at our rescue when we do the right things," Byamugisha said.

Having lived 25 years with HIV, Byamugisha, also a professor became the first religious leader in Africa to publicly announce that he was HIV positive.

It is upon this ground that he uses his status to publicly preach to his flock. 

 "I cannot really trace how I acquired HIV, having lost my first wife in 1991, but I appeal to you that let the disease remain in us, let's protect, sensitise and save the young from it. He appealed to his congregation. 

Do not intentionally spread the ailment to innocent young people; remember God is watching every evil deed we do but let's be open to each other and help those who feel hopeless," he said.

Byamugisha is optimistic that stopping AIDS is possible.

"It is possible to defeat AIDS, it started with us the old generation and it should end with us," he said.

 "God helps and protects those who do things rightfully, why do you drop ARVs in pretense that they prayed for you, take your drugs as you pray," he added.