Faith-based organisations host HIV/Aids awareness workshop
Residents were taught how to manage chronic diseases.
Church leaders and residents were invited to an HIV and Aids workshop in Ethafeni section where they were addressed about these and other chronic diseases.
The SANARELA, along with Training Literacy Institution by the Treatment Action Campaign, provided the workshop to the church leaders whereby they were trained, empowered and educated.
The main reason was to teach and educate them about the importance and awareness of HIV and AIDS and any other related chronic diseases.
Arch bishop of FBO Nompumelelo Gumbi said: “The information and knowledge gathered from this workshop will benefit our community. It will also empower our religious leaders,” said Gumbi.
“It is important to know how to provide support for people living with HIV and Aids and any other chronic diseases,” added Gumbi.
The organisers brought in Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) trainees from Katlehong, community advocate Tsheu Mosedi and branch educator Siphiwe Mhlangana.
Mhlangana touched on the importance of support groups when one finds out about their status.
“HIV and Aids is still a very sensitive issue around our communities and there is a lot of stigmatisation around it. “People should check their status and if they test positive, they should get treatment,” explained Mhlangana.
“There are places, such as churches for those who are still uncomfortable about joining support groups. They can join a space where they are comfortable,” said Mhlangana.
He advised religious leaders and parents to be more open about this disease. He said parents should be more encouraging, open and welcoming when it comes to discussing this chronic disease with their children.
Another point that was raised was that being HIV positive does not mean one’s life has come to an end. The trainees told guests that treatment, eating healthily and drinking water are good ways to manage the disease.
Parents and religious leaders should encourage the youth to check their status and those who are infected should get treatment.
Ndondo Nkabinde, one of the guests, said that the community should host more of these seminars.
“What we lack is information, especially at churches, and as the youth we should take charge and be open about chronic diseases, not only HIV and Aids. This seminar has changed my perception about HIV and Aids. I guess what I wanted was more information and clarity on things that I did not know about,” said Nkabinde.
