Africa stands to lose an entire generation to the AIDS epidemic that is sweeping the continent. In some pockets of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 20 percent of the population is infected with the virus that causes the disease.
The crisis is cause for despair, but for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s African church partners it also is a matter of faith and a call to action. [Read more]
Addressing the root causes of HIV through a community development model
Group exercise to experience concepts. Photo by Nancy Haninger
In April 2009, 32 community volunteers representing churches, schools, community organizations and neighborhoods throughout the city of Kananga, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were transformed into community health evangelists (CHEs) during a five-day “training of trainers” workshop, conducted by Action Pour la Santé et Développement Communautaire (ASADECO). The training in Kananga, the seat of the Congo Presbyterian Church (CPC), marks the expansion of this community development model. Each volunteer trainer received a solid foundation in Christian community health evangelism and prepared a clear action plan that they will use in their respective community health (including HIV/AIDS, orphan and vulnerable children and home-based care) and development work. Keep reading.
Stay informed with the latest HIV and AIDS news
Topics in this news feed powered by Google News include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), antiretrovirals, preventive measures, treatment options and co-infections, people living with AIDS, women, orphan and vulnerable children, and related social justice issues of poverty and gender inequality.
How to use this information
If your church has a partnership in a country such as Malawi or Thailand or here in the United States, you can find out the latest AIDS statistics of that particular country and the trends they are facing. If you have a family member or friend who is HIV+, you can read the latest research on treatment, nutrition and living positively in order to support that person. If you are interested in advocacy and want to know about the latest piece of legislation, you can track its progress and know the details of the issue before you take action.
There are still many myths concerning HIV and AIDS. By staying informed, you will be able to share accurate and up-to-date information about AIDS-related issues with your congregation, community or family.
Pray for the people of Africa
Mbujimayi women sing during worship. Photo by Joy Raatz
The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study starts in January with Africa. One of the major issues confronting sub-Saharan Africa is HIV and AIDS, where
68 percent of adults and nearly 90 percent of children are infected with HIV
Almost 61 percent of the total number of adults living with HIV in 2007 are women
More than 76 percent of all AIDS deaths in 2007 occurred in this region
Currently, more than 11 million children in Africa have lost at least one parent to HIV/AIDS; that number is expected to reach 20 million by 2010.
Women and children, who are disproportionately infected and affected
Church leaders who are dealing with AIDS-related issues such as death, illness, gender inequality, poverty, lack of health care, education, food insecurity and clean drinking water.
These prayers can be said individually or during your worship service.
Luanga is an 18-month-old boy who was abandoned by his mother a few months after his father's death. By the time he arrived at Centenary Health Center's nutrition program, he was severely underweight and malnourished. The center houses a feeding program run by the Presbyterian Women and Family Department of the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK) and the Presbyterian Health Department (DPS). [Read more]
Africa's Children: A Church Response to
Children's Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa the number of orphaned and vulnerable children is growing as a result of issues such as the AIDS pandemic, poverty, lack of education and countries in conflict. This free book and study guide reviews the models of care existing in sub-Saharan Africa and evaluates them in the context of the African culture and the realities of limited resources. Additionally, this book includes discernment questions for congregation or individuals that want to help.
Free single downloads available
For multiple copies order from Presbyterian Marketplace.
- Files marked with this icon can be downloaded in printable Adobe Acrobat format. This file requires the free Acrobat Reader. For best results, right-click the link (or click and hold for Macintosh), select " save target as" and save the document to your desktop for viewing and printing.
Group exercise to experience concepts. Photo by Nancy Haninger
Mbujimayi women sing during worship. Photo by Joy Raatz
