Changing Attitudes

Because AIDS, through the HIV virus, is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, there is automatically a stigma attached to victims of the disease. The effects of this stigma are insidious. It prevents people from getting tested, since they fear the suspicious attitudes of their neighbors. It prevents people from seeking help, since they will be shunned by their communities. It prevents people from being open, since they will suffer discrimination in their workplace. The cumulative effect is that more people are unknowingly exposed, more people become infected, and the infected die more quickly

Local pastors can change these conditions by changing the attitudes and behavior of their church members, and ultimately bringing about change in their communities. All that is required is to empower and equip them to become community change agents. EMPACT Africa is committed to working with local churches in Africa to do exactly that.  

Testimonials

"AIDs doesn't kill. It's the stigma that kills."

Video testimonial by Esther Kayombo, a woman in Zambia, telling a story about the impact of the stigma of AIDs in Africa.

"Jesus prayed, yes, but he also acted"

The value of the workshops isn't in what the participants learn. It is in what they do when they return to their communities. Rev. J. C. Lungu, the moderator of the Kamwala Presbytery in Lusaka, describes the theological framework.

"Action is a Christian obligation"

Interview with Rev. Dr. D. T. Banda, the Principal of Justo Mwale Theological University College in Lusaka, which is the leading seminary for the Reformed Church in Zambia. Dr. Banda leads the devotions every morning at the workshop.

 

Community Leaders

Pastors in sub-Saharan, Africa, such as Reverend Rodgers Nkhuwa,RCZ pastor in Chipata, Zambia, are community leaders on issues related to attitudes and behavior and can play a key role in fighting the AIDS pandemic.