By Suzan Edeh,Bauchi
Religious leaders in Bauchi State have been urged to include HIV/AIDS education and awareness in their weekly sermons on Sundays and Friday.
The sensitization was done during a one-day workshop organized the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA), in collaboration with the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA) for faith based organisations (FBO) under the BACATMA Mapping Committee.
North-East Zonal Coordinator of NACA, Tobias who facilitated the workshop stated that the time has come when religious leaders must use the pulpit to talk about the virus without mincing words considering its devastating effects.
According to him, talking about the negative effects of HIV/AIDS from the pulpit will send authentic information to the generality of the people which will result in awareness creation and availability of useful information.
Tobias John noted that the use of condom as a necessary means of prevention of STIs/STDs must be emphasised during the sermons as well as in general meetings of associations and groups.
He explained that the main objectives of the workshop was to enhance the knowledge of Religious leaders on HIV Response in Nigeria and strengthen capacities for sermon preparations as well as to encourage Religious leaders to support the efforts of ending AIDS 2030 through their influence at congregational levels.
“It is because you hold the key for change influence, this guide underscores the teachings of Islam and Christianity. It is essential for people of faith to embrace their roles in fostering compassion, knowledge, and support for People living with HIV/AIDS” he said.
According to him, new infection, stigma and discrimination as well as AIDS Related Death continue to rise because religious leaders have chosen to keep quiet on awareness creation and education.
“There is a unique opportunity to address this pressing issue from a place of love, empathy, and guidance. The congregation have faith and confidence in the religious leaders, you have influence on your adhernts” he added.
The NACA Zonal Coordinator also urged the religious leaders to use the pulpits in order to make the congregation understand the glaring difference between HIV and AIDS saying,”HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). When HIV gets into a person’s body, the person is infected with HIV.”
He pointed out that HIV can damage a person’s immune system, which is the part of the body that fights infections and keeps us healthy.
According to him,”When a person’s immune system is damaged, the HIV-infected person starts to get frequent diseases or illnesses, they are said to have AIDS.”
All the religious leaders from Christians and Islam who attended the workshop commended NACA and BACATMA for organizing the workshop which they said had exposed them to hidden facts about HIV/AIDS.
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