NACA urges clerics to preach HIV/AIDS prevention on pulpit

By Monday Danladi

Religious leaders in Bauchi State, particularly those in Christianity and Islamic religions have been sensitised on the need 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 by 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 stressed 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 by 2030 through their influence at congregational levels.

On why the focus on clerics in the fight against HIV/AIDS, he stressed that, "It is because you hold the key for changing 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 added that 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.

He however assured that,"There is a unique opportunity to address this pressing issue from a place of love, empathy, and guidance. The congregation has faith and confidence in the religious leaders, you have influence on your adherents."

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 explaining that,"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."

He added that, "HIV can be found in different body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. To get HIV, one of these fluids from an infected person has to get inside your body."

On the modes of transmission, Tobias John explained that the most common ways one can become infected with HIV include Sex, by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex (without a condom) with an HIV infected person.

Also, a person can be born with HIV-positive mothers who can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, or even through breastfeeding.

Another mode is infected blood and blood products or infected sharps: if a person receives a blood transfusion with HIV positive blood, or receives an infected organ transplant he or she can become infected with HIV.

One can get HIV by using needles, syringes, blades and other sharp objects used for piercings of the body parts to the extent of bringing out blood.

He therefore urged them to encourage their members to go out to take the test in order to know their status and commence treatment immediately as both tests and treatments are free.

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.

They individually pledged to make use of the knowledge gained in the workshop in order to create awareness among their members thereby joining the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.