United against HIV
Sr. Pauline Nthenya, HIV and AIDS coordinator in the Archdiocese of Mombasa, explains how muslim and christian leaders are working together to save lives in Kenya.
HIV affects everyone in Mombasa irrespective of age, gender or religion. The Archdiocese continues its struggle to scale up its services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Since initiating the first home-based care programme in the region in December 1996 with 12 volunteer community workers targeting the informal settlements within Mombasa, it now has more than 3,000 volunteer community health workers in nine administrative districts.
Population: 28 million
Living with HIV: 1.4 million
% of 15-64 year olds living with HIV: 7.4% (6.4% in 2003)
Population of Mombasa: 3 million
- 299, 867 living with HIV and AIDS
- 59,913 need treatment
Religious leaders are influential in the community and trusted by their faithful. When Kenya received free antiretroviral drugs in 2004 some religious leaders advised against the drugs. Within Muslim communities, in particular, there was a high level of rejection of people with HIV and a refusal to prepare the dead for burial. Through discussion with communities and leaders this has now changed. In addition safer techniques for the preparation of bodies for burial have been adopted (wearing of gloves etc) thus preventing risk of HIV transmission.
To prevent HIV, it is crucial that people are tested. Tackling stigma is key. Where there is support from loved ones and trusted community leaders people are less afraid to do so. Support groups and counselling from others living with HIV have helped a lot, too.
As well as health and practical care the Archdiocese provides spiritual support from religious leaders and has worked with Muslim leaders to make this available in Muslim communities.
Through the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC) all religious groups have been mobilised to participate in HIV- related projects. Messages about HIV are now heard in mosques and churches – including information about how to protect against the virus. Clear messages are given that stigma and discrimination against people with HIV are contrary to God’s will and that Islam and Christianity both require people to treat others humanely and with respect for human dignity.
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