DECEMBER 2005 — FHI's Lucy Steinitz, Senior Technical Officer for Faith Based Programs in Windhoek, Namibia, made presentations to FHI/DC, FHI/NC, and at the International Conference on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) on her work with faith-based organizations in Namibia.

In her presentation, Ms. Steinitz outlines the reasons why the church needs to be involved in fighting the AIDS pandemic – the church is itself affected by the pandemic, the church can make a difference through its formal structure in communities, and to help others is the very mission of the church. In Namibia, local congregations have become integral to prevention and education efforts, home-based care, counseling, and the care of orphans of the pandemic.

For more information, or to receive a copy of Ms. Steinitz's presentation, please contact Shawna Brown at sbrown@fhi.org.

Photo: Sister Petronella Sheunyenga and some of the volunteers at Catholic AIDS Action (Omusati Region), and Lucy Steinitz. (Photo courtesy of Lucy Steinitz)