FHI - AIDS Educational Conference Held with Traditional Leaders

IMPACT and Partners Host Gathering of Namibian Traditional and Religious Leaders to Discuss Responses to AIDS

JULY 2004 — On July 29, the IMPACT Project, ELCIN AIDS Action (EASA)/Western Diocese, and King Josia S. Taapopi co-hosted Namibia's first AIDS education conference for traditional and religious community leaders. More than 500 leaders, government officials, community members, and others attended the conference, which took place in Tsandi. Panelists presented basic information about the epidemic, discussed the impact of AIDS on local communities, and fostered new partnerships between traditional leaders and EASA to address the epidemic.

The conference was part of a larger community mobilization effort funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to promote prevention and provide care and support for HIV-positive Namibians and their families. King Taapopi, the traditional leader of the Uukwaluudhi Constituency in northwest Namibia, proposed the conference after he and several other traditional leaders attended an HIV/AIDS awareness meeting conducted by EASA. EASA is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. IMPACT, managed by Family Health International, is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Engaging traditional and religious leaders—who wield considerable political influence and moral authority throughout sub-Saharan Africa—in HIV/AIDS activities is an important strategy in raising community awareness and in encouraging safer behaviors. Leaders can also use their position to reduce social stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS. King Taapopi is believed to be the first traditional leader in Namibia to speak out on AIDS.

At the conference's opening ceremony, the King—wearing a simple sackcloth to show solidarity with those who suffer from the disease—focused his remarks on AIDS prevention, alcohol abuse, family violence, and stigmatization, and encouraged his country's religious and traditional leaders to get involved. After his speech, he and Queen Liisa Nandjal Taapopi lit a large memorial candle, from which 100 home-based caregivers and other community members lit smaller candles to take back to their villages. (See related article below.)

The day's keynote speaker was Reverend Nangula Kathindi, general secretary of Namibia's Council of Churches, who was introduced by Rev. Hosea Iiyambo of ELCIN AIDS Action. Also speaking were Governor S. Kayone of Omusati Region; Gary Newton, USAID mission director for Namibia; Rose de Buysscher, Family Health International; Dr. M. Sakaria, Ministry of Health and Social Services; and Honorable Counselor Leevi Katoma. The conference was chaired by two regional educators, Shali Kanghondhi and Ndasilohenda Shikongo. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Rev. Tomas Shivute of ELCIN AIDS Action and Rev. Andreas Iiyambo. Speeches from the event were excerpted on Oshiwambo language radio programs.

Community response to the conference was immediate. On Monday and Tuesday of the next week, the waiting room of the local hospital was filled with new clients seeking voluntary counseling and testing for HIV. In addition, a new committee has been formed to design more outreach and educational sessions on prevention and care, including information on treatment.

Photo (L to R): Namibia Mission Director Gary Newton, King Josia Taapopi, USAID HIV specialist Lahya Shiimi and Queen Liisa Nandjal Taapopipose prior to the conference. (Photo: Rose de Buysscher/FHI) View a larger image.