FHI - King Taapopi Addresses AIDS Conference

Master of ceremony, Church leaders, Senior Headmen and Headmen, Inspectors, Representatives from the USAID, FHI, NGO's, our dearest guests, ladies and gentlemen.

We are all gathered here today in an effort to try and combat the dreadful killer disease that is threatening to eradicate our nation. The disease has tremendously affected our economy in a disadvantaged way. This is nowadays being used up to bury the deceased and to look after and support AIDS orphans.

In our battle against HIV/AIDS we have also to fight two other problems in our country, that is TB and Alcohol. TB is too often a death sentence for people with HIV/AIDS. As for alcohol, we have to fight it teeth and nail, as it is the main contributor to HIV/AIDS. If someone has a glass too many, then he/she starts behaving irresponsible. This person may end up being infected with the virus. Alcohol also causes people to be violent and commit rape crimes. You find very young children being raped by men old enough to be their great grandfathers.

I therefore, appeal to all churches to fight this disease with prayers. We should all stand united in prayer and plead to the Almighty to hear our prayers and save us from these massive jaws of death. With prayer and our belief we can never fail.

At this point I specifically want to appeal to the youth of this country to take care of themselves and to help each other so as to not be victims of HIV/AIDS. To achieve this, our youth need to go a few years back in our cultural history and see how our grand parents carried themselves through their youth. There was no promiscuity, no alcohol abuse comparing to today's youth.

Last but not least, I want to appeal to all the Non-Governmental Organizations to actively take part in this major fight on HIV/AIDS.

Finally, I want to humbly request the American Embassy to inform our "Sister country America" about our plight. We need help of any kind in our fight against AIDS.

I thank you

Photo: His Majesty Josia Taapopi, King of the Uukwaluudhi, wears a simple sackcloth during his speech to show solidarity with those who suffer from AIDS. (FHI) View a larger image that also features Gary Newton, USAID mission director for Namibia.