AIDS/HIV becomes a focus for Nigerian church, mission workers.

By Bob and Carol Krouse

If we had to name the one area of our work that we find most compelling, we'd have to say it is our work with the HIV/AIDS ministry of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). HIV/AIDS is endemic throughout Africa. Millions of African men, women, and children are infected with the virus, and, with few exceptions, that number continues to grow.

Fortunately, the problem of AIDS isn't as bad in Nigeria as it is in some African nations where 30 percent of the population is infected. Nevertheless, HIV/AIDS is still a huge problem in Nigeria. According to government statistics, 5 to 12 percent of Nigeria's population is infected with HIV/AIDS. That means that between 6 and 15 million Nigerians are infected. Far too many Nigerians are either infected, afflicted, or affected by the disease.

In December 2004, we were asked to work with EYN's HIV/AIDS committee in developing a strategic plan to launch an HIV/AIDS ministry. Ten of us, two Nigerians, two Swiss, and two Americans, met for three exhausting days at EYN headquarters in early December to hammer out a plan that will unfold over the next three years. The plan endeavors to:

• Develop an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign through education, communication, and information;
  
  
• Create an HIV/AIDS action team that will take a program of music and drama to EYN congregations hoping to lessen the stigma and raise the awareness of HIV/AIDS;
  
  
• Train 4,000 volunteers to provide HIV/AIDS education and a support network in each of EYN's more than 1,000 congregations;
  
  
• Offer HIV screening in all EYN dispensaries and pre- and post-test counseling;
  
  
• Provide access to affordable antiretroviral drugs;
  
  
• Encourage a biblical model of marriage and family; and
  
  
• Empower victimized women by promoting gender equality.

Our vision is to have an HIV/AIDS-free generation built upon the foundation of solid, healthy families that will create a strong, secure society. Carol and I feel that our work with the EYN HIV/AIDS committee could be the most significant thing that we do during our sojourn in Nigeria.

--Bob Krouse is the Church of the Brethren mission coordinator in Nigeria, working for the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships. Carol Krouse provides nursing care at a women's clinic, counsels women who have reproductive and other health issues, and is a speaker for HIV/AIDS awareness events.

Source: 7/20/2005 Newsline
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