The training programme is courtesy of the International Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS.
Inerela+ Zimbabwe was formed in 2005 with the objective of tackling stigma and discrimination of HIV related issues in the country.
The organisation’s national coordinator, Reverend Zvidzai Chiponda of the Lutheran Church, said that so far, the awareness campaigns had targeted five churches: the United Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church, the Baptist Church, the Anglican Church and Apostolic sects.
“We have realised that stigma and discrimination has relegated people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS to the periphery of the community and congregations. They have been made to feel not worthy of the mercy and love of God hence we are training and urging religious leaders to be the agents of hope for these people,” said Chiponda.
In an effort to ensure members of Inerela+ Zimbabwe living with HIV get a balanced diet, the organisation has embarked on food and nutritional support programmes.
The Nutritional support programme is sponsored by the Southern African AIDS Trust. Chiponda, however, said there was a need to expand the nutritional support programmes across the country.
“In Mashonaland East, the Provincial Committee that selects suitable beneficiaries informed us that there are some religious leaders who deserve to get food hampers but we do not have sufficient resources. We call upon well-wishers to assist in this regard,” said Chiponda.
Inerela+ Zimbabwe has spread its wings to students from Theological Colleges namely United Theological College, Living Waters Theological Seminary College, Goshen Theological College, AMFCC College and Domboshava Theological College.
So far, Inerela+ Zimbabwe has trained religious leaders in eight of the country’s 10 provinces.
Post published in: Health