Sinkat,
May 25 2009: Red Sea State has been
one of the first states in Sudan
to respond to the HIV/AIDS challenge
in the country. Serving as Sudan’s
main sea port, the state is inundated
with human traffic including entrepreneurs,
truck drivers, and soldiers.
A number
of awareness and intervention campaigns
about the dangers of HIV/AIDS have
been organized in the state. However,
the assistance of religious leaders
was needed to reach out to a larger
number of the population.
Over
the years, religious leaders have
had a strong influence on the Sudanese
social fabric. Their revered status
and tolerant approach have enabled
them to reach a wide audience and
become engaged with the society’s
daily concerns. In recognition of
their vital role, the Ministry of
Religious Guidance and Endowment
in collaboration with UNDP and the
Sudan National AIDS Program (SNAP)
organized a number of workshops
across Sudan on HIV/AIDS.
Recently
a 3-day training session took place
in Sinkat locality in Red Sea State
on 17-19 May. The training aimed
to mobilize Muslim religious leaders’
support for the fight against HIV/AIDS
in Sudan. It focused on the need
for increasing a more positive attitude
towards people living with HIV/AIDS
and ending stigma and discrimination.
Religious leaders received an orientation
on preventive methods against HIV/AIDS
and the availability of treatment
in the Voluntary Confidential and
Counseling Centers in Sinkat
The
training used a special module endorsed
in February 2008 by Muslim and Christian
leaders to build the capacity of
religious leaders in responding
to HIV/AIDS in Sudan. The training
module focused on enabling religious
figures to promote spiritual values
of care and compassion for people
living with HIV/AIDS.
A member of the Association of People
Living with HIV/AIDS also participated
in the workshop; relaying his own
experiences and encouraging participants
to approach Voluntary Confidential
Counseling and Testing Centers (VCCT).
So
far 30 VCCTs across 15 northern
states provide HIV testing services
to visitors in a confidential and
non- discriminatory manner. The
centers also act as information
dissemination centers that provide
information on HIV infection and
means of prevention.
It
is hoped with religious leaders
spreading the word of tolerance
and compassion toward people living
with HIV/AIDS, more people would
seek the centers’ assistance
on a voluntary basis.
