Increasing acceptance of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment practices through religious leaders and institutions in south Sudan

In the context of an inadequate transitional health care system in South Sudan, churches played a significant role in the provision of needed social services during the war. Today, religious leaders have assumed a key role in increasing HIV/AIDS preventive actions to halt and reverse HIV transmission.

To increase local capacity for a comprehensive response in the fight against HIV/AIDS, 929 religious leaders and church workers in Western Equatoria and Lakes States were trained on how to utilize religious gatherings, and activities to mobilize community action, raise awareness, educate and advocate for a supportive social cultural environment. Their goal is to organize quality health care delivery as critical stimuli in increasing HIV/AIDS prevention program acceptance, health services utilization and promotion of sustainable public health economic development initiatives.

Baseline and an end-line data showed that: men's knowledge on HIV transmission and prevention increased by 5% in Western Equatorial and 68% in Lakes state. Women' perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS increased by 17.8% in Western Equatoria and 10.7% in Lakes state. The number of women seeking HIV counseling and testing services increased by 21.5% in Western Equatoria and 21% in Lakes state.

Interfaith program activities have highlighted the differences in message packaging between the different faiths in ways that are culturally accessible and acceptable to the diverse cultural belief systems influencing infectious disease acquisition, response and prevention in this population.

Using their trust and authority Religious Leaders can change the course of this spiritual, social, economic and political epidemic, HIV/AIDS.