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this page Provinces - Province De L Eglise Anglican Du Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has an estimated population of about 63 million people. DRC has experienced many years of protracted war and unrest. About four (4) million people have died as a result of war from 1998 to 2002 (IRC, 2003). It is said that, about 40 women are being raped daily by armed people. In internal displacement camps (IDPs) people are brutally killed as families are massacred. Almost 50% of the population in the Eastern Provinces have left their homes and live in displacement camps due to insecurity. The social economic situation is deplorable. Over 80% of the population live on less than US$0.30 a day per person. In DRC 1 in 5 children die before their fifth birthday. Life expectancy is about 41 years for males and 46 years for females.
The health programme of the Church has been running for the last 24 years. Churches run more than 90% of the Health Centres, hospitals and schools. The Anglican Church of Congo provides health care services through 51 Health Centres and 3 hospitals located mainly in the Eastern part of the country.
Vision
By 2010, the Anglican Church of Congo will be actively involved in all levels in the fight against HIV/AIDS in order to contribute towards a generation free from AIDS.
Mission
To fight AIDS by all possible means and ensure that people living and affected by HIV and AIDS are not discriminated against but are treated with respect and dignity.
Core Values
- Christian cultural values of virginity, monogamy and faithfulness in marriage;
- Dignity and respect of human being as Gods creature;
- Compassion to people who suffer;
- Christian ethical principles;
- African tradition values (African hospitality and solidarity).
HIV/AIDS Situation
The HIV prevalence in the DRC is estimated at 20% in the Eastern Province of the country, and 5% in the Western Province. More than 50% of PLWHA are youth of 15 to 24 years old.
Straight Talks Against AIDS (STAYS)
A youth friendly sexual education programme focuses on the youth, as the majority of the population is young and they are the most affected by HIV/AIDS. The aim of this programme is to raise awareness of the youth on HIV/AIDS and other issues related to reproductive health. This is done through debate conferences, dramas, poems, songs and radio broadcasting programmes.
Main Programme Achievements
- Needs assessment was carried out in 2004;
- Breaking the Silence on HIV/ AIDS within the Church and schools is on-going;
- The Bishops are being trained on HIV/AIDS and related topics on sexuality are carried out in all the 8 Dioceses;
- Training of activists and counsellors is on-going;
- Strategic plan document for the health and HIV/AIDS programme was developed in 2005;
- Nine VCT Centres have been set up in 4 of the 8 Dioceses as a response to a high demand for HIV testing;
- STAYS: A youth friendly sexual education programme is implemented;
- The OVC are given spiritual and psychosocial support. Orphans are supported with school fees, uniforms and books.
Programme Challenge
- Low level of involvement of Church leaders;
- Stigma among Church leaders ;
- Limited number of trained and qualified human resource in certain areas;
- Inadequate funding and high poverty levels;
- Massive displacement leading to loss of values;
- Rape perpetrated by armed people scaling up HIV propagation;
- Inadequate commitment and support from Government in the fight against HIV and AIDS
Recommendation
- To Church leaders
- To raise voices for peace restoration in the DRC;
- To improve networking with the Government institutions and other NGOs.
- To CAPA and the whole Anglican Communion
- To re-examine their commitment to empower the French speaking Provinces.
- To the Government of the DRC
- To put HIV/AIDS intervention as a top priority;
- To restore peace and promote Human Rights.
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