Print
this page
Email
this page Provinces - The Church of the Province of Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean Province covers 3 countries namely; Madagascar Mauritius and Seychelles which are located within the Indian Ocean. These countries are different in their economic, social and cultural status. These differences should be recognised and appreciated in addressing HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the Province of Indian Ocean is 1.01%. The objective of the HIV/AIDS programme is to reduce the rate to 0.6% during the next 5 years. The Provincial strategic plan was not carried out due to lack of money for the process. Contacts have been made within the Province and training carried out during 2005 and 2006 mainly on awareness.
Mauritius
All the clergy have received some information on HIV/AIDS through sensitizations and trainings. The Church is aware of the challenges of HIV/AIDS and is actively involved in the fight against AIDS. In 2003, there was a meeting between young people and their Provincial President during which they discussed about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. The Government, with the Family Ministry, is an important partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Seychelles
The Government monopolizes the fight against HIV/AIDS. All associations and religious organizations that want to fight HIV/AIDS must work directly with the Government.
Diocese of Madagascar
Illiteracy and high poverty levels make the fight more difficult compared to Mauritius and Seychelles.
Programme Activities and Achievements
- Discussions held with 12 young people and 6 adults in Amborovy/Mahajanga;
- Leaders of the Mothers Union in the Diocese of Mahajanga were trained;
- Youths of the Diocesans of Toamasina have been animated;
- Parishioners and local people at Manaratsandry village in the Southern district of Mahajanga have been sensitised on HIV/AIDS;
- Animation for young people of Santa Lioka Cathedral has been done;
- Animation for parishioners of Morarano of Marovoay Parish;
- Information and training was done for Mothers Union during the 4th Provincial Council in Mauritius;
- The HIV/AIDS Coordinator travelled to the Northern district of Mahajanga to identify and train Pairs educator;
- Animation has been done for the 2 districts of Mahajanga Antanimasaja;
- In 2005 the Coordinator took part in a workshop organised and sponsored by
- the World Council of Churches (WCC) challenge of the Church to fight against HIV/AIDS with all religious communities in Madagascar and a tmoignage for people living with HIV including 2 women from Congo, a pastor from Togo and a couple from Malagasy;
- The Mothers Union organized for the training of leaders in the Diocese of Mahajanga;
- In 2005, missionaries went to the region of Sofia and Boeni to educate the leaders of 20 communities on HIV/AIDS;
- In 2005 the Coordinator, with the assistance of the chief of the Hospital, organised a debate between 4 young people and 4 adults to reduce rumour about STI/HIV/AIDS. It was broadcasted directly by 2 private radio stations and sponsored by the NGO Grader;
- Information/training was carried out for Parish Council, the District and the Diocese of the Mothers Union of Mahajanga;
- In 2006, a workshop to elaborate support materials IEC for the Dioceses of Madagascar was carried out;
- Sermon concerning HIV/AIDS was delivered at the Santa Lioka Cathedral in Mahajanga and Santa Jaona Church in the countryside basing it on Ezekiel 33: 2-6;
- Training of trainers organised by the PLEROC association and sponsored by the USAID.
Top
