Church told to spread message of hope

PRIME Minister Nahas Angula has appealed to spiritual leaders across Namibia to spread the message about the value of life when addressing the HIV-AIDS issue.

Addressing guests at the launch of Nawa Life Trust in Katutura, he said the clergy were trusted, especially by young people. “Why can’t you tell the message of hope by incorporating, in confirmation lessons, something about the value of life, that it is a gift from God to honour by remaining healthy,” he asked.If all preachers across the country did that there was sure to be a difference, he said.Angula said there had been so much HIV-AIDS prevention information circulated about abstinence, being faithful and using condoms in the past.”We’ve been hearing that message for a long time and I don’t see much change, ” he added.If the churches didn’t feel comfortable with “condom talk”, talk about the value of life, he urged.The Nawa Life Trust has grown out of an initiative by the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, which focused on HIV-AIDS prevention through communication and research programmes.Nawa Life operates at grassroots level with 14 groups of volunteers, known as Community Action Forums, in nine regions.It works closely with a range of other agencies, health centres and faith-based organisations.The new non-governmental organisation also assists and supports the National Campaign for HIV-AIDS through the Take Control programme.”The Government congratulates the efforts of the Nawa Life Trust in aiming to develop and improve levels of health and social well-being for all Namibians,” the Prime Minister said, urging residents where they were Community Action Forums to consider joining the volunteer movement.”Why can’t you tell the message of hope by incorporating, in confirmation lessons, something about the value of life, that it is a gift from God to honour by remaining healthy,” he asked.If all preachers across the country did that there was sure to be a difference, he said.Angula said there had been so much HIV-AIDS prevention information circulated about abstinence, being faithful and using condoms in the past.”We’ve been hearing that message for a long time and I don’t see much change, ” he added.If the churches didn’t feel comfortable with “condom talk”, talk about the value of life, he urged.The Nawa Life Trust has grown out of an initiative by the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, which focused on HIV-AIDS prevention through communication and research programmes.Nawa Life operates at grassroots level with 14 groups of volunteers, known as Community Action Forums, in nine regions.It works closely with a range of other agencies, health centres and faith-based organisations.The new non-governmental organisation also assists and supports the National Campaign for HIV-AIDS through the Take Control programme.”The Government congratulates the efforts of the Nawa Life Trust in aiming to develop and improve levels of health and social well-being for all Namibians,” the Prime Minister said, urging residents where they were Community Action Forums to consider joining the volunteer movement.