Assessment of the Role of Religious Assessment of the Role of Religious Leaders in the Management of HIV/AIDS Leaders in the Management of HIV/AIDS

in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.

ByBy

Asekun-Olarinmoye IO, *Asekun-Olarinmoye Asekun-Olarinmoye IO, *Asekun-Olarinmoye EO, Fatiregun AA and Fawole IO.EO, Fatiregun AA and Fawole IO.Department of Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, and Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, NigeriaCollege of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria*Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of *Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4400, Clinical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4400, Osogbo, Osun State, NigeriaOsogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

BackgroundBackground The HIV/AIDS pandemic is without doubt, one The HIV/AIDS pandemic is without doubt, one

of the greatest health problems challenging of the greatest health problems challenging science and man and may remain so for a long science and man and may remain so for a long time (Salako, 2003).]time (Salako, 2003).]

HIV is the fourth (4HIV is the fourth (4thth) leading cause of death ) leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death in globally and the leading cause of death in Africa (WHO, 1999)Africa (WHO, 1999)

Worldwide, people aged 15-24 account for Worldwide, people aged 15-24 account for about 30% of the total HIV/AIDS count about 30% of the total HIV/AIDS count (UNAIDS/WHO, 2001)(UNAIDS/WHO, 2001)

The epidemic of HIV continues at The epidemic of HIV continues at alarming rates in Nigeria despite efforts alarming rates in Nigeria despite efforts to control it. to control it.

Meaningful efforts aimed at combating Meaningful efforts aimed at combating the scourge must be multi-sectoral. the scourge must be multi-sectoral.

Despite the high influence religious Despite the high influence religious leaders have in our society, their roles in leaders have in our society, their roles in prevention and care of HIV/AIDS have prevention and care of HIV/AIDS have not been well studied.not been well studied.

Statement of the ProblemStatement of the Problem

Religion is one of the world’s Religion is one of the world’s largest institutions largest institutions

Probably the only institution Probably the only institution which bridges the gap of race, which bridges the gap of race, class, occupation and nationality. class, occupation and nationality.

Dispersed throughout the country, Dispersed throughout the country, and thereby have the capacity to and thereby have the capacity to reach a much larger number of reach a much larger number of people.people.

Study JustificationStudy Justification

Study Justification 2Study Justification 2Therefore, religious leaders and their Therefore, religious leaders and their institutions can and do provide a good institutions can and do provide a good medium of communication to an medium of communication to an audience, which is generally respectful audience, which is generally respectful and receptive to the and receptive to the teachings/preaching of such leaders.teachings/preaching of such leaders.

ObjectivesObjectives:: To assess knowledge, To assess knowledge,

attitudes, perceptions and attitudes, perceptions and role of conventional religious role of conventional religious leaders in the management leaders in the management and control of HIV/AIDS in and control of HIV/AIDS in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ibadan, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODSMATERIALS AND METHODS Study Area: Ibadan, Southwest NigeriaStudy Area: Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional . sectional .

Study tool: Self-administered, semi-Study tool: Self-administered, semi-structured, pre-tested questionnairestructured, pre-tested questionnaire

Sample Size: 336 leaders of eight (8) Sample Size: 336 leaders of eight (8) different religious denominationsdifferent religious denominations

Sampling technique: multi-stage, cluster Sampling technique: multi-stage, cluster random sampling techniquerandom sampling technique

Inclusion criterion: All adult members Inclusion criterion: All adult members of the selected FBOs aged 15 years and of the selected FBOs aged 15 years and above holding any leadership position above holding any leadership position

RESULTSRESULTS

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICSSOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

The mean age of respondents was 37.9 The mean age of respondents was 37.9 years years ++ 13.5 13.5

male/female ratio of 2.3:1. male/female ratio of 2.3:1. Majority fell into the age group 25-34yrs Majority fell into the age group 25-34yrs

and >45yrs (30.1% and 30.7%) respectivelyand >45yrs (30.1% and 30.7%) respectively Were males (69.9%), married (61.6%), Were males (69.9%), married (61.6%), Had at least post-secondary education Had at least post-secondary education

(84.6%) and were Christians (72.6%). (84.6%) and were Christians (72.6%).

Table 1. Respondents’ knowledge, attitude and practice Table 1. Respondents’ knowledge, attitude and practice

scores about HIV/AIDS.scores about HIV/AIDS.

Variable scoresVariable scores

CategoriesCategories

MeanMeanStandard Standard deviationdeviationPoor (%)Poor (%) Good (%)Good (%)

Knowledge scoreKnowledge score 48 (14.3)48 (14.3) 288 (85.7)288 (85.7) 1.861.86 0.350.35

Attitude scoreAttitude score 53 (15.8)53 (15.8) 283 (84.2)283 (84.2) 1.841.84 0.370.37

Practice scorePractice score 17 (5.1)17 (5.1) 319 (94.9)319 (94.9) 1.951.95 0.220.22

Respondents’ knowledge score, attitudinal score and Respondents’ knowledge score, attitudinal score and

practice score about HIV/AIDSpractice score about HIV/AIDS

Almost all,(97.6%) were aware of Almost all,(97.6%) were aware of the HIV/AIDS scourge. Most the HIV/AIDS scourge. Most respondents had good knowledge respondents had good knowledge of routes of transmission and of routes of transmission and modes of prevention (85.7%), good modes of prevention (85.7%), good attitude (84.2%) and good practice attitude (84.2%) and good practice of preventive measures (94.9%).of preventive measures (94.9%).

A few respondents had A few respondents had misconceptions that kissing, misconceptions that kissing, hugging, handshake, mosquito hugging, handshake, mosquito bites, and using the same bites, and using the same toilet are routes of toilet are routes of transmission of HIV infection.transmission of HIV infection.

VariablesVariablesYesYes NoNo

1. Do you think that your religion has/can have 1. Do you think that your religion has/can have any influence on the combat/war against any influence on the combat/war against HIV/AIDS?HIV/AIDS?

228 228 (85.7%)(85.7%)

48 (14.3%)48 (14.3%)

2. Do you think you have sufficient knowledge 2. Do you think you have sufficient knowledge and skill to protect yourself if you have to care for and skill to protect yourself if you have to care for a member of your congregation who is HIV-a member of your congregation who is HIV-positive?positive?

215 215 (64.0%)(64.0%)

121 (36.0%)121 (36.0%)

3. Do you believe HIV/AIDS exist?3. Do you believe HIV/AIDS exist? 331 331 (98.5%)(98.5%)

5 (1.5%)5 (1.5%)

4. Do you believe it exists in Nigeria?4. Do you believe it exists in Nigeria? 331 331 (98.5%)(98.5%)

5 (1.5%)5 (1.5%)

5. Do you know your HIV status?5. Do you know your HIV status? 161 161 (47.9%)(47.9%)

175 (52.1%)175 (52.1%)

6. If no, do you want to know? (n=175)6. If no, do you want to know? (n=175) 116 116 (66.3%)(66.3%)

59 (33.7%)59 (33.7%)

7. Would you like to do the HIV test if it were 7. Would you like to do the HIV test if it were free?free?

217 217 (82.4%)(82.4%)

59 (17.6%)59 (17.6%)

Table 2: Distribution of Respondents by attitude towards HIV

VariablesVariablesAgreeAgree DisagreeDisagree Not SureNot Sure

1. Should people with HIV/AIDS be 1. Should people with HIV/AIDS be isolated from the general isolated from the general congregation of worshippers?congregation of worshippers?2. Do you think you run the risk of 2. Do you think you run the risk of ever contracting HIV/AIDS?ever contracting HIV/AIDS?3. Do you believe that indulging in 3. Do you believe that indulging in unprotected sexual intercourse puts unprotected sexual intercourse puts one at risk of contracting one at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS?HIV/AIDS?4. Do you believe the disease is 4. Do you believe the disease is curable?curable?

35 (10.4%)35 (10.4%)

95 (28.3%)95 (28.3%)

310 (92.3%)310 (92.3%)

180 (53.6%)180 (53.6%)

278 (82.7%)278 (82.7%)

169 (50.3%)169 (50.3%)

15 (4.5%)15 (4.5%)

92 (27.4%)92 (27.4%)

23 (6.8%)23 (6.8%)

72 (21.4%)72 (21.4%)

11 (3.3%)11 (3.3%)

64 (19.0%)64 (19.0%)

Table 3: Distribution of Respondents by perception of HIV

Only 10.4% of Only 10.4% of respondents thought respondents thought PLWHAs should be PLWHAs should be isolated from the isolated from the general congregation of general congregation of worshippers.worshippers.

Only 95 (28.3%) respondents had Only 95 (28.3%) respondents had a correct perception of their a correct perception of their vulnerability to HIV infection vulnerability to HIV infection while about half (50.3%) thought while about half (50.3%) thought that they do not risk ever that they do not risk ever contracting HIV/AIDS; another contracting HIV/AIDS; another 53.6% of respondents believe that 53.6% of respondents believe that HIV/AIDS is a curable disease.HIV/AIDS is a curable disease.

VariablesVariablesAgreeAgree DisagreeDisagree Not SureNot Sure

1. Can you do the following with an 1. Can you do the following with an HIV-positive person or AIDS HIV-positive person or AIDS patient?patient?a. Shake handsa. Shake handsb. Hugb. Hugc. Sleep on the same bedc. Sleep on the same bedd. Live in the same housed. Live in the same housee. Share the same office space at e. Share the same office space at workworkf. Be closely-knit friendsf. Be closely-knit friendsg. Eat from the same plateg. Eat from the same plate

299 299 (89.0%)(89.0%)288 288 (85.7%)(85.7%)237 237 (70.5%)(70.5%)282 282 (83.9%)(83.9%)286 286 (85.1%)(85.1%)

247 247 (73.5%)(73.5%)226 226 (67.3%)(67.3%)

23 (6.8%)23 (6.8%)28 (8.3%)28 (8.3%)75 (22.3%)75 (22.3%)37 (11.0%)37 (11.0%)34 (10.1%)34 (10.1%)

56 (16.7%)56 (16.7%)77 (22.9%)77 (22.9%)

14 (4.2%)14 (4.2%)20 (6.0%)20 (6.0%)24 (7.1%)24 (7.1%)17 (5.1%)17 (5.1%)16 (4.8%)16 (4.8%)

33 (9.8%)33 (9.8%)33 (9.8%)33 (9.8%)

Table 4: Distribution of Respondents according to response on stigmatizing behavior towards PLWHAs

Role played respondents in control of Role played respondents in control of HIV/AIDS amongst congregationHIV/AIDS amongst congregation

A little over half (56.5%) of the A little over half (56.5%) of the respondents ever preached about respondents ever preached about health issues relating to HIV/AIDS health issues relating to HIV/AIDS transmission and treatment to their transmission and treatment to their congregations while 76.5% used congregations while 76.5% used their position as a medium of their position as a medium of educating their congregation about educating their congregation about the dangers of HIV/AIDS. the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

Role played respondents in control of Role played respondents in control of HIV/AIDS amongst congregation contd.HIV/AIDS amongst congregation contd.

Preventive means mostly Preventive means mostly advocated include marital advocated include marital faithfulness (95.7%), faithfulness (95.7%), abstinence for the unmarried abstinence for the unmarried (77.8%) and monogamy (77.8%) and monogamy (61.5%). (61.5%).

Role played respondents in control of Role played respondents in control of HIV/AIDS amongst congregation contd.HIV/AIDS amongst congregation contd.

58.3% of respondents’ organizations have 58.3% of respondents’ organizations have programmes currently being run aimed at programmes currently being run aimed at educating their members on preventive educating their members on preventive measures against HIV/AIDS. The most measures against HIV/AIDS. The most commonly used measures are health commonly used measures are health education talks/seminars, youth forums, education talks/seminars, youth forums, and volunteer counseling units by 91.3%, and volunteer counseling units by 91.3%, 88.3% and 71.9% respectively.88.3% and 71.9% respectively.

Measures of dealing with stigmatizing Measures of dealing with stigmatizing issues in the congregationissues in the congregation

Measures of dealing with Measures of dealing with stigmatizing issues in the stigmatizing issues in the congregation included Counseling, congregation included Counseling, visitation and involvement in visitation and involvement in church activities by 57.2%, 6.3% church activities by 57.2%, 6.3% and 7.2% of respondents while and 7.2% of respondents while 35.4% of respondents did not have 35.4% of respondents did not have any measures put in place for any measures put in place for dealing with such issues.dealing with such issues.

Distribution of respondents based on scope of their efforts in the Distribution of respondents based on scope of their efforts in the control of HIV/AIDScontrol of HIV/AIDS

43.2%

20.8%

3.7%0.3%

28.0%

0.0%5.0%

10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%35.0%40.0%45.0%

Frequency

localcongregation

interstate no efforts

Scope of efforts

Figure 1: Distribution of Respondents based on scope of efforts

local congregation

extended to local community

interstate

others

no efforts

Scope of respondents activities in Scope of respondents activities in HIV prevention and controlHIV prevention and control

The scope/reach of efforts/programmes by The scope/reach of efforts/programmes by the respondents and their organizations:- the respondents and their organizations:- The programme is limited to local The programme is limited to local congregation in 145 (43.2%), extended to congregation in 145 (43.2%), extended to local community in 70 (20.8%) and local community in 70 (20.8%) and interstate in 26 (7.7%) while 94 (28.0%) of interstate in 26 (7.7%) while 94 (28.0%) of respondents and their organizations have respondents and their organizations have no programmes in place.no programmes in place.

limited scope of reachlimited scope of reach This result shows limited scope of reach.This result shows limited scope of reach. This may be due to the fact that, as results This may be due to the fact that, as results

further revealed, only:further revealed, only: Only 12.5% of the organizations have Only 12.5% of the organizations have

partnerships with other organizations such partnerships with other organizations such as SACA, NACA, ADRA (Adventist as SACA, NACA, ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), UNICEF, Development and Relief Agency), UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO etc, limited capacity.UNAIDS, WHO etc, limited capacity.

Only 102 (30.4%) respondents have Only 102 (30.4%) respondents have programmes running to take care of programmes running to take care of PLWHAs in their congregations.PLWHAs in their congregations.

Table 5: Distribution of Respondents by type of programmes being run for PLWHAs in congregations

Variables (n=102) Yes No

Type of programmes being run for PLWHAs in congregations

a. financial support through church charity/individuals

b. social supportc. physical/emotional support e.g. food

shelter donations

91 (89.2%)

76 (4.5%)83 (81.4%)

11 (10.8%)

26 (25.5%)19 (18.6%)

Bivariate analysis showed Bivariate analysis showed statistically significant statistically significant relationship between good relationship between good attitudinal score and individual attitudinal score and individual role (p<0.05). Multivariate role (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed attitude analysis revealed attitude (p=0.000, OR=3.013; p=0.038, (p=0.000, OR=3.013; p=0.038, OR=1.872) as predictors of both OR=1.872) as predictors of both individual and organizational individual and organizational roles.roles.

Relationship between Individual Role (Ever Preach) and Relationship between Individual Role (Ever Preach) and

Variable ScoresVariable Scores Respondents who have good attitudes Respondents who have good attitudes

are more likely to ever preach about are more likely to ever preach about HIV/AIDS issues than those with poor HIV/AIDS issues than those with poor attitudes. This is statistically significant attitudes. This is statistically significant at p = 0.000. Furthermore, respondents at p = 0.000. Furthermore, respondents with good practice of preventive with good practice of preventive measures are more likely to preach than measures are more likely to preach than those with bad practice, though this is those with bad practice, though this is not statistically significant (p= 0.418).not statistically significant (p= 0.418).

Relationship between Individual Role (Ever Preach) and Relationship between Individual Role (Ever Preach) and Variable Scores Variable Scores

Variable scores

Ever preach

X2 values

dfp –

valueRemark

sYes (%) No (%)

Knowledge score

Poor 31 (64.6) 17 (35.4)

1.472 1 0.225 NSGood 159 (55.2)

129 (44.8)

Attitude score

Poor 18 (34.0) 35 (66.0)

13.063 1 0.000 SGood 172

(60.8)111 (39.2)

Practice score Bad 8 (47.1) 9 (52.9)

.656 1 0.418 NSGood 182

(57.1)137 (42.9)

S – Significant, NS – Not Significant

Logistic Regression Model to test the relationship between Individual Role ‘Ever Preach’ and Attitude

Score

B S.E. Wald Df Sig.OR -

Exp(B)95.0% C.I. for

EXP(B)

Lower Upper

Attitude Score

1.103

.31512.29

41 .000 3.013 1.626 5.582

Constant-.438 .122

12.940

1 .000 .645 Logistic Regression Model to test the

relationship between Organizational Role and Attitude Score

B S.E. Wald df Sig.OR -

Exp(B)95.0% C.I. for

EXP(B)

Lower Upper

Attitude score .627 .302 4.324 1 .038 1.872 1.037 3.382

Constant-.438 .122

12.940

1 .000 .645

Respondents with good attitudes were Respondents with good attitudes were three times more likely to have ever three times more likely to have ever preached about HIV/AIDS/health-preached about HIV/AIDS/health-related issues from their pulpits. (p = related issues from their pulpits. (p = 0.000, OR = 3.013).0.000, OR = 3.013).

Respondents with good attitudes were Respondents with good attitudes were about two times more likely to have about two times more likely to have programs aimed at educating their programs aimed at educating their congregations running in their congregations running in their organizations (p = 0.038, OR = 1.872).organizations (p = 0.038, OR = 1.872).

Variable scores

Ever PreachX2 values df p – value Remarks

Yes (%) No (%)

Religion

Christianity 147 (60.2) 97 (39.8)4.960 1 .026 S

Muslim 43 (46.7) 49 (53.3)

Marital Status

Never Married

59 (46.5) 68 (53.5)

8.461 1 .004 SEver Married

131 (62.7) 78 (37.3)

Gender Male 146 (62.1) 89 (37.9)9.907 1 .002 S

Female 44 (43.6) 57 (56.4)

Educational Level

Primary 4 (26.7) 11 (73.3)

5.729 2 .057 NSSecondary 21 (56.8) 16 (43.2)

Tertiary 165 (58.1) 119 (41.9)

Age group < 25yrs 22 (37.9) 36 (62.1)

10.278 3 .016 S25 – 34 yrs 60 (59.4) 41 (40.6)

35 – 44 yrs 47 (63.5) 27 (36.5)

< 44 yrs 61 (59.2) 42 (40.8)

Table 22: Logistic Regression Model to assess the relationship between Individual Role ‘Ever preach’ and Socio-demographic variables

Relationship between Individual Role (Ever Preach) and Relationship between Individual Role (Ever Preach) and Socio-demographic variablesSocio-demographic variables

The study showed that The study showed that respondents who were Christians respondents who were Christians (p = 0.026), had ever married (p (p = 0.026), had ever married (p = 0.004), and were males (p = = 0.004), and were males (p = 0.002) were more likely to have 0.002) were more likely to have ever preached about health issues ever preached about health issues to their congregations. to their congregations.

The study also showed that The study also showed that respondents who had tertiary respondents who had tertiary education were more likely to have education were more likely to have ever preached compared to those with ever preached compared to those with primary and secondary education, primary and secondary education, though this was found not to be though this was found not to be statistically significant at p = 0.057. In statistically significant at p = 0.057. In addition, it shows that respondents addition, it shows that respondents within the age group 35-44yrs were within the age group 35-44yrs were more likely to have ever preached. This more likely to have ever preached. This is statistically significant (p = 0.016). is statistically significant (p = 0.016).

Predictors of individual role (ever- Predictors of individual role (ever- preached)preached)

After adjusting for the effects of After adjusting for the effects of other variables, only gender (p = other variables, only gender (p = 0.001, OR = 2.260) and marital 0.001, OR = 2.260) and marital status (p = 0.026, OR = 0.495) were status (p = 0.026, OR = 0.495) were found to be statistically significant found to be statistically significant predictors of individual role in a predictors of individual role in a multiple logistic regression analysis.multiple logistic regression analysis.

This study also found out that This study also found out that respondents who were Christians (p = respondents who were Christians (p = 0.001), had ever married (p = 0.021), and 0.001), had ever married (p = 0.021), and were males (p = 0.008) were more likely were males (p = 0.008) were more likely to belong to organizations who had to belong to organizations who had programs running aimed at educating programs running aimed at educating and informing their members on and informing their members on preventive measures against HIV/AIDS.preventive measures against HIV/AIDS.

Logistic Regression Model to examine the relationship Logistic Regression Model to examine the relationship between Organizational Role and Socio-demographic between Organizational Role and Socio-demographic variablesvariables

Using logistic regression analysis, after Using logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for the effects of other variables, adjusting for the effects of other variables, only religion and gender were found to be only religion and gender were found to be statistically significant predictors of the statistically significant predictors of the organizational role with the role being twice organizational role with the role being twice more likely to occur in Christians than more likely to occur in Christians than Moslems, and in males than in females (p = Moslems, and in males than in females (p = 0.004, OR = 2.086; p = 0.007, OR = 1.951 0.004, OR = 2.086; p = 0.007, OR = 1.951 respectively).respectively).

Logistic Regression Model to examine the relationship Logistic Regression Model to examine the relationship between Organizational Role and Socio-demographic between Organizational Role and Socio-demographic

variablesvariables

B S.E. Wald df Sig. Exp(B)

95.0% C.I. for EXP(B)

Lower Upper

Religion.735 .257 8.166 1 .004 2.086 1.260 3.454

Gender.668 .248 7.268 1 .007 1.951 1.200 3.171

Marital Status

-.449 .240 3.518 1 .061 .638 .399 1.020

Constant-1.429 .628 5.179 1 .023 .240

Relationship between Organizational Role (Have programs) Relationship between Organizational Role (Have programs) and Socio-demographic variablesand Socio-demographic variables

Variable scores

Organizational Role

X2 values df p – valueRemark

sYes (%) No (%)

Religion

Christianity 156 (63.9) 88 (36.1)11.502 1 .001 S

Muslim 40 (43.5) 52 (56.5)

Marital Status

Never Married 64 (50.4) 63 (49.6)5.295 1 .021 S

Ever Married 132 (63.2) 77 (36.8)

Gender Male 148 (63.0) 87 (37.0)6.941 1 .008 S

Female 48 (47.5) 53 (52.5)

Educational Level Primary 8 (53.3) 7 (46.7)

1.854 2 .396 NSSecondary 18 (48.6) 19 (51.4)

Tertiary 170 (59.9) 114 (40.1)

Age group < 25yrs 28 (48.3) 30 (51.7)

4.306 3 .230 NS25 – 34 yrs 59 (58.4) 42 (41.6)

35 – 44 yrs 49 (66.2) 25 (33.8)

< 44 yrs 60 (58.3) 43 (41.7)

The study found out that Age is a The study found out that Age is a positive predictor of the organizational positive predictor of the organizational role (have infrastructure or means to role (have infrastructure or means to care for PLWHAs), where as the care for PLWHAs), where as the organization grows in age, it is more organization grows in age, it is more likely to have infrastructure or means likely to have infrastructure or means of taking care of PLWHAs (p = 0.113, of taking care of PLWHAs (p = 0.113, OR = 1.223).OR = 1.223).

Conclusions:Conclusions: The study shows that the The study shows that the

religious leaders have high religious leaders have high and good knowledge of and good knowledge of routes of transmission and routes of transmission and mode of prevention of HIV mode of prevention of HIV accompanied by accompanied by good/positive attitudes.good/positive attitudes.

They also performed roles in They also performed roles in educating, informing and raising the educating, informing and raising the awareness of their congregations on awareness of their congregations on HIV preventive measures and HIV preventive measures and practicespractices

They can, thus, be used as vital They can, thus, be used as vital instruments to occupy a pivotal role instruments to occupy a pivotal role in the war against the HIV/AIDS in the war against the HIV/AIDS scourge in Nigeria.scourge in Nigeria.

However, their However, their current role and current role and scope of activities are scope of activities are limited and/or limited and/or inadequate.inadequate.

RecommendationsRecommendations Seminars and workshops should be Seminars and workshops should be

organized for this target group organized for this target group (Religious leaders) to address areas (Religious leaders) to address areas of misconceptions, inadequate of misconceptions, inadequate knowledge and lack of skill to knowledge and lack of skill to handle issues relating to HIV/AIDS handle issues relating to HIV/AIDS among the members of their among the members of their congregations, if and when congregations, if and when affected.affected.

Partnerships should be Partnerships should be encouraged between FBOs, encouraged between FBOs, governmental and non-governmental and non-governmental agencies to governmental agencies to increase capacity building, increase capacity building, sustainability and funding to sustainability and funding to enable FBOs play an even enable FBOs play an even greater and more active role in greater and more active role in fight against HIV/AIDS.fight against HIV/AIDS.

Efforts should be made by the Efforts should be made by the government/policy makers to involve government/policy makers to involve more FBOs in the on-going HIV more FBOs in the on-going HIV prevention programmes as results prevention programmes as results from this study show that 28% of the from this study show that 28% of the respondents, and their organizations respondents, and their organizations by extension, currently do not have by extension, currently do not have any programmes any programmes (educative/preventive) in place for (educative/preventive) in place for their congregations.their congregations.

Finally, I recommend that Finally, I recommend that FBOs, on the other hand, FBOs, on the other hand, develop strong and sound policy develop strong and sound policy statements on HIV/AIDS and statements on HIV/AIDS and that they work increasingly in that they work increasingly in collaboration with other collaboration with other advocates to bring greater advocates to bring greater moral urgency to the fight moral urgency to the fight against HIV/AIDSagainst HIV/AIDS

Thank you Thank you for for

listening!!!listening!!!