Several factors have contributed to the rising rates of HIV infection in towns like Waspam. The culture of “machismo” puts pressure on young men to have multiple sexual partners. It also perpetuates gender-based violence and leaves women and girls unable to speak up against men to say “no” to sex or sex without condoms. Widespread poverty also plays a factor as many adults must migrate to larger cities to find suitable employment and spend months at a time away from their spouses.

World Renew and its local partner Accion Medica Christiana (AMC) are working to fight this growing problem. Together, they are training individuals and families about HIV and how it can be prevented. They are encouraging greater gender equality. They are also combatting myths about the disease and encouraging people to care for those who have been infected.  

“The whole world talks in the streets,” explains Anielka. “And this gossip plays a large role in lowering the self-esteem and outlook for people with HIV and AIDS.” 

Last year, Anielka had the opportunity to participate in an HIV and AIDS workshop that opened her eyes to the impact of the disease on her community—and the heartbreaking ignorance that persisted. She learned that many people simply do not know the truth about how the virus is spread. Even those in the community who test positive for have HIV and AIDS do not often have confidence in the health care system. As a result, they either refuse to believe the diagnosis when they receive it or refuse to undergo the treatment they desperately need.

As Anielka already knew, there is also stigma surrounding those diagnosed with the disease. People often reject those who are sick because they are afraid or ashamed of them. “The whole world talks in the streets,” explains Anielka. “And this gossip plays a large role in lowering the self-esteem and outlook for people with HIV and AIDS.” 

Many people in the community consider the virus to be God’s punishment for sin. Churches can be particularly condemning of those carrying the virus. Following the HIV and AIDS workshop, Anielka began working to change this perception.  As she talks to others, she consistently reminds them about the love, mercy and passion of Christ and how He wants us to live in community with others.

Over the past year, Anielka has witnessed many exciting changes in the way her community responds to HIV and AIDS. She greatly enjoys the opportunity to teach others what she has learned about the prevention and spread of the disease and to help them take a more compassionate approach toward those in need of care. She is also excited to see how they are passing on what she has shared with them to others, so the training spreads organically through the community.

Anielka has even had the opportunity to get up in front of her own church—where her dad is the pastor—and share with them what she has learned about helping those with HIV and AIDS.  She is grateful for the support and encouragement she has received from her parents in her work.   

She is also thankful that she now has a fuller picture of how to respond to HIV and AIDS in a way that changes lives for the better and honors Christ.

“I am walking on a much better path,” she says.

Thanks to Anielka and other dedicated leaders, churches are learning how to be on the forefront of the fight against AIDS so they can use their God-given witness to erase stigma and bring God’s freedom to those living under the burden of AIDS in the developing world.

Today is World AIDS Day—a day set aside each year for people worldwide to unite in the fight against AIDS. World Renew invites you to join us in praying for those affected by HIV and AIDS around the world. You can also find out more about this ministry at worldrenew.net/aids.