How Should We Respond to HIV/AIDS?

A young woman is infected by her drug-using husband. An elderly couple lose financial support and care with the death of an adult child. A young child becomes an orphan – or is induced into sex as payment for school fees. Those with HIV/AIDS are still today’s “lepers.”

Stigmatism and discrimination deter those infected from getting help and stopping the spread. They are often ostracized in social settings and employment. More African-American women aged 25-34 in the U.S. die from AIDS than any other single cause. Despite great progress in treatment, the disease continues as a leading cause of death globally. Continued diligence is needed lest progress be undone.

For believers, HIV/AIDS provides a chance to show a hurting world the love of Jesus Christ. In many areas where HIV/AIDS persists, the church dwells and is filled with people ready to care for those in need. Recognizing this unique opportunity and the need for action, HIV/AIDS is one of Wooddale Worldwide’s Kingdom Initiative strategies.

This Kingdom Initiative addresses the HIV/AIDS epidemic holistically – education, economic development and care for those infected and affected. It includes teaching people to stop the high-risk behavior that causes the spread of the infection and speaking against the injustices that put poor women at risk. It also includes caring for those living with AIDS or who are left behind following the death of a parent or a husband. Ultimately, it involves sharing the hope of new life in Jesus Christ.

The Sub-Sahara region of Africa is the hardest hit by the epidemic. This medical tragedy greatly deters human development, increases poverty and undermines advancements in education and health. Despite being a preventable disease, the cases of infection increase each year. 

Working to equip and train locals ensures that the action taken addresses the specific needs of the area. To this end, Wooddale partners with the following church-based ministries in Mozambique and South Africa.

• Children’s Relief International – www.childrensrelief.org
• Children’s Relief International (CRI) started as a Christian school and now includes a medical clinic, bakery, teaching farm, microloan program, Project Life (direct aid to widows), a food pantry, nutrition outreach and eight church plants. The million meals Wooddale provided through the Hunger Initiative in January 2010 were distributed through CRI.
• AfricaWorks – www.africaworks.org
• AfricaWorks creates indigenous African-owned companies. From financing and investing to business development, marginalized and vulnerable groups are economically empowered, providing an avenue for local income and HIV/AIDS prevention. Limiting migrant work, and allowing families safe opportunities to provide for themselves monetarily, is essential.
• SAHAC – www.sahac.org
• SAHAC focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention among teens and pre-teens in South Africa. Churches partner with schools, health care organizations, governments and businesses. The purpose is to create a movement through education to change the beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors that contribute to the HIV infection. The vision is to see teens encourage one another with a biblical lifestyle.
• We work with a Twin Cities’ ministry, Wake Up We’re Affected (WUWA), that focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness to the African-American community by caring for the women and families impacted. African-American women in the U.S. are 23 times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than white women according to the Center for Disease Control. WUWA goes to schools and nightclubs and provides community awareness events about the dangers of AIDS.

Get Involved
There are several opportunities to get involved with our partners in Africa. Pray (for our ministry partners). Go (on a ministry trip). Give (to Worldwide) so that we can continue these vital ministries. If you want to know more about being involved, contact worldwide@wooddale.org.