Members of the Youth Health Team at Faith Bible School perform a drama about HIV/AIDS during a Sunday church service. Swaziland
About SwazilandAs one of the only remaining kingdoms in the world, traditional structures in Swaziland have made it difficult for people to address the HIV/AIDS crisis head on. With the highest infection rate in the world, a major multi-sectoral effort is needed to reduce HIV/AIDS rates in the country.
MCC Supports:Faith Bible School (FBS)HIV infection continues to rise in Swaziland, with a prevalence rate of nearly 40 percent in the adult population. The rise has been blamed mostly on gender inequality that denies women — who are considered legal minors — a say in sexual relationships, and on leadership that has not effectively safeguarded the health of the majority of people. Faith Bible School has been working to equip Christian leaders for more than 25 years. The FBS Health Team was started to address the silence on HIV/AIDS prevalent in churches. The team, led by a dynamic group of dedicated youth and young adults, engages in monthly HIV/AIDS awareness presentations in local churches and in annual youth camps. They use drama, music and factual lessons on HIV/AIDS and the word of God to present their message. The team also offers HIV counseling and home visits to patients and provides a special faithfulness ministry to married couples. $68 Cdn./$60 U.S. per month covers the cost of a radio program on HIV/AIDS. $310 Cdn./$272 U.S. allows one couple to receive training and provide on-going counseling and support to other couples in their community for one year. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects. |
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