This is a report that was recently published in the Zimbabwe Newfrontiers magazine.
The majority of families in Zimbabwe have been affected in some way by HIV/AIDS. We currently have 1.3 million orphans in a population of 12 million, and more than 3,200 people die from AIDS related infections every week in Zimbabwe. 75% of patients in hospital beds are AIDS related. As a result children need substantial support to cope with the crisis they are facing.
As a church, River of Life’s response to this crisis has been to adopt an holistic approach to HIV/AIDS, and orphans and vulnerable children, by ministering to families through CEDAR Family Care.
At present CEDAR Family Care is working in 65 communities across Zimbabwe, and impacting 2061 families spiritually, emotionally and practically. Our site coordinators come to Harare quarterly for training at the Reach the Nation conference, and receive training in psychosocial, medical and facilitation skills. We are also training the pastors at each of the 65 sites how to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in their church and community.
The areas where we have seen the greatest impact is in the reduction of stigma, as people are now more open to speaking about HIV/AIDS, and as a result of community workshops held quarterly at each site, there is now greater knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS. We have also seen people who are seriously ill give their lives to God.
ARV’s are expensive and out of reach for most of our beneficiaries, so we are in the process of establishing a health and nutrition centre, where we will grow a variety of herbs and medicinal plants to supply the sites and churches, so they can treat beneficiaries infected with HIV/AIDS in a sustainable way. We are also empowering our beneficiaries by teaching them healthy eating.
