12 Jan 2025

Faith-based leaders should be a reference point of inclusivity and benevolence towards vulnerable groups and recognise them as precious members of the community.
People living with disabilities, orphans, sex workers, young girls, migrants and transgender are among groups considered to be at an increased risk of being infected with HIV.
Botswana Christian Aids Intervention Programme (BOCAIP) chief executive officer, Ms Lorato Mphusu made the observation in an interview following a capacity building workshop for faith-based leaders which aimed to equip them on how to lead community dialogues to address key vulnerable population (KVPs) rights issues.
Community leaders were equipped with knowledge and practical skills to advocate for and support the rights of KVPs in the country, focusing on creating a more inclusive, just and health-conscious society.
Ms Mphusu noted that faith-based leaders had a role to play in supporting and promoting KVPs rights as surveys undertaken had showed that they were vulnerable to abuse and contracting HIV, hence they should be seen addressing behaviours and conditions that put them at greater risk.
She said some had self-acceptance issues while others failed to access services hence it was important to capacitate them on issues of human rights.
She said statistics indicated that such groups were more exposed to HIV than others and believed that churches could come up with interventions to protect them and eventually slow or even curb the epidemic.
She said church leaders were influential figures because of the role they played to transform lives by preaching the Gospel.
 “As pastors, you should not be seen to be judgmental or promoting discrimination against vulnerable groups, but instead be kind and ensure they enjoy their rights freely like any other individual,” Ms Mphusu said.
She said it was disturbing that some pastors urged people with HIV to stop taking their treatment and trust faith but expressed gratitude that pastors of churches affiliated to Maun Ministers Fraternal were not among those.
While she appreciated that BOCAIP had made strides in reducing HIV transmission, she said all churches should be seen as a partner in finding solutions to combat the spread of HIV.
“Our role as christian leaders is to save souls. We should welcome and treat everyone equally and identify areas of need with a hope to assist.
“We should not pass judgment on people because we are chosen by God as gatekeepers,” she added.
Ms Mphusu appreciated government’s decision to extend free antiretroviral therapy to immigrants.
Pastors noted that they had no specific programmes for KVPs but noted that some churches had partnered with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide support and care. Maun Ministers Fraternal vice chairperson, Dr Gorge Banda said they worked hand in hand with organisations such as Botswana Faith based Organisations Network on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion (BOFABONETHA) which advocated for a society free of social ills and also encouraged men to prioritise their health and well-being. ENDS