Hakuna lisilowezekana HIV/AIDS Program

THE WORD AND PEACE ORGANISATION (WAPO MISSION) is a Faith-based Christian Mission registered in Tanzania since 1990, under the Society Ordinance, 1954, with Registration SO.NO. 7291. This Mission operates under three major Units; which are Spiritual Unit, Media Unit, and Social Service Unit. Each Unit has its role in fulfilling the Vision of WAPO as follows: The Spiritual Service Unit promotes Evangelistic and Pastoral Services for its members. It is under this Unit WAPO MISSION has dedicated her efforts to fight against HIV/AIDS in the Society.Media Unit serves as a tool for communication to reach the intended targeted groups in the society; while the Social Services Unit promotes other social development, such as helping the refugees and advocating for Peace and Tranquility in the nation.

WAPO MISSION Past Experience in Fighting HIV/AIDS

WAPO MISSION became very active in responding to the HIV/AIDS problem since 2003 when we launched a fundraising rally, focusing on raising awareness and gaining support for the campaign to fight against HIV/AIDS.

This event was officiated by the former Speaker of the National Assembly -Tanzania.

Funds that were collected on that day amounted Tshs. 40,000,000.00, which were designated to provide education for 24 orphans at Shalom Primary School, paying for their fees, food, uniforms, books and transport to and from school.

In 2004, WAPO again took a further step and launched another fundraising drive; this time focusing on assisting orphans who were left behind because of both parents who had died of AIDS. The fundraiser was officiated by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tanzania.

About Tshs. 32,000,000.00 collected were used for Advocacy purposes, and a number of Journalists from various house media were given the opportunity to attend special seminars.

The aim of the seminars was to prepare participants and sensitize them to play an active role in disseminating information to people about “HIV/AIDS” and its effects.

Also in the same year, (2004), we initiated another programme, this time, bigger than ever implemented before by WAPO MISSION, focusing on “Home Based Care” for those already infected with the disease (HIV/AIDS).

It was a tough challenge because we had to attend to our clients needs at their homes. Our emphasis was to give priority to those who were bedridden due to the deterioration of their health status. We received a six-month financial support amounting Tshs. 82,000,000.00 from CARE INTERNATIONAL. We managed to attend to 600 people living with HIV/AIDS.

In August 2004, Bishop Sylvester Gamanywa authored a new book published in Swahili language, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Tanzania. The book was distributed to the church leaders during the Bishop’s National Conference. CARE INTERNATIONAL sponsored this conference.

Main Goal for HAKUNA LISILOWEZEKANA HIV/AIDS Program

The programme aims at sensitizing the communities on HIV/AIDS, bring hope to PLHAs where there is no hope, and alleviate the impact of HIV/AIDS to households from all Regions of Tanzania

Program Objectives

1. To sensitize and promote sexual abstinence to the youth and faithfulness among married couples
2. To mobilize for HIV/AIDS testing and establish a voluntary HIV testing centre
3. To provide care and support to PLHAs
4. To provide Biblical and social counseling for HIV/AIDS prevention
5. To produce and disseminate HIV/AIDS testimonies/drama and broadcast them on Radio, TV, and publish on Newspapers

Expected Outputs

1. Awareness on HIV/AIDS infections will increase among the communities
2. New infections will reduce
3. Change in behavior for the target groups
4. Confidence and hope for the infected will be abounding owing to the spiritual counseling
5. Stigma that is associated with HIV infection will reduce
6. There will be increased and sustained open dialogue among the youth on HIV/AIDS
7. Orphans and other vulnerable children will get quality education
8. The infected will be expected to live longer and hence contribute to the economy of their households and overall economy

Strategies

1. Behaviour change initiatives focusing on A&B
i. Better wait for the youth, “Bora subiri”
ii. Be contended with your spouse for married couples, “Tosheka naye”
2. Biblical counseling focused on HIV/AIDS
3. Voluntary HIV testing
4. Home based care services for PLHAs
5. Advocacy through media coverage
6. Establishing a dispensary for management of opportunistic infections among PLHAs

Communication channels:

1. WAPO Radio FM and other selected radio stations
2. TV stations: Broadcasting of a TV drama national wide
3. Msemakweli Sunday newspaper and other newspapers
4. Print educational materials: banners, pamphlets, booklets
5. Conferences and seminars: in five Zones – Lake Victoria, North, Central, South, Coastal and Zanzibar

Implementation plan

Phase I: August 06 – January 08
Phase II: February 08 – January 09
Phase III: February 09 – July 2010
Work plan for Phase I (Aug 06 – Jan 08)

Activities:

• The national inauguration of Bora Subiri and Tosheka Naye
• Bora Subiri and Tosheka Naye projects – start implementation
• Biblical and social counseling services
• Responding to the physical needs of 800 PLHAs
• Monitoring and Evaluation