Fighting the stigma of HIV/AIDS: the Pastor’s story
In Zimbabwe, although the majority of people know about HIV and AIDS, there is
still a widespread belief that being HIV-positive is shameful, even “a
punishment from God”. The stigma that surrounds infection prevents people from
getting tested, seeking treatment and admitting their HIV-positive status to
others.
The Anti-Stigma Campaign, which is supported by DFID, aims to change attitudes
towards HIV/AIDS, and so get more people to access HIV-related services.
Research has shown that the fear of casual transmission and a lack of empathy
are major reasons for the high levels of stigma & discrimination in Zimbabwe
(48
KB). By
telling the stories of prominent people who lead productive lives with HIV, the
campaign hopes to make role models of those who are willing to share their HIV
status in public, helping to overturn prejudices and encouraging others to follow
their example.
“I wanted to die fast before my community knew about it”
When
Pastor Maxwell Kapachawo became ill in 2001, he did not think that the illness
was HIV-related. However, the deterioration in his health became so great that
he was ordered to leave his Ministry and even his Bishop shunned him. In 2004
Maxwell found out that he was HIV-positive. “Alas that was the end of me. I was
bitter and wanted to die fast before even my community knew about it.”
For a long time after his diagnosis, Maxwell felt that he could not continue as
a pastor. However, a meeting with an old friend, also a pastor, changed his
mind. “He told me that my status cannot make me the biggest sinner before God
and he was ready to see me back in the ministry of God again. That became my
turning point in life; I never thought one day I would again be able to say ‘God
is good’.”
Soon afterwards, inspired by a workshop for HIV-positive religious leaders,
Maxwell spoke to his congregation about his own situation. “About 3 weeks after
disclosing my status in the church, about half the church testified that they
had gone for their HIV test. They were happy to know their status because they
had seen life in me.”
Living with HIV and serving the community
Maxwell now understands the power of community leaders to change attitudes
towards HIV and AIDS. “The question of “How did you get it?” has hindered a lot
of people to get help and support because of the stigma and discrimination
within our places of worship. It’s tragic when someone with the HIV virus goes
to their pastor for support and is rejected.”
“But if religious leaders were better informed and trained to respond to the
needs of people living with HIV, they would know how to respond in a more
understanding and supportive way. I have learnt that HIV has given me a better
opportunity to serve God.”
Anti-Stigma is telling Maxwell’s story to Zimbabweans to show how being
HIV-positive is not shameful, and may still allow a person to live a rewarding
and valuable life. By being public about their HIV status, Maxwell and the
others like him featured in the campaign should help to increase empathy and
acceptance towards those living with HIV and AIDS, and so encourage more people
to access HIV-related services. “We must transform the HIV issue into productive
ideas, and overcome ignorance. But first we must admit our ignorance and create
room for caring, loving and supporting people living with HIV,” concludes
Maxwell.
Key Facts
- Anti-Stigma was launched in March 2007 as the second part of a campaign to reduce levels of HIV infection in Zimbabwe by tackling issues of stigma and discrimination.
- The first campaign, launched in May 2005, has been successful in addressing stigma as a barrier to accessing HIV services. Those exposed to the campaign were more likely to know their HIV status (31%) than those not exposed (16%), and were less likely to see “HIV as a punishment from God” and more open to “touching an HIV positive person or playing with an HIV positive child”.
- DFID Zimbabwe, through
Population Services International (PSI), will continue to measure the impact of the stigma around HIV/AIDS on the uptake of HIV prevention services and in the attitudes towards those living with HIV.
- Fighting HIV and AIDS is a top priority of DFID Zimbabwe. In 2006, £20 million was pledged to a five year (2006-2010) behaviour change programme, co-funded with
