A Channel of Hope in the Philippines
It’s estimated that over 200 people a month are diagnosed with HIV in the Philippines. AIDSLink International decided to do something about it.
From April 11th-17th, six trainers presented the Channels Of Hope (COH) facilitator’s training in Manila, Philippines, equipping 28 participants.
The course is cognisant of the fact that HIV is not only a medical issue, but also a social one. Along with learning the correct knowledge, participants were challenged in their attitudes, and the competency of their responses.
“We would love to see something happen in the Philippines and to expand the work of AIDSLink in South-East Asia,” said AIDSLink International Director, Rosemary Hack. “The fruit will be evident on the ground through HIV integration in existing and new ministries.
"In addition this training empowers those who are already working in the field of HIV and AIDS, and helps them to be more effective. We are continuing to build the foundation of the work in South-East Asia."
Although the training only ended last week, some of the participants have already visited schools and bars to educate on HIV awareness.
The next COH facilitator’s training will take part in Pretoria, South Africa October 17th-23rd. If you are interested in taking the course, please contact us.
Making History in Myanmar
"This is, as far as I know, the first time in the history of Myanmar that a local church has paid for a workshop conducted by foreigners", said Pastor Go Chin.
Over 50 pastors and Christian leaders attended a two day workshop hosted by New Life Church and conducted by AIDSLink International.
The church invited the team because they realised that HIV is an issue in Myanmar, which they are increasingly facing, but don't know how to deal with.
During the workshop they heard first hand testimony from someone living positively with HIV, they grappled with difficult issues about the response of the church and came to realise that HIV was not a problem "out-there", but also in the church itself. One participant remarked, "I am quick, too quick, to pass judgement and like to hide from difficult subjects".
Journey of Hope
In 1995, John, then aged 28, left his country in South East Asia to get a better job.
After one year, he had to apply for a new work permit. Besides all the other paper work, he had to take an HIV test. He was speechless when the doctor told him that his test was positive.
Without telling anybody, John travelled back to his home country and found a job where no one knew his status. He started drinking to forget his problems, but after nine years, he realised that his life couldn’t continue like that.
Since he never felt sick, he assumed that he was healed from the virus. He went back to his hometown where everybody was glad to see him and he moved in with his cousin.
In 2005, John became so sick with a high fever that his cousin had to take him to the hospital. He was treated for lung disease and lay for four months in a bed in his cousin’s house until he was so weak that he could barely walk or breathe.
AIDSLink International’s 5th Symposium: Moved By Compassion
With gratitude to God for 5 years of ministry, seventeen AIDSLink Representatives from across the globe convened in Kathmandu, Nepal from January 16th-21st.
Many would agree with a participant who remarked that her highlight was hearing the story of one of the participants, a man whom God had rescued from drug dependence and is now running a rehabilitation home for recovering drug users with HIV.
Topics discussed ranged from our Core Values (Reflect Jesus; Uphold Dignity; Empower People; Act with Integrity; Build Community; Be Relevant) to the latest HIV and AIDS Statistics to Strategic Planning for the next five years.
Two speakers were invited to share on the HIV and AIDS related topics of Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities and Injecting Drug Users.
Along with the meetings the group visited a rehabilitation centre for drug users, a local hospital where people from villages even 12 hours out of the capital go for antiretroviral therapy (ARTs), and a prayer group to raise awareness of Human Trafficking.
Moved by compassion for those with AIDS in the hospital, the team decided as a group to take an offering for blankets for people with AIDS who will stay at the hospital. Enough money was raised for some blankets to also be bought for those who come to the AIDSLink Nepal Care Centre to help them keep warm during the time when their body first adjusts to taking ARTs in Nepal’s cold winter.