Facilitating Christian HIV AIDS Response Programmes Training

Objectives:
• Define HIV and AIDS, including transmission and prevention.
• Explain the theological basis for Christian involvement in HIV/AIDS response.
• Identify the impact of stigma and discrimination on affected communities.
• Describe the role of the church in promoting awareness and compassion.

Topics:
• Medical overview of HIV/AIDS: virology, transmission, progression.
• Biblical foundations for caring for the sick and marginalized.
• Stigma and discrimination: causes, effects, and biblical responses.
• The church as a healing community: historical and contemporary roles.
• Introduction to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

Objectives:
• Discuss ethical dilemmas related to HIV/AIDS from a Christian perspective.
• Apply principles of confidentiality, consent, and non-judgmental care.
• Analyze the intersection of sexuality, morality, and compassion.
• Develop a personal ethical framework for HIV/AIDS ministry.

Topics:
• Ethical principles in healthcare: autonomy, beneficence, justice.
• Christian ethics: love, grace, truth, and reconciliation.
• Confidentiality and disclosure in HIV contexts.
• Addressing judgmental attitudes and promoting acceptance.
• Sexual ethics and HIV prevention: abstinence, fidelity, and condom use.

Objectives:
• Explain key HIV prevention strategies: ABC, PrEP, and PMTCT.
• Design behaviour change communication messages for faith-based settings.
• Facilitate discussions on risk reduction and healthy relationships.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programmes in churches.

Topics:
• Overview of prevention: biomedical, behavioural, structural.
• ABC approach: Abstinence, Being faithful, Condom use.
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
• Behaviour change theories: Health Belief Model, Stages of Change.
• Crafting messages for diverse audiences: youth, couples, men.

Objectives:
• Describe the process of HIV testing and counselling (HTC).
• Practice pre- and post-test counselling skills.
• Support individuals in disclosure decisions and partner notification.
• Address emotional and spiritual needs during testing.

Topics:
• Types of HIV tests: rapid, PCR, ELISA; window period.
• Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) vs. provider-initiated testing.
• Pre-test counselling: informed consent, risk assessment.
• Post-test counselling: results delivery, coping strategies.
• Disclosure: benefits, risks, and supported disclosure.
• Partner notification and couples counselling.

Objectives:
• Identify the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of PLWHIV.
• Develop holistic care plans integrating medical, psychosocial, and spiritual support.
• Facilitate support groups and peer counselling.
• Advocate for adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Topics:
• Holistic care: physical, emotional, social, spiritual.
• Antiretroviral therapy: basics, adherence, side effects.
• Nutrition and HIV: dietary guidelines and food security.
• Psychosocial support: grief, depression, and resilience.
• Support group facilitation: structure, topics, and ground rules.
• Palliative care and end-of-life issues.

Objectives:
• Assess the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Design community-based programmes for OVC.
• Support families in caregiving and succession planning.
• Integrate child protection and safeguarding principles.

Topics:
• Impact of HIV/AIDS on children: orphanhood, trauma, education.
• Legal and policy frameworks for OVC in South Africa.
• Community-based care models: home visits, after-school programmes.
• Psychosocial support for children: play therapy, counselling.
• Family strengthening: income generation, parenting skills.
• Succession planning and will writing for parents with HIV.

Objectives:
• Develop a resource mobilisation strategy for HIV/AIDS programmes.
• Engage church leadership and volunteers in sustainable initiatives.
• Build partnerships with government, NGOs, and health facilities.
• Monitor and evaluate programme impact.

Topics:
• Asset-based community development (ABCD) approach.
• Volunteer recruitment, training, and retention.
• Fundraising: grant writing, donations, and in-kind contributions.
• Partnerships: referral networks, memoranda of understanding.
• Monitoring and evaluation: indicators, data collection, reporting.
• Sustainability planning: income generation, local ownership.

Objectives:
• Advocate for the rights of PLWHIV and affected communities.
• Design stigma reduction campaigns using faith-based messaging.
• Understand national and international policies on HIV/AIDS.
• Empower PLWHIV to become advocates and leaders.

Topics:
• Human rights framework: dignity, non-discrimination, access to care.
• Stigma reduction strategies: education, contact, and advocacy.
• Faith-based advocacy: speaking out from the pulpit and community.
• Policy landscape: South African National Strategic Plan, UNAIDS targets.
• Empowering PLWHIV: support groups, leadership training.
• Engaging media and social media for advocacy.

Objectives:
• Develop a comprehensive HIV/AIDS response plan for a church or community.
• Integrate HIV/AIDS ministry into existing church activities.
• Present plans for peer and facilitator feedback.
• Commit to ongoing personal and professional development.

Topics:
• Steps in programme planning: needs assessment, goal setting, action plans.
• Integrating HIV into church life: sermons, youth groups, weddings.
• Case studies of successful faith-based HIV programmes.
• Presentation of participant-developed plans.
• Self-care for caregivers: preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
• Networking and continuing education opportunities.