HIV and AIDS related Stigma and Discrimination within the Faith Communities In Malawi

Background As the HIV and AIDS pandemic continues in Malawi, threephases could be identified. The first phase of the HIV epidemicwhich creeps silently into the communities. The second phase ofthe AIDS epidemic which has given rise to life threateningInfections and lastly the Stigma and Discrimination which hasproved to be the biggest challenge. In its bid to fight againstStigma and Discrimination MIAA decided to conduct theresearch and take steps in addressing it. Purpose/objective The operational research aimed at unveiling HIV andAIDS related stigma and Discrimination beingperpetuated within the faith communities in order tocontribute to the prevention of spread of HIV andmitigate the impact of AIDS. Methodology The research was qualitative and six operational districts werecovered basing on their Religious, cultural and socio-economic diversity. Thedistricts were Mzimba, Dowa, Lilongwe, Ntcheu, Mangochi and Nsanje. Keyinformant interviews were conducted for the different categories (Religiousleaders) focus group discussions (Men, Women, PLWAs, Youth) and individualinterviews. Data was collected by use of PRA school of action research. Thetools included Semi structured interviews, structured interviews and directobservation. A total of two days were devoted for consultations and discussionswith different groups of respondents in each district. A total of 368 people wereinterviewed, 7 focus groups discussions were held. Key findings The major findings were included:-The majority of the congregants are not ready to admit that Stigma andDiscrimination exists-Traces of stigma and discrimination could be noted but you needed to godeeper to find the practices and behaviours.-Stigma and discrimination exist in forms of language and labelling of peopleliving with HIV-Stigma and Discrimination is perpetuated by lack of information andunderstanding of the causes and symptoms of HIV and AIDS.-The faith community has no6t done much to create a forum for opendiscussions on HIV and AIDS related Stigma and Discrimination. Thusperpetuating the silence-Religious leaders are not sufficiently educated on issues of HIV and AIDSwithin their congregations, even through policies and guidelines-Theological orientations and practices are laden with judgementalism leadingto increase in Stigma and Discrimination. Recommendations -The faith communities are best placed to provide accurate, unbaiasedinformation, ways should be identified to ensure frequency and regularprovision of HIV and AIDS related information to dispel myths, fears andanxiety on issues of Stigma and Discrimination-Policies should be introduced and implemented to the faith communities inrelation to the National AIDS Framework and global principles on PLWAs- There should be greater empowerment of PLWAs and involvement inactivities.-Faith communities should collaborate and network with other stakeholders inthe fight against HIV and AIDS.-Religious leaders have to be trained for theological transformation andpractices so as to enable them to fight HIV and AIDS and assist in themitigation.-Faith communities have to protect the rights of women and children so thatthey are able to decide responsibly on issues of sexuality.-Faith communities need to produce a set of guidelines for stigma -mitigationinterventions. Comments from the organisation Discrimination is one of the biggest challenges in the face of HIV and AIDS.The research has set a baseline on what issues to deal with in HIV and AIDS.Partners like MANERELA and MIAA will be supported to spearhead Stigma andDiscrimination activities, targeting Religious leaders and other Faith BasedOrganisations.