SDA church joins in Aids fight campaign |15 October 2014
The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has officially launched its own campaign to combat the Aids epidemic in support of the Ministry of Health’s goal of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero Aids related deaths in the Seychelles.
The SDA’s campaign dubbed ‘Walk for the Life’ was launched yesterday at Camion Hall in the presence of Health Minister Mitcy Larue.
The campaign, which will start on November 23, aims at encouraging people to “know their status” with regard to HIV and Aids and to educate the society on the various illnesses and abuses.
“We believe as a church that health is a primary concern for a person so that he/she can carry his/her daily obligations in life. HIV and Aids cannot and will not be alleviated unless we people rally together to fight it,” said the president of the Seventh Day Adventist Mission, Pastor Maxwell Muvwimi.
“As a church we cannot sit back and we decided to rally behind the government to give our support in alleviating the situation. Some challenges can be solved only when we meet people in the society,” Pastor Muvwimi said.
The ‘Walk for Life’ campaign is targeting mainly people on Mahé for now and Pastor Muvwimi believes that as a church, the SDA will combat HIV and other drug abuse.
“This campaign is a welcome gesture for it will help create a better future for our people. It aims to raise awareness about the current state of sexually transmitted diseases in Seychelles, as well as educate individuals and most of all influence lifestyle changes among men and women, young and old,” the pastor said.
He noted that the Ministry of Health has for many years benefitted from various efforts of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and now the church is grateful for yet another one of such efforts which he said will have a direct impact in all the districts of Mahé.
“Overall, this is a model of real engagement in the national response to HIV/Aids,” declared Minister Larue.
She further stated that the goal of an Aids free generation is theoretically within reach and we know that investing in the fight against HIV is a smart move.
“Resources invested in HIV deliver proven returns in the form of results that go well beyond health. Investments must reach the communities at greatest risk.
Religious commitment is essential. The Aids response can be a catalyst for broader health, human rights and development outcomes, and an engine for social change – towards more inclusive societies that take responsibility for investing in the well-being and dignity of all their people. To undertake an activity of this magnitude, the Seventh Day Adventist Church epitomises the attitude we anticipated when this year’s national theme of ‘My health, My responsibility’ was launched. It is not only pleasing but also encouraging seeing a body in the community take on the responsibility of educating the public about healthy lifestyles,” said the minister.
The calendar of activities is published in the accompanying table and any member of the public is invited to join the walk, said Gemma Changty-Young, health ministries director, Seventh Day Adventist Mission.
Day 1 (Sunday November 23) Walk starts at SDA church at St Louis, passing through Sans Soucis to Port Glaud /Port Launay. Sleepover at Port Glaud community centre.
Day 2 (Monday November 24) Walk starts at Port Glaud community centre to Baie Lazare for sleepover. Expo at Anse Boileau
Day 3 (Tuesday November 25) Walk starts at Baie Lazare to Anse Royale for sleepover. Health expo.
Day 4 (Wednesday November 26) Walk starts at Anse Royale to Cascade community centre for sleepover. Health expo at Cascade.
Day 5 (Thursday November 27) Walk starts at Cascade to Roche Caiman community centre for sleepover. Health expo at Les Mamelles.
Day 6 (Friday November 28) Walk starts at Roche Caiman via Victoria to Bel Ombre community centre for rest.
Day 8 (Sunday November 30) Bel Ombre to St Louis SDA Church /community centre for fun day and health expo.