CWS News

By Meri Sianturi

The number of people infected with HIV in Aceh is increasing. Furthermore, there are many wrong paradigms and stigma attached in the Aceh society regarding the issue of HIV and AIDS. All people living with HIV (PLWH) are considered damned, sinners, and have no morals, etc. Yet, stigma and discrimination are counterproductive for the prevention of HIV.

Church World Service held a series of parallel workshop and training for Faith Based Organizations (FBO) in Nagan Raya and Aceh Jaya Districts on 20 to 22 April 2010. The objective was to eradicate the stigmas and discrimination against PLWH by raising the community’s awareness and improving their perspective and information on HIV and AIDS so they can give hope and assistance for PLWH. 

Religious leaders from Islamic and Christian organizations such as Muhammadiyah, Nadlatul Ulama, Alwasliah, Imum Mukim, Cleric Consultative Assembly, GMI church (Methodist Church of Indonesia), IEMC (Indonesian Evangelical Mission Church) and the Catholic Church in both districts participated in the training and workshop. Youth were also invited to participate, Government officials who were as important as the religious leaders to be role models in the society also took part in the training and workshop. Twenty-five participants partook in the event in Nagan Raya and twenty- four participants attended the workshop and training in Aceh Jaya. 

A participant is posing a question to the facilitator. Church World Service involves religious communities in raising people's awareness on HIV and AIDS in Aceh Province, Indonesia.
(CWS Indonesia)
Youth participating in info session on HIV and AIDS in Methodist Church of Indonesia in Meulaboh, Aceh Province.
(CWS Indonesia)

The workshop covered introduction to HIV and AIDS and information on efforts undertaken by the District Health Office of Nagan Raya in the response to mitigate the spreading of HIV in Nagan Raya. Following the workshop, Church World Service held training on HIV and AIDS. The training provided basic information on HIV AIDS, on how HIV is transmitted and prevented, and also information about sexually transmitted diseases. It also covered material about drug abuse, particularly ones using syringes, which can cause HIV transmission.

In facilitating the workshop and training, Church World Service worked together with Medan Aceh Partnership or MAP, an organization that concerns on HIV and AIDS epidemic in Aceh. An official from Police Department gave lecture on drug and drug abuse.
During the training and workshop, the participants were given out various additional information means such as posters, training modules, DVD containing information on drugs and drug abuse, also HIV and AIDS magazines published by MAP.
The participants were enthusiastic and active in following the whole process, included brainstorming, discussions, questions and answer session. They set recommendation and follow up action. Following this training and workshop, the religious leaders, government officials and youth groups are expected to raise community’ awareness and increase their knowledge on HIV and AIDS in order to stop stigma and discrimination against PLWH and halt the transmission of HIV.

[Meri Sianturi is Senior Program Officer in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province]