ECR — Expanded Church Response to HIV/AIDS Trust in Zambia

Our Background

Zambia is among the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS. As the number of people affected by the disease escalates, core development indicators (e.g., life expectancy at birth) have declined while the adult HIV-prevalence rate and number of children orphaned due to AIDS deaths has risen. The national HIV prevalence rate in Zambia stands at 16 percent. Most of those infected are between 15 and 39 years of age, which corresponds with what should be their most productive years (Zambian National AIDS Council 2004). In some urban areas, e.g., Lusaka, HIV prevalence is estimated to be more than 27 percent.

According to the Demographic Health Survey (2001/02:236), infections among the youth, especially females, are increasing. The increase in these rates is attributed, in part, to early exposure to sexual activities. A contributing factor is high unemployment among the youth and other economic and social pressures―young women fall prey to sexual advances from older men with a more extensive sexual history, thereby increasing their chances of becoming infected.

HIV prevalence in countries such as Zambia, which are experiencing a general population epidemic, also has direct effects upon the uninfected: the National AIDS Council estimated that 5,000 new infections were recorded in the year 2003. Beyond the increased exposure to the virus that comes with a general population epidemic, high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in communities leads to the disintegration of family units that results in millions of children growing up without proper parental guidance.

Traditional beliefs and taboos concerning the discussion of sexuality coupled with the silence of the church contributed to a lack of accurate information concerning sexual activity reaching the youth. Augmenting the churches response in the area of prevention is a crucial component of any national response. Care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) is another essential component of the holistic approach to managing HIV/AIDS. With an increasing number of PLWHAs receiving care at family level, due to the government's inability to extend care and support beyond its health facilities, there is an increasing number of deaths among PLWHAs. It is imperative that efforts are made to prolong their lives, not only for their sake but also for the sake of their children (i.e., to reduce the number of orphans).

Until recently, the church was not diligently pursuing HIV-related activities as many of its leaders chose to believe that AIDS was only an issue for those choosing to lead a life inconsistent with Christian morality. However, HIV/AIDS is a matter that does not lend itself to such a simplistic analysis. Furthermore, even if AIDS could be reduced in this manner, the mission of the church is to be a beacon of hope to a world of sinners. Unfortunately the churches' initial response led to stigma and silence that only exacerbated the impact of the disease.

The Expanded Church Response (ECR

Over time, ECR has successfully worked to mobilize churches in Zambia and improve their response to HIV/AIDS. The ongoing goal of the ECR is to help its sub-recipients build their capacity, thus enabling them to reach their target populations with a set of quality interventions. These interventions strengthen households by linking them to a full continuum of holistic care as outlined in the Zambian National Strategic Plan.

ECR has responded to some of the aforementioned challenges in various ways, including: the implementation of Reaching HIV/AIDS People with Integrated Development and Support (RAPIDS), FABRIC in conjunction with Family Health International (FHI), and programs with the Children Aids Fund (CAF) and the Christian Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ). Through the implementation of these projects, ECR has supported:

	(i.) 13,784 OVC with education, psychosocial counseling, health, basic nutrition, economic empowerment and legal assistance programs.
	(ii.) 8,478 youths with HIV prevention activities.
	(iii.) 4,008 PLWHA with home-based care and adherence services.

The primary mode of support is small cash and commodity grants to faith-based organizations throughout Zambia. ECR also encourages and coordinates collaborations with other service providers to provide comprehensive care and support to beneficiaries in the most efficient manner possible.