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The Fight Against AIDS
An Important Organization Committed in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS is Visiting
Ivory Coast.
African-Americans reaching Out to Ivory Coast
Fraternite Matin April 11, 2002
Ms. Pernessa C. Seele, President and Founder of The Balm In Gilead, an important
nonprofit organization, exclusively dedicated to the mobilization of African-American
Churches for the fight against AIDS arrived a few days ago in Ivory Coast with
her delegation.
The African-American delegation met with Ivory Coast religious leaders among
which were Cardinal Bernard Agré, Reverend Boni and Imam Cissé Djibuiba.
A partnership with the Christian leaders was established in order to efficiently
deal with the pandemic issue in the population. With this visit and the exchanges
between the Balm In Gilead and Ivory Coast's religious communities, a lot of things
could change on the churches and mosques perceptions of HIV/AIDS.
Could this mean the end to anathema such as "AIDS is the consequence of
sins" and the condemnation of the sick people are victims of all sort of
accusation?
"Rejected by a totally indifferent healthy community, AIDS victims are left
to die in silence and serve as example not to follow. The victims are seen as
people who brought the disease upon themselves by being unfaithful, having multiple
partners or sexual deviation, etc."
These clichés are strong to the believers in the land of Ivory even
among preachers. That is also why it is difficult for them to recommend protection
- the use of "condoms." Preachers find it difficult to talk, inform,
educate about the epidemic candidly. As a result, their message often doesn't
sound true.
But, according to Ms. Pernessa Seele, the Balm In Gilead experience and know
how will allow the Church of Ivory Coast, one of the most important institutions
in the community, to play a leading role in the fight against AIDS. To reach that
goal, The Balm In Gilead delegation initiated a training program for the faith-communities
members (Caritas). The next step is to optimize the training of the nationals
that will take over. The Balm In Gilead promised to follow-up and evaluate for
the next four years, the training given and the signed partnerships.
But why the Ivory Coast? The African-American delegation is visiting our country
before leaving Friday for Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania.
Because these "spreaders of the good news" who have spared their time,
their expertise and their money in our country, know as the Minister in Charge
of the Fight Against AIDS along with Dr. Assana Sangaré Ouattara do, that
the country presents "red" signals.
"In two decades, AIDS has become the first cause of mortality in Ivory
Coast." "More than 32,000 children, age less then 15 years are estimated
to be infected by HIV/AIDS." The number of orphans because of AIDS is more
than 430,000". There is a fear that 19% reduction of life expectancy in Ivory
Coast for 2005, is a direct consequence of AIDS.
The Balm In Gilead and the communities have agreed that the solution is to
talk against the stigma of AIDS. Support and encourage actions that prevent the
transmission and spread of the virus from the mother to the child, support and
encourage, with the assistance of volunteers from faith communities, early detection
of HIV virus. Provide long term care and assistance to orphans. This is an agenda
the political authorities could only agree with. His Excellency Mr. Laurent Gbagbo,
President of the Republic, clearly stated, "I am personally getting involved
in the fight against AIDS" (Note from the editor: the statement was made
during the President's address to the Nation 31/12/2000). Yesterday, the President's
wife, Mrs. Simone Ehivet Gbagbo greeted Ms. Pernessa C. Seele and the Balm In
Gilead delegation at her Cocody's residence. In a statement Mrs. Gbagbo said that
the political authorities of the country are very aware of the epidemic devastation
and that is why they are taking measures that will slow down the devastation.
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