Education helps change attitudes & stigma around HIV & AIDS in Georgia

That was the first time Irma dared to talk about her condition with a religious person. She was hoping for understanding and received rejection. An event like this could have been disastrous for Irma, potentially causing her to withdraw from society and fostering notions of low self-worth. Fortunately it only strengthened her resolve, motivating her to help others like her.

The Church has often served as a place of refuge; a place where people can take their problems and burdens and receive understanding and acceptance. But this is often not the case for those living with HIV and AIDS in Georgia where sadly many religious leaders define HIV and AIDS as the “sin that afflicts unbelievers and those who have fallen short in their morals.”

In Georgia, among religious leaders, there is a widespread lack of understanding about the causes and modes of transmission of HIV and AIDS. Therefore, when a person living with HIV and AIDS seeks comfort and support at church, they are often rejected, which further contributes to the already deep-rooted social stigma and creates self-stigmatization for people living with the virus.

“World Vision Georgia decided to fight against such challenges through a methodology we use, called Channels of Hope, which integrates our health and faith and development work,” said Nana Danelia, Faith and Development programme Coordinator. “With this integrated approach, our teams set up and hold several meetings with the most influential church leaders in the communities where we work. In these meetings, we present key information about HIV and AIDS to improve understanding and diminish incidents of rejection and stigmatization.”

The methodology focuses on how religious leaders can include compassionate and non-stigmatizing messages, actions and policies into liturgy, sermons, and church life. These meetings have gone a long way in changing the mentality of several priests.

“At COH training I met people living with HIV and AIDS, talked with them, listened to their stories and I was very grateful that I had this chance. My eyes have been opened; I have totally changed my mind about HIV and AIDS. I speak about this issue during my sermons and will support World Vision in future training,” said Father Ucha, a Georgian Orthodox priest in western Georgia who has several parishioners who live with HIV and AIDS and come to him for support.

As a result of this awareness-raising and methodology, several Georgian priests have begun addressing the issue of HIV and AIDS, informing their churchgoers that together they have to defeat the stigma that exists against people living with HIV and AIDS, and instead offer their support.

In Georgia, more than 100 of these workshops have been held, training 2,783 youth and 38 faith leaders. This initiative is part of World Vision’s broader health programming which seeks to ensure all children enjoy good health and are cared for, protected and participating in their communities.