The role of the church in addressing HIV and AIDS in the Mafikeng community

Abstract

The study's main objective was to investigate the role of the church and to establish guidelines for the church to address HIV and AIDS effectively and efficiently in the Mafikeng community. The respondents of this study were church leaders and people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in the Mafikeng community. The church leaders and PLWHA were asked to answer the questionnaires, which included the following : biographical aspects, demographical aspects and their understanding of the role of the church as the agent of the missio Dei in the Mafikeng community. It has been discovered that the church is involved in addressing HIV and AIDS, but that it still needs to be equipped in addressing this pandemic in accordance with the missio Dei and AIDS-related issues. The biblical functions of the church , which form the theoretical framework for the church to execute its ministry to those who are uninfected, infected and affected, are not integrated in the actions of the church. It has also been discovered that there is an element of stigma, which was revealed in both the literature study and survey. This offers the ministerial fraternity, the church at large and those in the academic field a way of assisting in curbing the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS in a coherent manner.