The Perception of LeadershipTowards HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaigns of MAP International in Embul Bul and Ng'ong Deliverance Churches

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of leadership towards HIVIAIDS prevention campaigns of MAP International in Embul Bul and N'gong Deliverance Churches. In order to come up with a substantial study, a related literature review on HIV IAIDS epidemic was carried out. This dealt with the causes, spread, impact, the Church, prevention, achievements and MAP International. Data collection was conducted from a sample of the target churches by means of open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide both in formal and nonformal way. The instrument was administered to forty; (40) Church leaders from both Churches who included Pastors and lay leaders. Frequency tables and Cross tabulation were generated in order to provide deep insights of the variables under study. This study was based upon three significant research questions: 1. What are the perceptions of church leaders about HIV IAIDS prevention campaigns of MAP International? 2. What are the factors that affect their perceptions? 3. What are their suggestions pertaining to .the improvement of the approaches used by MAP International? The research findings indicated the following: Concerning factors that led to development of HIV IAIDS prevention campaigns, a number of leaders from both churches admitted that HIV IAIDS is general concern that requires to be dealt with seriously. Some thought that the increasing problem of the epidemic needed to be given a focused attention to counter its impact on the community. Others said that the infected and affected are asking questions for which they could not have an answer. Therefore a need for HIV IAIDS prevention campaigns was a central concern for the general Church leadership. When Church leaders are educated, trained and equipped it is believed that they would in turn spread the message to other members of the Church and community. Participants urged MAP International and the general church leadership to organize frequent workshop, seminars on HIV IAIDS prevention campaigns. From the findings it was evident that the leadership of both Churches had not come out to be mutually supportive in prevention campaigns of MAP International towards HIV/AIDS campaigns awareness. The Church leadership's perception towards HIVIAIDS prevention campaigns of MAP International needed to be intensified. Therefore the leadership of both Churches must commit themselves to work hand in hand with MAP International HIV IAIDS prevention campaigns. This conclusion paved way for recommendations that appeal to the need for MAP International and the leadership of both churches to come up with strategies that will foster the HIV IAIDS prevention campaigns among the leaders.