Factors contributing to the development of the HIV/ AIDS programme in the PCEA Lang'ata Parish, Nairobi

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate and identify factors that led to the development of HIVIAIDS programme at PCEA Lang'ata Parish. The findings of the investigation form a basis for recommendations for evangelizing and planting churches. The three research questions upon which the study was based were: 1 What is the prevalence of HIVIAIDS at PCEA Lang'ata Parish Congregation? 2 What factors led to the development of HIVIAIDS at PCEA Lang'ata ? 3 What strategies has PCEA Lang'ata parish put in place in the fight against HIV/AIDS? The data was collected from a sample of the target group using both open-ended and closed-ended questionnaire and interviews guide. The instrument was administered to seventy (70) respondents. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentage) to identify and from which correlation between variables were discussed. The following were the major findings: Concerning factors that led to development of HIVIAIDS programme; a large proportion of both church leaders and members represented by 50 % thought that the main reason for developing the programme was for evangelization. Some thought that the increasing problem of orphans was the main factor that led to the church to develop the programme. Others believed that checking the spread of the epidemics through testing before marriage was the main reason of the church's involvement in HIVIAIDS prevention programme. Another group pointed out that the issue of widows and widower was the reason for the church development of HIVIAIDS programme. In addition, a large proportion of the respondents indicates that the Church felt that HIVIAIDS was a threat to evangelization mission. They felt that the pandemic also infected and affected members of the Church. A fairly large proportion of the respondents said that the church experienced HIVIAIDS cases among its members. This is an indication that the church is not spared the wrath of the epidemic. The respondents also noted that more church members were affected by epidemic because they had close relatives suffering from HIVIAIDS. The respondents also believed that the central concern for the programme was to create awareness among the church members because by educating church members, it was believed that they would in turn spread the message to other members of the community. The respondents urged the church to organize workshops/seminars on HIV/AIDS awareness. From the findings it was evident that the objectives of the programme was not really achieved. Christian values, evangelism and spiritual development were not fully integrated in the programme.