Faith-based initiatives, HIV awareness, religious communities, health education, stigma reduction

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu

doi:10.22270/ijmspr.v10i4.127

Authors

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4538-0161

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22270/ijmspr.v10i4.127

Keywords:

Faith-based initiatives, HIV awareness, Stigma reduction, Religious communities, HIV Prevention

Abstract

Faith-based initiatives have emerged as a powerful tool in addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in communities where access to healthcare services may be limited or where stigma surrounding the disease remains high. Religious communities often have deep-rooted social influence and can serve as trusted platforms for spreading HIV awareness, promoting prevention measures, and reducing stigma associated with the disease. This review examines the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in HIV education and care, highlighting successful programs that leverage religious teachings to foster behavioral change, while also addressing the challenges these initiatives face, such as doctrinal conflicts and community resistance. One of the significant advantages of faith-based initiatives is their ability to reach vulnerable populations in a culturally sensitive and compassionate manner. Religious leaders can use their influence to normalize HIV-related discussions, advocate for safe-sex practices, and offer support to individuals living with HIV. FBOs also play a crucial role in reducing HIV-related stigma by framing HIV care within the context of love, compassion, and moral responsibility, which can create a more accepting environment for affected individuals. By integrating HIV education into religious settings, faith-based initiatives help bridge the gap between public health messages and local cultural values.

Keywords: Faith-based initiatives, HIV awareness, Stigma reduction, Religious communities, HIV prevention

Author Biography

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu , Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe

Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe

References

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Neonatal Outcomes in Children Born to Mothers with Severe Malaria, HIV, and Transfusion History: A Review. Elite Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2024; 2(3):38-58

Obeagu EI, Ubosi NI, Obeagu GU, Obeagu AA. Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Immune Resilience in HIV: A Review. Int. J. Curr. Res. Chem. Pharm. Sci. 2024;11(2):41-51. https://doi.org/10.22270/ijmspr.v10i2.102

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Understanding Immune Cell Trafficking in Tuberculosis-HIV Coinfection: The Role of L-selectin Pathways. Elite Journal of Immunology, 2024; 2(2):43-59

Obeagu EI. Erythropoietin and the Immune System: Relevance in HIV Management. Elite Journal of Health Science, 2024; 2(3):23-35

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU, Obiezu J, Ezeonwumelu C, Ogunnaya FU, Ngwoke AO, Emeka-Obi OR, Ugwu OP. Hematologic Support in HIV Patients: Blood Transfusion Strategies and Immunological Considerations. Applied Sciences (NIJBAS). 2023;3(3). https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJBAS/2023/1.2.11000

Parker RG, Perez‐Brumer A, Garcia J, Gavigan K, Ramirez A, Milnor J, Terto Jr V. Prevention literacy: community‐based advocacy for access and ownership of the HIV prevention toolkit. African Journal of Reproduction and Gynaecological Endoscopy. 2016;19(1). https://doi.org/10.7448/IAS.19.1.21092 PMid:27702430 PMCid:PMC5045969

McNeish R, Rigg KK, Tran Q, Hodges S. Community-based behavioral health interventions: Developing strong community partnerships. Evaluation and Program Planning. 2019; 73:111-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.12.005 PMid:30580000

Dave P, The Correlation Between Stigma and Mental Health Disorders in People Living with HIV/AIDS, Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 2024;14(3):227-233 https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v14i3.6490

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Immune Modulation in HIV-Positive Neonates: Insights and Implications for Clinical Management. Elite Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2024; 2(3): 59-72

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Understanding ART and Platelet Functionality: Implications for HIV Patients. Elite Journal of HIV, 2024; 2(2): 60-73

Navarra AM, Rosenberg MG, Gormley M, Bakken S, Fletcher J, Whittemore R, Gwadz M, Cleland C, Melkus GD. Feasibility and acceptability of the adherence connection counseling, education, and support (ACCESS) proof of concept: a peer-led, mobile health (mHealth) cognitive behavioral antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence intervention for HIV-Infected (HIV+) adolescents and young adults (AYA). AIDS and Behavior. 2023; 27(6):1807-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-022-03913-0 PMid:36574184 PMCid:PMC9792943

Frew PM, Archibald M, Schamel J, Saint-Victor D, Fox E, Smith-Bankhead N, Diallo DD, Holstad MM, Del Rio C. An integrated service delivery model to identify persons living with HIV and to provide linkage to HIV treatment and care in prioritized neighborhoods: a geotargeted, program outcome study. JMIR public health and surveillance. 2015; 1(2):e4675. https://doi.org/10.2196/publichealth.4675 PMid:27227134 PMCid:PMC4869208

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Optimizing Blood Transfusion Protocols for Breast Cancer Patients Living with HIV: A Comprehensive Review. Elite Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2024; 2(2):1-17

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Hematologic Considerations in Breast Cancer Patients with HIV: Insights into Blood Transfusion Strategies. Elite Journal of Health Science, 2024; 2(2): 20-35

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Advancements in HIV Prevention: Africa's Trailblazing Initiatives and Breakthroughs. Elite Journal of Public Health, 2024; 2 (1): 52-63

Bond V, Chase E, Aggleton P. Stigma, HIV/AIDS and prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Zambia. Evaluation and program planning. 2002; 25(4):347-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7189(02)00046-0

Zukoski AP, Thorburn S. Experiences of stigma and discrimination among adults living with HIV in a low HIV-prevalence context: a qualitative analysis. AIDS patient care and STDs. 2009;23(4):267-276. https://doi.org/10.1089/apc.2008.0168 PMid:19260770

Shafique S, Bhattacharyya DS, Nowrin I, Sultana F, Islam MR, Dutta GK, Del Barrio MO, Reidpath DD. Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Systematic Reviews. 2024;13(1):253. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02651-9 PMid:39367477 PMCid:PMC11451040

Pandya S, Kan L, Parr E, Twose C, Labrique AB, Agarwal S. How Can Community Data Be Leveraged to Advance Primary Health Care? A Scoping Review of Community-Based Health Information Systems. Global Health: Science and Practice. 2024; 12(2). https://doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-23-00429 PMid:38626945 PMCid:PMC11057800

Navarra AM, Rosenberg MG, Gormley M, Bakken S, Fletcher J, Whittemore R, Gwadz M, Cleland C, Melkus GD. Feasibility and acceptability of the adherence connection counseling, education, and support (ACCESS) proof of concept: a peer-led, mobile health (mHealth) cognitive behavioral antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence intervention for HIV-Infected (HIV+) adolescents and young adults (AYA). AIDS and Behavior. 2023;27(6):1807-1823. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-022-03913-0 PMid:36574184 PMCid:PMC9792943

Billings DW, Leaf SL, Spencer J, Crenshaw T, Brockington S, Dalal RS. A randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of a web-based HIV behavioral intervention for high-risk African American women. AIDS and Behavior. 2015; 19:1263-1274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-0999-9 PMid:25616838 PMCid:PMC4506203

Kessy F, Charle P. Evidence of the Impact of IMF Fiscal and Monetary Policies on the Capacity to Address HIV/AIDS and TB Crises in Tanzania. CEGAA/RESULTS Educational Fund, June (Cape Town: Centre for Economic Governance and AIDS in Africa). 2009.

Akhtar MH, Ramkumar J. Primary Health Center: Can it be made mobile for efficient healthcare services for hard to reach population? A state-of-the-art review. Discover Health Systems. 2023;2(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44250-023-00017-x PMid:37520517 PMCid:PMC9870199

Lynn VA, Webb FJ, Joerg C, Nembhard K. Behavioral Health Disorders and HIV Incidence and Treatment Among Women. InWomen's Behavioral Health: A Public Health Perspective 2024: 129-150. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58293-6_6

Lassi ZS, Salam RA, Das JK, Bhutta ZA. The conceptual framework and assessment methodology for the systematic reviews of community-based interventions for the prevention and control of infectious diseases of poverty. Infectious diseases of poverty. 2014; 3:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-9957-3-22 PMid:25105014 PMCid:PMC4124965

Belus JM, Msimango LI, van Heerden A, Magidson JF, Bradley VD, Mdakane Y, van Rooyen H, Barnabas RV. Barriers, Facilitators, and Strategies to Improve Participation of a Couple-Based Intervention to Address Women's Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 2024; 31(1):75-84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-023-10160-7 PMid:36854871 PMCid:PMC10803380

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Unmasking the Truth: Addressing Stigma in the Fight Against HIV. Elite Journal of Public Health. 2024;2(1):8-22.

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU, Odo EO, Igwe MC, Ugwu OP, Alum EU, Okwaja PR. Combatting Stigma: Essential Steps in Halting HIV Spread.

Obeagu EI. Breaking Barriers: Mitigating Stigma to Control HIV Transmission. Elite Journal of Public Health. 2024;2(8):44-55.

Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Preventive measures against HIV among Uganda's youth: Strategies, implementation, and effectiveness. Medicine. 2024; 103(44):e40317. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000040317 PMid:39496029 PMCid:PMC11537624

Shafique S, Bhattacharyya DS, Nowrin I, Sultana F, Islam MR, Dutta GK, Del Barrio MO, Reidpath DD. Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Systematic Reviews. 2024; 13(1):253. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02651-9 PMid:39367477 PMCid:PMC11451040

Muessig KE, Nekkanti M, Bauermeister J, Bull S, Hightow-Weidman LB. A systematic review of recent smartphone, Internet and Web 2.0 interventions to address the HIV continuum of care. Current Hiv/aids Reports. 2015; 12:173-190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-014-0239-3 PMid:25626718 PMCid:PMC4370788

Perry H, Zulliger R, Scott K, Javadi D, Gergen J. Case studies of large-scale community health worker programs: examples from Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Nepal, and Pakistan. Afghanistan: Community-Based Health Care to the Ministry of Public Health. 2013.