Fighting HIV/AIDS stigma and gender stereotypes by using prominent church leaders as Male Caregivers

1. PROGRAM
THUKELA AMAJUBA MZINYATHI CHRISTIAN
COUNCIL
Christ - Unity –
Service

2. Who We Are and Where We
Work
 TAMCC is an
ecumenical
organization
 Made up of
fraternals of church
leaders and faith-
based groups
 we work in the
communities of
Northwest KZN
(districts of
Thukela, Amajuba
and Mzinyathi)

3. Why Male Caregivers?
 Power and impact of Ministers to
disseminate information
 Challenges gender stereotypes in highly
patriarchal culture
 Redefines masculinity
 Mitigates the burden that women
traditionally carry
 Many men are more comfortable with male
caregivers
 Models Christian service and compassion

4. Actual Trainings:
 Trainings are Three Days
 MCGs are given info about:
 Basic HIV/AIDS and TB
 Stigma and Human Rights
 The Role of the Caregiver
 Practical Skills and Demonstrations of the actual care
 Gender Based Violence, Medical Male Circumcision
(MMC), OVCs, Nutrition and Food Security
 Methodologies used:
 Role Play
 Group discussion
 Presentations
 Dialogues
 Community Awareness: passing out condoms, posters, pamphlets
and other materials

5. MCGs are required to:
 Have community dialogues and awareness
campaigns
 Visit at least three to four homes a week (for
caregiving)
 Take referrals to clinics, DOH and DSD
 Visit schools to talk about HIV/AIDS

6. Challenges & Opportunities
 Ministers are  Unique program that
overextended educates and
 Geographic areas transforms the entire
very large church and
community
 Non traditional
approach can be  Empowered clergy
threatening in very are able to change
traditional people’s deep seated
communities beliefs and behaviors

7. Impact of the Program
 Clergy educated and informed
 Addresses life skills and drug abuse in
communities
 Stigma is lessened
 Domestic violence reduced
 Church membership increases
 PLWHA are cared for with dignity and
compassion

8. Our Male Caregivers

9. Contact Info:
 Ann Rajoo
 Email:amr_0119@yahoo.com
 Phone: +27(0)794856839
 TAMCC (NPO No. 052-695)
 Email:http://www.tamcc.org.za/
 Phone: +27(0)366353128
 Fax: +27(0)366372074