Efforts Against HIV/AIDS Gain Momentum

About 25 participants from Montserrado, Margibi and Bong Counties have ended a 3-week training workshop on HIV/AIDS prevention and safety methods in Gbarnga, Bong County.

The workshop, considered as a challenge to young people, was organized by the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) and Christian HIV/AIDS Network Liberia (CHANOL).

The Training Officer of the Workshop, Mr. Philip Nushann, underscored the urgent need for a united front in the fight against the disease, owing to the fact that the epidemic is gradually taking over the world and creating division among families and friends due to stigma and discrimination.

Since the launch of the HIV/AIDS Program at Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing in Suacoco, Bong County, Mr. Nushann said the Lutheran Church in Liberia has conducted similar workshops for people in nine of the fifteen counties of Liberia.

He admonished the participants to consider the training acquired very serious, noting that “global statistics shows that over 33 million people are living with the virus today and of that number, the South-Sahara Africa region, which includes Liberia, accounts for over 22 million carriers.

He also urged the trainees (Counselors) to up hold the issue of confidentiality, stressing it is significance in the fight against the virus. According to him, such commitment will help the public to do away with the notion that HIV/AIDS is a death sentence.

For his part, the Coordinator of Christian HIV/AIDS Network of Liberia (CHANOL), Emmanuel Guannu, reminded the participants that the disease prevalent rate is increasing by the day and that those infected must be loved and cared for.

Responding on behalf of the participants, Madam Marline Jao, thanked the LCL and CHANOL for the training exercise, expressing the hope that they will return for the second phase of the programme.