An Episcopal Church of Sudan bishop has lauded the ongoing HIV and Aids strategic planning workshop, saying that he has been enriched by the training.
Bishop Isaac Dhieu Ater of ECS Diocese of Akot told Good News Radio that the training is equipping him with the knowledge on strategic planning, adding that he has been able to formulate a vision, goals and objectives for his diocese.He said that the knowledge being gained at the workshop is going to help the participation of community members in the setting of priorities with regard to HIV and Aids.
Bishop Dhieu highlighted some challenges his local community is facing with regard to HIV and Aids, including the lack of voluntary counselling and testing centres, insecurity and lack of food.
He noted that in general the population is aware of the reality of HIV and Aids, remarking that the lack of counselling centres in his diocese makes it hard to get the statistics of the infected and affected people.
Bishop Dhieu said there is need for more awareness about HIV and Aids, attributing the limited possibilities of awareness campaigns to lack of financial backing and last year’s clashes between SPLA forces and cattle keepers.
The workshop which started last Wednesday is organized by the Christian Health Association of Sudan (CHAS). It will conclude tomorrow, three days later than it was previously scheduled.