| dc.description.abstract | In Kenya efforts to manage the aftermath of HIVIAIDS involve multiple partners drawn
from the Government, FBOs, NGOs, Private Sector and International Development
Partners. In this collaborative approach the Church has an important role to play because
it commands a large following and stability that places it in a pivotal role in the fight
against HIVIAIDS. This study was anchored on the important role played by the ABC
Church in the control of HIVIAIDS in Central Division of Machakos County. The study
was guided by social exchange theory as postulated by George Homans. The study used a
descriptive research design with both probability and non-probability techniques where
the data was collected using key informant interviews, household survey, archival
research, secondary research and a focus group discussion. The methods of data analysis
used were descriptive statistics and qualitative summaries. The study found out that the
ABC Church was affected by HIVIAIDS through loss of members, rising number of
widows and widowers, diversion of Church resources to manage HIVIAIDs, decrease in
tithes and loss of Church leaders due to deaths. Programmes put in place were counseling
and testing, support of orphaned and vulnerable children, and capacity building of
widowed. From this study several conclusions were made. First there was a general
awareness about HIV/AIDS and its effects. That the ABC Church had realized the effects
of HIVIAIDS on the local community and it had directed efforts towards management of
the disease and that there was a high level of awareness on HIVIAIDS and its major
causes. Poverty was the main factor that led people to engage in risky behavior. Finally
the Church has made important contributions in the fight against HIV IAIDS by reaching
to the infected, the affected and those at risk. The study recommends that support
programs for OVC and widows need to be up scaled and delivered in a sustainable way
especially economic empowerment. The Church also needs to sensitize its members on
the importance of voluntary testing and counselling and strictly adhering to good diet and
medication for the sick. This study recommends further research on the effectiveness of
orphan and women empowerment programmes as well as a study of the effectiveness of
the existing HIVIAIDS policy to establish whether it was enabling or stifling involvement
of partners such as the-Church in the control of HIVIAIDS. | en_US |
