WORLD AIDS DAYS COMMEMORATION
Jubilee Centre November 10th, 2008
HIV and AIDS has been on the world’s scene since 27 years ago when the first case was noticed yet millions keep getting infected and dying due to its effects.
In Zambia leaders and the church have remained almost silent about the disease and live like it does not affect them but others. Thus the theme for this year’s commemoration: leaders stop AIDS and Keep the promise” was appropriate.
Despite the billions of Kwacha put into addressing this calamity in the last 20 years very little has changed in reducing 8.jpg)
HIV/AIDS infections. If anything it is getting progressively worse. The country’s infection rates are being reported as having been reduced from16% to14% but at the commemoration service it was reported that in Ndola the rates stood at an alarming 23.9%. It is with this background that Jubilee Centre decided to get involved in this year’s World AIDS Day Activities at both community and district levels.
Three events took place where JC participated. These included candle light services on the eve of World AIDS Day, in Chifubu and Ndola town centre, where the memorial services where held to remember those who have passed on from AIDS related infections. The following day JC and the partner churches participated and the match past in Chifubu, Mapalo and town centre.
In his message at Chifubu United Church of Zambia on eve of World AIDS Day Executive Director of Jubilee Centre, Pastor Lawrence Temfwe stated, “The church must take the lead in exposing the real causes of the AIDS crisis in Zambia. ‘He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured,’ says an Ethiopian proverb. Yet for much of the fight against AIDS, exposing the problem has been difficult. Apart from former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, who revealed in 1986 that his son had died of AIDS, to date no single public official has ever come out in the open.” The message attracted headline in the Times of Zambia newspaper the following day.
Over 240 people attended the Chifubu candle light services including church leaders, military personnel and the community and 100 marched the following day. At the town centre service over 150 attended the candle light service and several hundreds attended the World AIDS Day commemoration. Bishop Chris Mubanga stated, “We have captured the vision. For us World AIDS Day is everyday because daily we are confronted with this issue. We will no longer wait for World AIDS Day to sensitise people. From now on we will take this message at the wedding ceremonies, funerals, services, Bible study groups and into schools.”
Among the people that attended both events were PLWHA, HBC volunteers, Pastors, community and church leaders, children from various schools and organizations that promote the fight against HIV. The Copperbelt Permanent Secretary was guest of Honour at the district gathering. JC HIV and AIDS Programs Coordinator Agnes Zalila, led the JC staff at the match past. “HIV and AIDS is a name that must bow at the name of Jesus Christ. We are on God’s side in the war therefore, victory is ultimately ours.” said Sister Agnes.
Sister Agnes and Pastor Chris Chanda the Youth Coordinator were part of the district planning team. Ms. Nancy the head of District AIDS Task 
Force has to say this about JC participation, “JC is truly a partner and we will always call on you for advice and direction. Your involvement has made our task easier and we will let the relevant organs of government know about your service to the community of Ndola in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
Several people in Chifubu Community were encouraged to see pastors and church leaders in the forefront organizing the World Day Activities. One woman who lost her husband to HIV and AIDS said, “I now see that the church cares about this pandemic after all. How wonderful to see so many pastors working together. God bless the Chifubu pastors. I am now more confident to approach my pastor knowing that he will understand. Unlike in the past when I did not know what my pastor thought about HIV and AIDS”.
The children at the gathering, challenged parents, church leaders, politicians and every one with a responsibility to stop being hypocrites and to stop using HIV as a fund-raising venture for personal gain, but to understand it as a reality that affects children’s future. The Church was again challenged to take its rightful role in this fight, which is to show the love and compassion of Christ.
