Theology versus AIDS

Theologians in Tanzania are joining hands in the fight against the disease Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Spiritual teachings aside, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) has launched a 5-year control program. The program, estimated to cost US$3.5m (Tsh254m) involves public education and blood screening at all ELCT dispensaries throughout the country. Part of the cost is the screening of equipment worth Tsh75m (US$1m). Aware that 97% of AIDS cases in the country were heterosexually infected, the ELCT said the situation warranted "spiritual care emphasizing the prohibition of adultery among christians", hence the need for theologians to join in hands to combat it. The program, and especially the screening equipment is perhaps the best news for Tanzanian health authorities who have been longing for such facilities since AIDS was 1st reported in Kagera Region in 1983. An ELCT report issued in December, 1987, showed that 308 men and 217 females had contracted the disease, of whom 145 and 119 died respectively. The new availability of the blood screening facilities would help to identify the extent of the spread of the disease. At present there are fewer than 6 screening machines in the country, which had made it difficult to diagnose AIDS in remote areas. Tanzania is among 4 African countries which the World Health Organization reports to have many cases of AIDS cases of AIDS. others are Uganda, Zaire and Zambia.