……Faith Based Health Engagements Gain Momentum in Eswatini
BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE- A group of men from the Islamic faith gathered at Caritas today for a focused session on HIV stigma, discrimination, and prevention, led by the Ministry of Health’s Faith Community Support (FCS) in collaboration with the Faith Forum.
The gathering reflected a growing commitment within faith communities to confront public health issues through open dialogue. Islamic men have recently formed a dedicated health group, and this session marked the beginning of a broader effort to ensure that their voices and needs are included in national health promotion strategies.
JHPIEGO, one of the key health partners present, contributed by delivering a practical, medically grounded presentation on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). Their input offered clarity on the procedure’s benefits and its relevance in HIV prevention.
Support also came from the Health Promotion Unit, which provided participants with essential health education materials and guidance. Their role helped ensure that the information shared during the session was not only accurate but also accessible to everyone in attendance.
This engagement is part of FCS’s wider mission to reach diverse religious groups across Eswatini. By starting with Islamic men, the initiative signals a new chapter in community led health action, rooted in faith and guided by knowledge.
The session at Caritas demonstrated how cross sector partnerships between health professionals, religious leaders, and community members can drive progress in the fight against HIV and build stronger, healthier communities.
(Courtesy Pics)
