No one has a stronger voice to advocate on HIV and AIDS issues than those who are living positively with HIV. The Ambassadors of Hope who promote positive lifestyle through their own example are role models to empower others to live positively and without fear; reducing stigma within churches and society. Everyone can learn from their example to spread the message of positive living with hope.
Ambassadors of Hope are advocates. They provide a voice of hope in our communications, sharing their stories and promoting a message of acceptance and positivity.
Stigma has had entire societies in a stranglehold for decades, making it harder to take real steps forward when it comes to HIV prevention and care. Stigma creates fear. Since churches have the unique ability to influence the far reaches of society, they also have the responsibility to advocate responsibly.
CUAHA advocates for increased participation of churches to focus on rights based approach and full integration of people living with HIV, which is vital in the promotion and advancement of the rights of all people. CUAHA promotes the SAVE model for HIV prevention, anti-SSDDIM (Stigma, Shame, Denial, Discrimination, In-action, Mis-action).
Pro-SAVE
When addressing HIV and AIDS, prevention is a critical issue. One of the key prevention principles that CUAHA promotes is the ‘SAVE’ model: Safer practices, Available medicines, Voluntary testing, and Empowerment through education.
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Anti-SSDDIM
Due to stigma, HIV has been in a stranglehold for decades, causing society to not be able to make a step forward in prevention and care. Stigma creates fear. Since churches have the unique ability to influence the far reaches of society, they also have the responsibility to advocate responsibly. CUAHA advocates for increased participation of churches to focus on rights based approach and full integration of people living with HIV, which is vital in the promotion and advancement of the rights of all people. Read more
Anti – SSDDIM and Pro SAVE
SSDDIM stands for: Stigma, Shame, Denial, Discrimination, Inaction and Mis-action. CUAHA
has recognized the impact of SSDDIM and insufficiencies in ABC approach and advocates for
SAVE.
"SAVE" as a more accurate, more comprehensive and non – stigmatizing message to
strengthen the ABC message has been embraced and adopted by CUAHA!
S = for Safer Practices (A+B+C+PMTCT+ Safe blood +Safe injections. Safe circumcision etc)
A = for Access to Treatment (including STIs OIs & ART) and to Nutrition.
V = for Voluntary, routine and stigma free HIV Counselling & Testing.
E = for the Empowerment of Children, Youths, Women, Men, Families, Communities
and Nations living with or vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.
Many faith leaders, development agencies and AIDS educators are beginning to see the
value and potential impact of "SAVE" on HIV and AIDS. You too can adopt, encourage
and multiply "SAVE" in your communities and Nation.
