Strengthening Community Involvement: Partnering with Indigenous Faith-Based Organizations to Develop Sustainable Partnerships in Zambia

Abstract

This article examines the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in delivering HIV/AIDS services to the population of Zambia. It outlines the causes of HIV transmission, the development of community initiatives to provide services and education programs to underserved families and orphans affected by the disease, and activities of multinational organizations as they partner with FBOs to strengthen education programs, provide for orphans, deliver services, and develop community relationships. The paper suggests strategies for strengthening partnerships, identifies problems that affect the implementation of strategies, and makes recommendations for developing sustainable community relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• cultural barriers
• faith-based organizations
• health care
• HIV/AIDS
• partnerships

Notes

n.a. = not available.

Sources: Cairns, James (n.d.), Coptic Mission (n.d.), Diocese of Mpika (2010), DTS Illuminazione srf (2010), Harris, Tony (2008), Helpmercy International (n.d.), iHealth (2008a, 2008b), Mtendere Mission Hospital (n.d.), Mwandi Christian Hospital (n.d.), North Carolina East District of The Wesleyan Church (n.d.), Our Lady's Hospital, Chilonga (n.d.), Saxo, S. B. (2007), Seventh-day Adventist Online Yearbook (n.d.), The Salvation Army (2008), Union of Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (n.d.), U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (n.d.).

Source: Zambia Central Statistical Office (CSO), Zambia Ministry of Health, Tropical Disease Research Centre, University of Zambia, and Macro International, 2009.

Source: Zambia Central Statistical Office (CSO), Zambia Ministry of Health (MOH), Tropical Disease Research Centre (TDRC), University of Zambia, and Macro International, 2009.

Source: President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief: FY2008 Country Profile, Zambia 2008b, p. 1.

Source: Zambia Ministry of Health, 2008.