This week in Seronga.....

Seronga Men’s Sector Event:
Traditional Healer/Midwives, Faith Based Leaders & Medical Professionals-
Working Together for Community Health.

On 8 December 2009 the Seronga Men’s Sector was the sponsor of a unique event bringing together traditional healers and midwives, faith based leaders and members of the medical community to address the spread of HIV in the greater Seronga area. The event was funded by the Okavango District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committee (DMSAC).

The workshop was held at the Seronga Police compound and was facilitated by Ms. Celia Kauthemwa, health education technician from Gumare district health team and Mr. Emmanuel Segotso, a lay counselor and moruti from Gumare Counselling Centre. Dr. Mpata Lumbu and Nurse in Charge Florence Nkaelang from the Seronga clinic presented specific information regarding the issues they are encountering as medical professionals in the health facilities in the targeted area.

Also present were the dikgosi from Seronga and Gunotsoga, the councilor from Seronga, the Chair of the Seronga Men’s Sector Mr. Douglas Khumalo, the vice Chair of the Men’s Sector and master of ceremony of the day Mr. M Ramphisi, and the Peace Corps Volunteers from Seronga and Gumare, Ms. Jennifer “Lorato” Katchmark and Catherine “Duduetsong” Lecesse. Participants hailed from various villages, cattle posts and settlements from Mogotho to Gudigwa in Okavango delta area. They ranged in age from late twenties to 85 years old and were evenly divided in their capacities as traditional healers/ midwives and church representatives with 16 healer/midwives and 13 church leaders from various denominations.

Seronga Kgosi Maeze B Maeze welcomed the participants to the workshop, which was officially opened by local councilor Mr. Kotongwa. The format of the workshop was both lecture style and interactive, with participants playing an active role in sharing their experiences and having the opportunity to have many of their questions and concerns addressed by the facilitators. This equality based approach proved to be a very effective forum for all sectors to work together to trouble shoot and problem-solve various issues that were raised in a respectful and effective manner.

The goal of the workshop was to educate the targeted groups about HIV and AIDS and to discuss their practices to identify ways in which they can avoid the spread of HIV and to protect themselves and their patients and congregants from contracting HIV. Participants were informed of the differences between HIV and AIDS as well as practices such as using razor blades (or any other method of blood to blood contact) with multiple patients. They were also urged of the necessity of using latex gloves with their patients and were provided with a box of gloves in order to begin this new practice immediately. The healers/midwives were informed of various resources that they could reach out to in order to continue to acquire gloves for their practices. Traditional healers were encouraged to register their practices to legitimize their businesses and protect themselves in instances of accusation of malpractice or other controversy.

The views and customs of the traditional healers/midwives were quite openly shared with the medical professionals, giving them much greater insight into potential areas of conflict in various treatment regimens and traditional practices. There was an emphasis on how all involved sectors can work together and refer patients and clients to each other for complimentary treatments and services. Medical professionals urged the traditional healers to encourage their clients to bring their clinic health cards to their appointments for better coordination of services. The importance of bringing patients into the clinic in a timely manner, especially pregnant women who are in labor was emphasized as well as those showing symptoms of HIV or AIDS. Faith based leaders were implored to continue to support those in their congregations suffering from HIV and to encourage them to continue to adhere to ARV’s and the use of condoms.

Throughout the day participants repeatedly and enthusiastically expressed their understanding that they know they themselves cannot cure HIV and AIDS, and also showed a great deal of support and respect for the services provided at the local health facilities. Many reiterated their appreciation for the information they were given during the day and were pleased with the respect they felt they were shown by being targeted as important stakeholders in the prevention of spreading HIV. They expressed their intent to go back to their communities to continue to share the information they had been given.

Organizers of the event judged it to be a success, and feel it is an important type of event to replicate widely as these stakeholders have the potential to impact many members of their communities. Traditional healers, midwives and faith based leaders, while having a tremendous impact within communities have often been shunned or ignored by those attempting to address the spread of HIV. This workshop proved that when approached with respect and humility these important stakeholders can be eager to gain new knowledge and are even open to changing their traditional practices and beliefs and culture to better protect themselves and their clients from contracting HIV. Increasing their understanding of HIV/AIDS, prevention strategies and proper adherence to ARV’s may prove to be an effective way to reach populations who have been historically difficult to address and inform. Members of these important sectors of the community are very interested in improving the lives of those they serve by spreading messages of prevention in their unique capacities and should be utilized to the fullest.

*** this is the report that Mr. Khumalo, the policeman from the Seronga Police and Chair of the Men's Sector Committee, and I put together. The original report is much cooler with the pictures artfully added in, but it appears blogger is a little past my area of expertise in terms of putting them where I want them ;-0

Seronga Men’s Sector… Leading the Way Forward

Below is the report we submitted to the National Men's Sector Chairperson at the meeting described in the entry above. I had to remove the pictures as the internet here is too slow to upload them, but I've left the captions, I hope this doesn't make it too confusing.

The Ngambao Scouts Troup entertains the crowd at the November Men’s Sector Event, demonstrating the theme of “Men Standing Tall, Walking Proud and Taking Responsibility.”

Enclosed please find a report detailing the events to date as well as the future events planned to be carried out by the Men’s Sector in Seronga. We thank you for your past and continued support of this active and hardworking committee.

Men’s Sector Community Event:

“Men standing tall, walking proud and taking responsibility!”


Men’s Sector Participants competing in a “Tug of War”

On 22nd November, 2008, the village of Seronga hosted an event sponsored by the Seronga Men’s Sector with the theme “Men standing tall, walking proud, and taking responsibility.” Present at the event were the dikgosi of Seronga, Gudigwa, Gunotsoga, nursing representatives from the Seronga clinic, teachers from both the primary and junior secondary school in Seronga, members of the local and national police based in Seronga, as well as representatives from wildlife and BDF. Also present were the police chief from Gumare, the guest speaker Mma Knutson and nearly 400 villagers. The event began with a lively march in which the members of Men’s Sector Committee split into two groups and were led by the Scout Group down each road away from the Kgotla for a vigorous 3 kilometer round trip march. Throughout the day there were many songs, traditional dances, dramas, speeches, another performance by the Scouts and a tug of war representing the battle between HIV and ARVs to entertain the crowd.
In addition to the message being spread from the main stage, there were 2 side booths which continued to spread the message of Men’s Sector. Over 60 participants were awarded airtime, crisps, and oranges for their efforts in events in a challenging sexual health quiz. Villagers tested their knowledge of issues of HIV/AIDS health, prevention and transmission, PMTCT, IPT and reducing stigma. Each participant was corrected by a trained educator on any information they answered incorrectly or needed more information about. In addition over 30 people were voluntarily and confidentially tested by the Gumare Counseling Center. All of the attendants enjoyed a lunch of meat, samp, rice, salads and cool drinks. This event was funded with the support of the National Men’s Sector Committee.


Participants in the health quiz

Outreach:
Since it’s inception as a result of a workshop held at the Seronga Land Board by the Gumare Counseling Center, the Seronga Men’s Sector has developed a progressive list of goals aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV in Seronga and the surrounding area. It has been a top priority of the Seronga Men’s Sector to reach out to the traditional and faith based communities as a target audience through which to spread the message of reduction of HIV related health behaviors.

One of the Seronga Men’s Sector’s most active members is Mareko Gweexa. He is a boat driver for the Seronga Clinic as well as a widely respected Church elder. Mareko has been instrumental in securing audiences with a number of church leaders throughout the Seronga catchement area.

As a result of his perseverance members of the Men’s Sector were able to meet with 12 leaders of various churches at the village of Mokgacha on 31 May 2009 in order to educate them on the issues of HIV as well as to sensitize them to the goals of the Men’s Sector. The Men’s Sector members were also able to address the various congregations about HIV prevention, and directed them to access resources available in addition to the support of their faith based community. Church goers were encouraged to use condoms, to get tested with their partners, and to take their ARVs and other medications appropriately.

Mr. Gweexa also preached the message of Men’s Sector to 379 parishioners in Sepopa village on 8th August 2009. He gave a sermon spreading the message of the importance of men testing with partners and also challenging the message that using condoms is a sin. He expressed concern about the methods faith healers were using for the treatment of various ailments that may lead to an increased spread of HIV. He encouraged people to go to the clinic for treatment of their health issues, as well as to not mix ARV’s with traditional medicine. Mr. Gweexa emphasized that the role of the church needs to continue to be to provide support and comfort to those affected by HIV, and promote behaviors that prevent the spread of HIV.


Mr. Gweexa addressing the congregations of ZCC at Gudigwa

Another outreach with other members of the Seronga Men’s Sector occurred on 16 August 2009 in Gudigwa with church members from various congregations of ZCC. Mr. Khumalo introduced the members of the Men’s Sector and informed 128 church members about the Men’s Sectors goals and objectives, which was then reinforced when Mr. Gweexa addressed the congregation. The message was further emphasized when Mr. Binang Makgetho reiterated that the ZCC church has always encouraged people to know their status by going to the clinic to be tested as well as taking their medications appropriately. He stated that the ZCC has maintained a position whereby members are encouraged to have only one partner, as well as for younger members to wait until marriage to indulge in sexual activities. He restated that ZCC’s protocol regarding HIV and AIDS is to follow and promote the government’s initiatives regarding the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and that there is no contradiction between the teachings of the ZCC and the government’s programs. Mr. Makgetho encouraged the congregations present to become active members of committees such as Men’s Sector, and thanked the Seronga Men’s Sector for coming to spread their message at Gudigwa.

The Seronga Men’s Sector will continue in their outreach efforts in the coming year by taking advantage of opportunities to address various congregations of faith throughout the Seronga and surrounding areas as they arise.


Mr. Gweexa addressing ZCC congregations at Gudigwa

Education:
In the coming months the Men’s Sector will host 2 workshops involving the local medical professionals from the Seronga clinic, as well as community healers and faith based leaders from Mogotho to Gudigwa. The goal of these workshops is to facilitate a conversation between these three important and influential community providers of HIV treatment and support. We intend to create an atmosphere of open conversation so that each service provider can highlight the service they provide in promoting HIV prevention and support. We also want each sector to educate about and promote their best practices and ways these three sectors can network together to provide the best response to the needs of their respective communities.

Another goal that the Seronga Men’s Sector is working towards is sensitizing the Police and members of the BDF on issues of gender and gender based violence. We plan to hold short seminars on these topics based on the curriculum provided by Men as Partners. We hope through these events to promote discussion of gender issues and to find a common ground from which we can address gender based violence through the men and women involved in these traditionally male centric organizations.

STEPS film Series:
Two members of the Men’s Sector Committee will be going for a workshop at the end of August to be trained on the facilitation of screenings for the STEPS (Social Transformation and Empowerment Projects) films. The STEPS films are designed to promote discussion and debate through their content, which will be shown with the support of the Men’s Sector at various locations in Seronga that have access to a television and generated power. Supporting partners include: the Seronga Clinic, the Seronga Sub Land Board, Ngambao CJSS, and the Seronga Police. These locations together provide us with a wide variety of locations from which to reach the people from the various wards of Seronga village.



Successes and Challenges:
The Seronga Men’s Sector has had a productive year, and has many planned activities for the coming year. We have held a successful kick off event; we have done outreaches, and have plans for workshops and programs that have a great deal of potential. That being said, we also have some challenges we hope to overcome in the coming year. The Lay Counselor at the clinic (who is also a member of the Men’s Sector) reports that there is still a hesitancy of men to go the clinic with their partners for testing. Combating traditional beliefs about HIV continues to be a challenge, with a great deal of misinformation being perpetuated in the community despite our efforts at widespread education. Another of the challenges we face in the coming year will be the procurement of a DVD player with which to play the STEPS films on. Plenty of the local partners have televisions and generators they would be willing to help us with, but we have yet to find one that has a DVD player on which to play the movies. We will attempt to meet this challenge by requesting funding from various sources in order to procure a DVD player that can be moved from location to location with the films.


Conclusions:
The Seronga Men’s Sector is an active and hardworking Committee comprising of men and women from the various sectors of professional, village and traditional life in Seronga and the surrounding area. We have set high goals for ourselves based the top issues of concern as set out by the Okavango Sub-District’s Evidence Based Plan. Of these areas the Seronga Men’s Sector is primarily focusing on Men’s involvement and addressing myths and misconceptions. We consistently strive to meet these goals without being deterred by lack of resources or the rural nature of our village. The Men’s Sector is making important progress in reducing the spread of HIV in the village of Seronga through our outreaches, our efforts at education, and our community events. We will not be discouraged from meeting our goals, and will consistently increase our efforts to bring men to the forefront as leaders in addressing issues of HIV/AIDS.