Catholic Social Intervention And Its Impact On People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) In Aflao And Dzodze

Abstract

The HIV and AIDS have spread so rapidly that within three decades and it has taken millions of lives. Generally, the seroprevalence of HIV in Ghana in recent times has decreased. However, most of us care little for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) due to strong stigma attached to the disease. This implies that the community support spirit which hitherto was part of African cultural ethics has diminished for the PLWHA. However the Keta-Akatsi Catholic Diocese has taken up the holistic support to the PLWHA through it Community Collaborative, Care and Support Programme (COMCASUP) in its coverage area. This study examines the impact of this programme on PLWHA at Aflao and Dzodze and their environs. The work of COMCASUP was viewed within the remit of empathy and the theological orientations of the Catholic Church‟s social intervention. Methodologically the study adopted the qualitative study approach in which scholarly works were reviewed. Owing to grave concern for stigmatisation of PLWHA, data was gathered mainly through interviews with the PLWHA, caregivers and directors of COMCASUP and through observation of the PLWHA. The research found that financial constraints have been a serious threat to the care and support the Catholic Church have deployed for the PLWHA.