DanChurchAid
Zambia
Untimely death of a HIV/AIDS protagonist
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| Simon Mphuka. |
DanChurchAid has co-operated with CHAZ for 15 years and Simon Mphuka was a close partner in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. Simon Mphuka took a lead in this struggle starting at the grassroots level.
Simon Mphuka was a strong protagonist in the struggle against HIV/AIDS both nationally and internationally. He started ‘at home’ in his Baptist Church in Lusaka, which, as a young medical student, he challenged to take a strong role in the struggle. Since then the churches in Zambia have become ever more active in this field.
| CHAZ in Zambia |
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| The 135 Church Health Institutions under CHAZ today cover 50% of Zambia’s rural health care and 30% of the total health care services in Zambia. CHAZ is particularly engaged in many activities relating to HIV/AIDS which affects 15-20% of Zambia’s population. CHAZ has become a major player in the distribution of aid from the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB. |
Simon Mphuka’s funeral in Lusaka was attended by well over 1000 people from near and far: government representatives, medical colleagues, pastors, colleagues, parishioners, partners and patients all passed by to pay their final respect to this great man. Simon Mphuka was a strong Christian believer and had himself chosen the texts and the hymns for his funeral. His faith carried all participants – not least his wife an 3 teenage daughters – through a day of deep grief.
Simon Mphuka’s engagement will without doubt remain a lasting source of inspiration. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Uffe Gjerding
DanChurchAid Regional Coordinator
Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia
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