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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 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 GjerdingDanChurchAid Regional CoordinatorLusaka, Zambia
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Children suffering from HIV/AIDS participate in an AIDS awareness rally in the northern Indian city of Chandigarh September 13, 2008. According to the latest UNAIDS fact sheet on India states, about ...
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