WINDHOEK – The Catholic Women’s League of the St Boniface Catholic Church in Pioneers Park gave parcels containing groceries and toiletries to over 50 people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
The donation to these vulnerable community members took place in the Khomasdal constituency on Saturday.
The handover took place at the constituency office in Otjomuise. The constituency has one of the highest number of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, Juniuas Angula of the Constituency AIDS Coordinating Committee said at the donation.
Angula said most of those who received food are unemployed, thus making it difficult for them to take good care of their health.
“Healthy food these days is expensive and if we all put ourselves in the shoes of these people would we survive under such circumstances?” Angula queried.
Annemarie Wohler, the president of the Catholic Women’s League said the motivation in giving to the infected and affected stems from the biblical scripture in Romans 12 verse 13.
Wohler said “we want to practise what we preach.” She further encouraged the beneficiaries to stand up for themselves and their families.
“Go out and work, don’t feel sorry for yourselves. We hope the little bit (we gave you) will last, it comes from our hearts,” Wohler said.
Constituency Councillor of Khomasdal and Vice-Chairperson of the National Council, Margaret Mensah-Williams, encouraged the beneficiaries saying living with HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence, further commending them for their determination to live and their courage to come out openly regarding their HIV status.
“You are the cornerstones of this constituency,” she told them, urging them to keep strong.
She also urged society not to reject people living with HIV/AIDS.
“They are people, their immunity is what is infected not their humanity, there is nothing to be ashamed about,” Mensah-Williams said.
By Alvine Kapitako