Village first to receive HIV training

 HULA village, in Central, was the first rural area in the province to have received couples HIV counselling and testing (CHCT) – thanks to the International Education Agency (IEA) HIV training unit and NCD health services. 

The 24 participants who took up training included four nurses from the Hula United Church, two from Kalo, a neighbouring village, and the rest were youths and women’s fellowship and one from the men’s fellowship. 

The group was made up of people from different churches such as the Four Square and Salvation Army but the majority was from United Church. 

NCD health services HIV/AIDS coordinator Sister Manasseh Kelly said her team ran the training from Sept 30 to Oct 4. 

Kelly said a young participant testified that he had been a cause of violence in his community but after his participation in the training, he realised his potential to help his peers understand the forms of violence and to advocate against drug and alcohol. 

“I appreciate the help of my colleagues, health adviser Dr Garry Ou’u, and director of public health Dr Niko Wuatai for releasing me to carry out the training,” Kelly said.