A holistic pastoral approach to HIV/AIDS sufferers : reduction of stigmatisation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This thesis was written as a research project on A Holistic Pastoral Approach to HIV/AIDS Sufferers: Reduction of Stigmatisation in the Diocese of Mutare, Zimbabwe. The purpose of the research was to explore the connection between HIV/AIDS and stigmatisation, in order to develop a vision and a strategic policy and plan of action for the Diocese of Mutare, which can best assist sufferers to rediscover their own sense of dignity and worth, agency and empowerment. The structure and elements of a comprehensive pastoral approach was designed to take account of and bring together, suffering people, expressed experience, stated needs, and relevant research on the understanding of HIV-AIDS and on stigmatisation. Moreover, bringing these elements together into dialogue and interaction is necessary in order to develop a holistic and strategic vision and practice of pastoral care that embraces a person in their totality. The physical, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and environmental needs were key aspects of life identified as central to such a pastoral care vision and strategy; With such core components as healing, hospitality, compassion, empathy, peace and justice kept in view, and fundamentally, the subjective agency, capabilities and participation of sufferers in deliberation and decisions about their treatment and care, if stigmatisation is ever to be overcome.