Some 16 Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers were among 38 people UNMIS recently trained in HIV counseling and testing in the southern Sudanese city of Rumbek.

The 18-day workshop, on Voluntary and Confidential Counseling and Testing (VCCT). was conducted by UNMIS' HIV/AIDS unit. It aimed to help the SPLA meet a need for qualified counselors as VCCT centres are scaled up across Sudan. Currently, only 26 centres are operating in the region, two of which are in Rumbek.

Riak Awan, Assistant Governor of Lakes state, at closing ceremony
Photo credited to Dr. Basundhara Bharaty (HIV/AIDS Unit)

Other participants included two prison workers, two Sudanese police, two church leaders, 12 UNMIS staff, including eight Kenyan soldiers, and three officials from the Southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission.

The workshop provided basic knowledge on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV as well as counseling skills to help HIV positive people cope with their trauma. It also covered treatment and care of people living with HIV/AIDS.

"VCCT is a preventive strategy. If you have tested and know that you are not infected, you'll make every effort to remain safe," said Michael Munywoki, head of UNMIS' HIV/AIDS unit. He added that the training would help Sudan combat the rapid spread of the pandemic.

Participants practice counseling
Photo credited to Dr. Basundhara Bharaty (HIV/AIDS Unit)

During the closing ceremony, the Acting Governor of Lakes State promised that the local government FM radio would air public service messages to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.

The training course was funded by the UN Development Programme and coordinated by UNMIS' DDR section. The next VCCT training course for the SPLA will be held in Malakal in June 2007.

SPLA, police and Kenyan participants hold certificates
Photo credited to Wini Mutambuki, DDR Officer, Rumbek