Programmes developed during the nineties in Gambia had a measurable impact in reducing stigma, increasing Christian engagement in a predominantly Muslim country, improved quality and length of life before the absence of ARVs, and emerging signs of an impact in HIV prevention.  Programme was well integrated into the Gambian Government’s HIV services.

 

Criteria 2. Empowers others in integrated community responses

Gisela’s work has been focused on developing community based responses that are integrated with government, church, hospital, training institutions, etc. Has an emphasis on building capacity by getting all stakeholders (e.g. churches, hospitals, families) to work to their strengths in addressing HIV.

 

Criteria 3. Facilitates church integration and participation in best practice models of care

Strong emphasis on church involvement and empowerment -  helping churches to identify the contribution that they can make to a coordinated response to HIV & AIDS, encouraging integrations of both churches and FBOs with Government health programmes

 

Criteria 4 Demonstrates excellence in full community involvement and empowerment of People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHA)

Strong emphasis on developing local ownership and leadership, and it is very often PWLHA and their families that have been at the forefront of this.

 

Criteria 5. Works, facilitates and advocates for gender equality in community participation and response to the epidemic

Gisela works very closely with women on the ground, and has being doing work in DRC in particular on helping churches to self identify gender roles and issues in general relation to health and to HIV in particular

 

Criteria 6 Links well with government and other actors in a comprehensive approach to the epidemic

This programme encourages integration of church and FBO services with wider government and civil society health systems and social engagement.

 

Criteria 7 Models creative and compassionate responses that inspire many to similarly enhance the dignity and human rights of people infected and affected by the epidemic.

The initial programme that ran for over a decade in Gambia was handed over to in other local leadership in 2004, and immediately there was interest in training people in the lessons learnt from Uganda.  This led to another two year project that is now locally led, and the new, wider ministry of extending this training to other nations and contexts.

 

Criteria 8 Does justice, loves kindness and walks humbly with God

Strong theological root to this work – it’s main emphasis is on living out the gospel in who you are, then in what you do, and finally in what you say.  It is based on a theology of salt and light, engaging even with corrupt systems to model God’s Kingdom in practice.  This is what Gisela has imparted to her staff, her partners on the ground, church leaders and FBOs.  It is about doing what you do the best you can to serve God where and when you are faithfully.