Faith-Based Organisations and HIV/AIDS Care in Zamfara State: A Theological and Social Analysis

This study examines the role of faith-based organisations rooted in Christian theology in providing HIV/AIDS care and reducing stigma in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. While Zamfara is predominantly Muslim, a small number of Christian faith-based organisations operate health and community care facilities that serve populations across religious lines. Using a descriptive qualitative design, data are gathered through interviews with twelve programme coordinators from five faith-based health organisations, twenty community health workers, and forty persons living with HIV. Document reviews of programme reports and national HIV response frameworks are also incorporated. Findings indicate that faith-based organisations play a significant role in normalising testing, reducing treatment dropout, and providing psychosocial support, particularly in communities where government health services are under-resourced. Theological affirmations of human dignity and compassionate care are identified as key motivational frameworks for volunteer and staff engagement. However, the study also notes that theologically uninformed stigma persists within some faith communities and undermines the effectiveness of care programmes. The research recommends the development of HIV care theology training resources for church and mosque leaders across Zamfara State and calls for stronger integration of faith-based health services into the state health ministry framework. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, faith-based organisations, Zamfara State, stigma, health theology