Adventist Theological Seminary Title: An Adventist Pilot Proj- ect to Reduce the Spread of HIV/ AIDS Among Young People in Umuahia Capital Territory of Abia State, Nigeria Name of researcher: Okorie

Human life and economic resources are wasted as the HIV/ AIDS pandemic destroys the fabric of society in Abia State, Nigeria. In the Umuahia Capital Territory, the spread of HIV/AIDS is growing at a terrifying rate; therefore, there is a compelling need to consider how HIV/AIDS has spread in the past, to discover the factors responsible for its rapid spread, and to develop and implement an Adventist pilot strategy for reducing its spread. Current literature was reviewed, including books, articles, and internet materials dealing with the HIV/AIDS situation in Abia State. These were studied in the context of the Umuahia Capital Territory in order to determine if the principles used in the HIV/ AIDS reduction approach could be contextualized to be used as a dependable analysis tool of the problem and also for the purpose of constructing a strategy. The descriptive modular strategy was chosen as the preferred approach to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic among young people in the Umuahia Capital Territory. This strategy was developed and partially implemented in April 2009 at three centers—the Seventh-day Adventist church in Umuoriehi, the Adventist church in Apumiri, Ubakala, and at the Mgbaja Ossa Community Hall in Umuahia. This was a pilot project and because of the favorable results the Adventist Church is willing to develop the strategy further in order to register a greater impact in the area. The analysis of the oral interviews and questionnaires has given direction for further development of similar projects in the future. Although the strategy was only partially implemented, there is great confidence and enthusiasm among the church membership who are convinced that a full implementation of the project can be realized by the end of December 2009. The lessons learned will be used in future revisions, revitalization, and adjustment of the strategy for better results. The early results indicated that by surveying the territory, the Adventist Church was able to become acquainted with the factors militating against the reduction of the spread of HIV/ AIDS and was then able to develop a well-structured strategy for future application. The modular strategy process also allows the Adventist Church to impact various regions and areas as the strategy is further