News
What difference does dressing in black make?
On 26 July at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, there was a marked change in colour at the Interfaith Networking Zone. It was Thursday, and from morning prayers to the evening informal networking, the theme was “black”.
Video: "Building bridges: A word of prayer"
As the 2018 International AIDS Conference draws to a close, we look ahead to see what faith-based contributions may bring to a coordinated HIV response - working for increased access to HIV testing, treatment and care, promoting human rights, eliminating stigma and discrimination - and the building of bridges.
Faith groups challenged to overcome world’s HIV complacency
Every two years, the International AIDS Conference provides scientists with a venue to announce new discoveries in how HIV is diagnosed and treated. This year, the 23-27 July conference, held in Amsterdam, was no exception.
Working toward an AIDS-free generation
Faith-based organizations have been at the forefront of calls to accelerate HIV testing and treatment for children and adolescents. As gaps in infection and treatment between adults and children have become more apparent, there are now more concerted efforts to “super fast-track” services for children. But will they be enough?
Building bridges of faith in the HIV response
A symbolic bridge, carefully constructed over a two-day interfaith conference, connects an interfaith networking zone with a space shared with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS and Unitaid at the Global Village of the International AIDS Conference 2018. Beyond the symbolism, faith-based organizations have been demonstrating efforts at “overcoming barriers, building bridges,” the theme of this 22nd conference addressing the global response to HIV.
Building Bridges in the global HIV response
“Science is important. But social change is needed, and social change happens with faith–based organizations.”
Video: "Courageously challenging inaction with compassion"
At the 2018 International AIDS Conference, religious leaders and people of faith from a range of religions and traditions push for the importance of building bridges for a coordinated HIV response, between faiths, and between faith and other sectors.
Debunking myths and serving all: People on the move and HIV
We are a world on the move. While many seek new opportunities, the unprecedented levels of forced migration bring additional vulnerabilities to refugees and migrants, including risks related to HIV.
“We just need to work together” - Children, Adolescents and HIV
Faith-based leadership has been vital in pushing ambitious treatment targets for children living with HIV, but strong, collaborative action needs to be maintained. This was the call as the interfaith event “Faith Building Bridges”, convened by the WCC-EAA.
Building bridges between the HIV and TB responses
When Maureen Murenga’s son was diagnosed with tuberculosis, she discovered that TB was even more stigmatizing in her community than HIV. Both Maureen and her son are living with HIV, but it was when he was on treatment for TB that other parents removed their children from school to avoid contact with him, even though he was no longer infectious.
“The materials are us” - Faith building bridges in the HIV response
How faith groups and leaders can, should and are building bridges to more effectively eliminate AIDS as a public health threat is the focus of an interfaith event being held in Amsterdam, 21-22 July 2018.
WCC-EAA: “Join us as people of faith, at AIDS 2018”
The 2018 International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2018, is around the corner, and starting 21 July, the WCC-EAA will host and participate in a range of faith-based contributions to the conference.
Claiming Our Space at AIDS 2018
By participating in Faith Building Bridges and AIDS 2018 FBOs, faith leaders, and faith communities will serve as an example to others that it is possible for faith to guide how we make positive and meaningful responses to the HIV and AIDS epidemics.
Join us at "Faith Building Bridges "
It’s within the spirit of "building bridges" that Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and people of goodwill will gather in the city of over 1200 bridges on July 21-22, 2018 as Faith Building Bridges to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination, increase access to education and treatment, and defend the human rights of people who find themselves on the margins of society yet at the center of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Action alert: WCC-EAA invites workshop proposals for Faith Building Bridges, July 2018
The World Council of Churches 2018 menical Advocacy Alliance (WCC-EAA) invites workshop proposals for Faith Building Bridges, an interfaith pre-conference to the International AIDS Conference 2018.
Action Alert: WCC-EAA invites interfaith chaplains and young counsellors for AIDS 2018
The World Council of Churches - Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is inviting applications for interfaith chaplains and young counsellors to participate at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, July 2018.
Faith groups must act for children to “Super Fast Track” out of HIV, say experts
To help the world’s children become HIV-free, faith groups must help bring UN goals to life through strong advocacy, rapid action and unprecedented collaboration, say experts. Children must be helped onto a “Super Fast Track” to end AIDS or they will die at what Dr Stuart Kean describes as a “shocking” rate.
AIDS2016 pushes faith communities to respond to epidemic’s new challenges
The 2016 International AIDS Conference, which concluded July 22, had its normal dose of science speak, with seminars and workshops ranging from new vaccine trials to the testing of a vaginal ring that appears to dramatically lower the risk of HIV infection in women. Yet from the very first day, it was clear that science is only part of the solution, because AIDS is more than a simple virus.
Work is not done in HIV response
Thirty years into HIV response, will the energy and drive first experienced from the faith-based sector be replaced by fatigue and burnout?
Faith-based response to HIV must be inclusive
A faith-based response to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS must be inclusive and just, said people in discussion at the Global Village at AIDS2016. “As people of faith, we need to respond to the needs of society and that response should never be governed by conditions that exclude,” said Manoj Kurian, coordinator of the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. “Our treatment of people should always be with great compassion.”
Star power shines light on AIDS epidemic
Prince Harry, Elton John, Charlize Theron, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Bill Gates – royalty, celebrities, religious leaders and philanthropists joined scientists, politicians, health workers, and activists – all of whom include people of faith – at the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban. At a time when “AIDS fatigue” deepens, affecting funding, awareness and capacity to respond, the stars help to put a media spotlight on the many challenges and injustices that remain.
Talking about sex and HIV across generations
The Faith Networking Zone at the 21st International AIDS Conference has become a hub for dialogue between young women and religious leaders talking together about sex, sexuality and HIV. “We ask you to address us on sexuality without condemnation or judgement. Please do not use scripture to judge us or moralise everything,” stated one young participant.
“Walk the talk” - Philippines churches put words into action for HIV response
Thirty-five years into the response to HIV and AIDS, it remains a disease that not only thrives on, but exploits the lines of exclusion and inequality in society. In the Philippines, where there has been an alarming increase in people testing positive for HIV, the country’s National Council of Churches recognized that more than words were needed. While dialogue and debate were important, they needed to translate into action, given the ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor in Filipino society, and a faith-based and societal milieu still dominated by a sex-negative theology.
“I’m scared,” UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe tells media at AIDS2016 briefing
Michel Sidibe has some reasons to be happy when it comes to HIV and AIDS response: the reduction in AIDS-related deaths, the huge numerical increase in the number of people on anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and the ever-increasing number of babies born HIV free. Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, spoke at the opening of AIDS2016. Despite all the strides made, Sidibe expressed a deep anxiety and fear.
Faith-based groups vow to create even more safe spaces for people living with HIV
“Prophet, people and a plan.” That’s what faith-based organizations (FBOs) need to ensure nobody living with HIV is left behind, said Jesse Milan, past board chair of the Black AIDS Institute. He was speaking as part of a panel group at the Faith on the Fast Track AIDS2016 Pre-Conference.
“Finish the race!” - Faith communities recommit to end HIV and AIDS
In a final session at the faith-based pre-conference on HIV and AIDS, faith communities re-committed themselves to ending HIV and AIDS, and to keeping up the pressure in the face of “AIDS fatigue.” In a stirring speech, Rev. Phumzile Mabizela, executive director of INERELA+ said, “We must continue in the fast lane. We cannot return to the slow lane or go slow in the fast lane.”
Children are being let down over HIV care
We are failing our children with HIV care was the stark message of a joint session of the interfaith and Catholic pre-conferences being held in Durban, South Africa in advance of AIDS 2016. Targets for childcare have been missed, medication is not suitable and we still need earlier infant diagnosis with half of infants infected dying within 24 months.
AIDS 2016: “Stigma kills more people than HIV”
More than 150 people attending the interfaith pre-conference, which opened on 16 July in Durban, heard urgent challenges to reduce stigma and discrimination; increase access to HIV services; and defend human rights as key elements of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Breaking the silence to end AIDS: addressing stigma, disparity and sex in the church
The United Nations has recognized that among the most important key players in ending AIDS by 2030 are faith based organizations (FBOs). One of the workshops at the ongoing Faith on the Fast Track pre-AIDs 2016 conference discussed at length ways of breaking the silence in order to end AIDS by 2030.
Faith participants address sugar daddy relationships and HIV transmission
Hashtag Downwithblessers reigned supreme at an AIDS2016 pre-conference workshop entitled: Sugar daddy relationship and HIV Transmission: Religion as a resource for social change.
Interfaith Pre-Conference programme available
The full programme is now available for the interfaith pre-conference, “Faith on the Fast Track: Reducing Stigma and Discrimination, Increasing Access, and Defending Human Rights – NOW!”.
Call for pre-conference workshop proposals
Submit a pre-conference workshop proposal that is focused on developing action plans for faith-based initiatives during the next five years.
Apply now for final spots in Chaplains Programme!
Final round of applications open for the Chaplains Programme.
Announcing the Global Organizing Committee
The GOC was appointed by the WCC-EAA International Reference Group in January 2016. The GOC plans the Interfaith Pre-Conference and sets the overall direction, priorities, policies and related planning for faith-based activities coordinated and supported by the WCC-EAA at AIDS 2016.
Local Organizing Committee with Lyn at the helm
The LHC was formed in 2015 and have helped enormously in the initial planning for AIDS 2016. WCC-EAA is very thankful for the members’ experienced input and service.
Action Alert: AIDS 2016 - Applications open for interfaith chaplains
The Interfaith Chaplains Programme and Interfaith Prayer Room will once again be offered at the 21st International AIDS Conference. Ten religious leaders from around the world will be selected to participate in the chaplains programme. Applications are now being accepted up to 31 January 2016. If you are interested, or would like more information, please download the application form (MS Word).
Wrap up from AIDS 2014
As researchers, activists and policy makers prepare to leave Melbourne at the conclusion of the 20th International AIDS Conference, they possess a new confidence that advances in treatment can mean an eventual end to the AIDS epidemic. Yet new testing mechanisms, antiretroviral medications, and government funding strategies alone won’t be enough to transform HIV infection from a global public health emergency to a manageable chronic disease. Religious leaders who came to Melbourne warn that making real the refrain of “nobody left behind” will also mean recognizing that faith-based groups must continue to play a major role in the comprehensive struggle against the virus.