Press Statement:World AIDS Day 2009

Religion's role in AIDS prevention

With increasingly shocking global statistics of 33.4 million people living with HIV, with some 2.7 million newly infected people with the virus and an estimated 2 million people who have died from AIDS related illnesses its clear that efforts made to protect the new generation is failing to halt the spread of this global killer.

The HIV/Aids crisis should therefore be a challenge to faith-based institutions that are the most effective and influential tools for humanity’s survival and control of this rampant virus which continues to destroy families and break down the economies of heavily affected areas. The advantage that religious institutions has over its denominations is far reaching with existing built-in infrastructure of leadership and fellowship and could be a tool through which increased spiritual awareness and consciousness of laws would contribute towards a successful strategy in the fight against Aids.

Religious teaching and consciousness also advocates the necessary empathy and understanding needed to offer Aids sufferers the respect and dignity during their recovery stages and during the final stages of their lives.  Islamic institutes should therefore increasingly build upon its moral teachings and values garnered over generations by strengthening the channels of communication and organization in order to have an increased influence over irresponsible and reckless sexual behavior which fuels and increases the spread of the HIV/Aids. 

While strict adherence to religious guidelines of sexual behavior and the increase in the use of condoms is not the only way to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids it certainly is one of the main factors which could seriously reduce the contraction of the virus and has proven to be a successful means of containing the virus in countries such as Senegal (1% adult population), Uganda and Kenya.

Senegal’s success at maintaining low overall prevalence has been attributed to the confluence of a number of factors, including strong political leadership, early involvement and leadership among religious leaders, conservative cultural norms regarding sexual practices, and a comprehensive strategic approach implemented early in the epidemic.

Religion has always played a significant role in the shaping of the vibrant tapestries of life in Africa. The culture and values of these diverse nations are rooted in various religious teachings across this giant continent. These beliefs offer its congregants the life saving disciplines needed to prevent and protect followers from infection of the global killer: HIV/Aids.