The role of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) and Faith Communities in addressing the HIV and AIDS pandemic is critical and churches and other FBOs have made a significant contribution in the struggle to make a difference in the lives of many. However a lot more remains to be done to stop rising infections and bring relief to those already infected and affected. Stigma and discrimination remain to be one of the biggest challenges to ensuring that people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) receive not only treatment and care but also compassion and everything it takes to enable them to live a full and dignified life. . Religions also play a major role in the way society relates to positive women and they will continue to play a significant role in ensuring that women, especially positive women’s human rights are respected and guaranteed. This meeting will affirm the contributions of faith-based organisations (FBOs) in the response to AIDS as well as highlight the continuing challenges they face in strengthening their responses to AIDS; discuss the impact of HIV and AIDS on women, and the interaction between religion and culture in the context of HIV and AIDS and share the many ways in which FBOs have helped women through comprehensive and integrated approaches to prevention, treatment, care and support programmes.

Speakers :

Rev. JP Heath , International Network of Religious Living with HIV and AIDS (INERELA+)

Annie Kaseketi , World Vision International
Sr. Felicia Matola , Kenya Education for Life Programme
Dr. Esther Mombo , Academic Dean of St. Paul’s United Theological College – moderator
Rev. Nymabura Njoroge , Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative on Africa (EHAIA)
Dr. Mercy Amba Oduyoye , Institute of Women in Religion and Culture
Rev. Phumzile Zondi Mabizela , African Network of Religious Living with HIV and AIDS (ANARELA+)

Guest :

Deborah Landey , UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director

Sponsors : Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA); World Council of Churches (WCC); Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA); World Vision International (WVI); MAP International; World Association for Christian Communicators (WACC); Norwegian Church Aid (NCA); African Network of Religious Living with HIV and AIDS (ANARELA); International Network of Religious Living with HIV and AIDS (INERELA); Kenya Network of Religious Living with HIV and AIDS (KENERELA); Kenya Network of Positive Teachers (KENEPOTE); All Africa Conference of Churches; National Council of Churches in Kenya; All Saints Cathedral; Care International - East and Central Africa; Kenya YWCA; World YWCA