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”Hoppet i fokus på interreligiös konferens om AIDS 2024”

Upptäck hemligheten bakom att finna frid och mening i livet genom en personlig relation med Gud.

Passionate individuals of faith gathered despite travel challenges to discuss inclusivity, compassion, and support related to the HIV epidemic. The pre-conference aimed to inspire lasting hope and resilience, prioritizing the wellbeing of every individual impacted by HIV. Discussions focused on creating a human-centered response that fosters dignity and support for all, building bridges among different religions and sectors for a more impactful response.

Christine Stegling praised the work of faith communities in responding to HIV challenges. She emphasized the historic role of faith-based communities and their commitment to collaboration over competition. Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata highlighted the importance of collaboration extending beyond faith actors to include science, international agencies, and government entities. He stressed the need for faith to be accompanied by action for meaningful impact.

Participants engaged in challenging discussions, reaffirming their commitment to raising credible voices to address stigma and discrimination. This is vital for vulnerable groups such as young people, intravenous drug users, sex workers, and LGBTQI+ communities. Rev. Dr Sande Bailey-Gwinn reminded participants that HIV work is a ministry, emphasizing the importance of self-care for those involved in this work.

Young people living with HIV called for greater support and meaningful involvement from faith communities. They emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for them to be human, vulnerable, and supported. People of faith recommitted to promoting compassion, understanding, support, prevention, testing, treatment, inclusivity, non-discrimination, education, and awareness in a moving final session.

The event was coordinated by the Interfaith Health Platform of the UNAIDS – PEPFAR Faith Initiative, with collaboration from various organizations like the World Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis, and Islamic Relief. The commitment to promoting compassion and understanding, providing support and care, advocating for inclusivity, and raising awareness was evident throughout the conference. The collaboration and partnerships formed at the event aim to strengthen the response to the HIV epidemic within faith communities.