| Ahead of the International AIDS Conference from 22-26 July at the Messe München in Germany, faith leaders, faith-based organizations, and faith actors gathered for a two-day interfaith pre-conference themed “Sustaining Hope for All – Through 2030 and Beyond." |
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 | | Faith leaders at the interfaith pre-conference of the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich 2024. Photo: Lyn van Rooyen/IHP |
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Despite travel challenges due to the global IT crisis, passionate individuals of faith convened to discuss inclusivity, compassion, and support for all affected by the HIV epidemic. The pre-conference aimed to inspire lasting hope and resilience to ensure that efforts of faith communities extend beyond statistics to prioritize the wellbeing of every individual impacted by HIV. Discussions focused on fostering a future where dignity and support for all are central, creating a response that is not only effective but deeply human-centred. This approach aims to build bridges among different religions and sectors for a more coordinated and impactful response.
In her welcoming remarks, Christine Stegling, deputy executive director of the Policy, Advocacy, and Knowledge Branch at UNAIDS, praised the work of faith communities and committed to enhancing collaboration. She highlighted the historic role of faith-based communities in responding to HIV challenges, stating, “You were there before the programmes came to communities, and you will probably be there when the programmes leave.”
Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) director of Public Witness and Diakonia, participated virtually and emphasized the importance of collaboration over competition in ensuring sustainability in the faith-based HIV response. He stressed that this collaboration should extend beyond faith actors to include science, international agencies, the medical establishment, and government and political entities. He asserted, “Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in deep and challenging discussions, reaffirming their commitment to raising faith communities’ unique, credible, and consistent voices to address stigma and discrimination. This is particularly crucial for those most at risk, such as young people, intravenous drug users, sex workers, and LGBTQI+ communities.
Rev. Dr Sande Bailey-Gwinn of Foundations for Living, USA, reminded participants that the HIV work of faith communities is not just a program but a ministry. She emphasized the need for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self-care among those doing this work: “You’ve got to take care of me before me can take care of you.”
Young people living with HIV acknowledged the efforts of faith communities to engage them but encouraged even greater support. They called for faith communities to allocate more space and resources to support their active and meaningful involvement in the life and work of the community but emphasized that this should be in a safe space where they are allowed to be human, vulnerable, and supported.
In a moving final session, people of faith recommitted to promoting compassion and understanding, providing support and care, encouraging prevention, testing and treatment, advocating for inclusivity and non-discrimination, and educating and raising awareness.
The event was coordinated by the Interfaith Health Platform of the UNAIDS - PEPFAR Faith Initiative. Collaborating organizations included the World Council of Churches (WCC), Caritas Internationalis, the Africa Christian Health Association Platform, the Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS, Islamic Relief, the Academic Consortium of the UNAIDS – PEPFAR Faith Initiative (Emory University, Atlanta and St Paul University, Limuru Kenya), UBtheCURE, HIV Vaccine Trials Network Faith Initiative, United States HIV/AIDS Faith Coalition, the Interfaith Health Platform, and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development. |
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