First a consultation, entitled “HIV and the Law,” was held on 19-20 August. Interfaith leaders and diverse communities discussed how HIV intersects with the law and regulatory system, sometimes creating conflict; however, love comes in the equation and changes the dynamic. Faith leaders who participated explored how love is the ultimate law, and that every person has human dignity because we are all created in the image of God. Participant Otim Oscar, who was born with HIV, said the consultation helped him recognize the work ahead. “What I take from that meeting is that we have good laws that protect the citizens of Uganda but we should also make the law better,” he said. HIV in the family Second, a consultation and training, entitled "Living with HIV in the family,” was held on 21-22 August. Participants learned about guidelines and resources developed by faith-based organizations on preventing mother-to-child transmission, and preventing paediatric and adolescent HIV. A panel discussion focused on experiences and best practices working with families living with HIV, as well as dealing with disclosure and stigma. Participants also explored the role of religious leaders and faith communities in responding to paediatric HIV. Participants identified main gaps in the response to HIV among children and adolescents living with HIV, including high levels of stigma and discrimination against children and adolescents living with HIV that hinder disclosure in families, clinics, and schools. Participants tried to explain the reasons behind this and other gaps, and design possible solutions that can be taken jointly by faith leaders and networks of people living with HIV. One participant, Rev. Florence Bukenya, a priest in the Anglican Church of Uganda, has lost friends and family members to HIV. “We’ve tried to encourage religious leaders in getting involved and in supporting young people,” said Bokinya. Youth as champions Third, an “HIV and Faith Youth Academy” was held on 23 August. “One gap in the movement is the scarcity of encounters between the experienced and older advocates living with HIV and the younger ones,” explained Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics. “The WCC aims to create this encounter and transfer key skills and knowledge to the younger, emerging leadership.” The academy created a safe space in which young people could discuss and design strategies. One young female participant who wished to remain anonymous said that the academy left her feeling that young people are not left behind. “I see other youths like me living a positive life,” she said. “l feel at home.” Another participant, Emojel Trevor, a youth leader living with HIV, said the sessions were valuable. “Faith leaders ought to recognize that they too have a role to play in the fight against HIV,” said Trevor. “The church should be bold to hold conversations on HIV incorporated in their messaging just to ensure their congregation members benefit from this information, leading to mindset change.” Trevor suggested that a lack of sufficient knowledge on HIV is a heavy encumbrance to the church with regard to distributing accurate information. “Faith leaders have requested a multi-sectoral approach to information sharing and capacity building of religious leaders to ensure they pass on accurate facts and information,” said Trevor. “HIV is far from over.” Trevor believes that peer-to-peer approaches are very effective. “The youth were engaged in an important training on how to write plans that can be submitted to funders or just for effective planning to ensure youth have the skills to plan effectively for themselves,” said Trevor. “In addition, a session to equip young people with the right approach to storytelling was held.” Trevor learned how to strategically use a story to influence change or action. “I was also made to practice and was given feedback on areas for improvement,” said Trevor. “This was particularly empowering because now I know that my story has the potential to bring about change if shared effectively and appropriately.” In each activity, leaders also discussed mpox prevention and awareness and adopted the use of face masks. | 
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