WCC NEWS: WCC consultation in Malawi promotes HIV treatment, prevention

The World Council of Churches (WCC), in partnership with UNAIDS and the University of Blantyre Synod, offered a two-day consultation in Malawi that underscored the importance of churches’ support for accurate information, de-stigmatization, and treatment for HIV.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC Date The consultation, held 12-14 August, aimed to stop the spread of misinformation about the treatment of HIV and AIDS.  Vice chancellor of the university and former WCC deputy general secretary Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri underscored the danger of the belief that faith alone can cure HIV and AIDS. “Misleading messages that suggest prayer alone can cure HIV have led some individuals to abandon their medication, resulting in some early deaths,” she said, adding that faith communities have a role to play in promoting health. Faith leaders, often deeply embedded within communities, can play a crucial role in supporting those living with HIV, she said.  "Faith leaders have a unique position to influence and educate their congregants about their responsibilities and matters of health,” she said.  Leaders from the Malawi Council of Churches spoke about the importance of heath, holistic healing, and adherence to HIV treatment. They also suggested ways in which faith communities can contribute to the fight against HIV. Rev. Dr Billy Gama, chairperson of the Malawi Council of Churches and a member of the WCC central committee, said that the training provided “actionable insights” and that it brought together various faith leaders, academics, and theologians to talk about treatment and holistic healing. Sheikh Amir Jaafar Kawinga underscored the importance of balancing spiritual and medical approaches to healing. He said that, while the Quran is regarded as a source of healing, it must be complemented by proper medical care. “According to the teachings of Islam, the Quran was sent as a healing,” he said. “But when it comes to curing physical ailments, it is essential that people seek appropriate medical treatment." He stressed the need for both natural and divine healing methods. "Islam advises us that there is natural healing and divine healing,” he said. “When we combine the two through prayer, it strengthens someone spiritually, mentally and physically, preparing them for perfect healing." The consultation, in a communique, affirmed that “HIV treatment is very effective, and it is a God-given gift” and underscored that any person living with HIV who takes the medication every day and achieves undetectable viral load, can no longer transmit HIV.” The consultation called on faith communities to be “a source of support for people living with HIV to stay adherent to their treatment” as spirituality, treatment, and medication are not in contradiction. The consultation emphasized the role of faith communities in promoting health and holistic healing. Participants were reminded that spreading misinformation about HIV and AIDS is illegal and punishable as indicated in Article 25 of HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Act of 2018. “We discourage the message of exclusive healing by faith alone, as it is misleading,” reads the communique. See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland