WCC NEWS: Faith communities in Democratic Republic of Congo address intersection of gender, mpox, HIV response

Under the facilitation of the Anglican University of Congo, in partnership with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and UNAIDS, from 14-18 October in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, diverse faith communities and community members including people living with HIV were mobilized to prevent mpox and strengthen HIV treatment adherence. File photo: Medicines, including antiretroviral drugs, before being administered to patients living in a hospice for AIDS patients and other terminally ill patients run by the Sisters of Charity in Port au Prince, Haiti. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 18 October 2024 Discussions centered on the intersections between HIV, gender, and mpox. Sexual and gender-based violence was also a thread of discussion. Participants also discussed treatment and the claim to exclusive faith healing. “We, the participants, are convinced by what was presented to us that HIV treatment is truly effective and that people living with HIV can live long and productive lives,” reads a communique from the participants. “Science, which is also a blessing from God, has proven that people living with HIV who take their medication every day and achieve an undetectable viral load can no longer transmit HIV.” The groups reiterated that sexual and gender-based violence remains a real obstacle to the response to HIV. “We are also aware that stigma and discrimination remain obstacles to an effective HIV response” reads the communique. “According to several testimonies, religious leaders have advised people living with HIV stop taking their medication and just pray to prove their faith in God.” Often, this type of message has had the sad consequence of making people living with HIV ill, resulting in death in some cases, notes the communique.  Participants also discussed the role that religious leaders can play in prevention, care, and psychological support related to mpox.  “We, the participants and religious leaders, are aware of the positive role we can play in the response to these diseases,” reads the communique. “Faith is part of holistic healing, but we discourage the message of exclusive faith healing.” The group also urged actions such as strengthening the capacities of religious leaders on HIV, as well as the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence; raising awareness of HIV and mpox; and providing psychological, economic, and compassionate support to those affected. “As gender-based violence is a factor in the spread of HIV, it must be denounced and combated by involving religious leaders as an integral part of their mission,” reads the communique.  Participant Dr Jilson Morisho said: ”The faith and science must work together, as medicine and prayer are part of the same healing. Religious communities have the responsibility to educate their members about epidemics and pandemics. We can prevent mpox through information, behaviour change, and equal access to vaccines and diagnostics."Q&A Mpox and the Role of Faith Communities Read the Q&A Mpox and the Role of Faith Communities WCC member churches in Democratic Republic of Congo 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland