Faith ‘a vital weapon’ in armory against HIV

Religious teachings play an important role in promoting HIV awareness and its prevention, say religious leaders in Myanmar.

“We also want to build mutual respect and understanding among various religions and build HIV-competent faith-based communities to reduce stigma and discrimination,” said Reverend Peter Joseph of the Myanmar Interfaith Network on Aids (MINA) that helped organized a forum in Yangon on Nov. 18.

“We all are working for HIV/AIDS patients among our own religious group,” another MINA member, U Hoosein Kadar, a Muslim, added. Kadar lauded the group’s achievements for the past year, saying they have obtained good networking and support.

However, he says that funding remains the group’s main challenge, and appeals to donors to help further their cause.

About 100 religious leaders along with heads of organizations working for HIV/AIDS and HIV patients participated in the forum that featured presentations from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim leaders according to their respective religious viewpoints.

A statement released during the meeting said the spread of HIV remains a key challenge as one of the biggest threats to human life in the country.

MINA was founded on Nov. 17, 2009 at the Myanmar Baptist Convention with 13 constituents made up of of those representing Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It conducts seminars and consultations, capacity-building for rehabilitations, along with other HIV/AIDS-concerned activities.

source:http://www.ucanews.com