CCA HIV/AIDS Concerns

2011-12-15T15:29:00.002+08:00

CCA Member Churches and Councils Joined in Commemorating World AIDS Day on the theme “Getting to Zero” (Zero Discrimination, Zero New Infection and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths).

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) commemorated World AIDS Day on December 3, 2011 by launching the newly approved HIV Policy on “Creating Nurturing Communities of Care with People Living with HIV.” Many young people participated in the event. Young people of the Bohol Conference of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines will hold their Christian Youth Fellowship Christmas Koinonia in Bilar, Bohol on December 27-31, 2011 with HIV as one of the topic for their reflection and action, reported Rev. Judy B. Astudillo, one of the participants of the Building HIV Competent Churches held at the NCCP on September 14-16, 2011.

Mr. Jeirry Sumampow, Secretary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI) AIDS Committee informed that CCI commemorated World AIDS Day at the GPIB Anugerah Jakarta (member of CCI and member of CCA) in the Sunday worship on December 4, 2011. It was attended by 435 congregation member church. In the worship, they used special liturgy for World AIDS Day, and there were also a concert of the Children Choir. After worship they had Seminar on "Getting to Zero: Churches’ Role and Responsibility". The speaker were: Rev. Gomar Gultom (General Secretary of CCI), Dr. Abraham Simatupang (Medical doctor - member of CCI AIDS Committee), and Ms. Clara (Women living with HIV).

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) launched the campaign on Light a Lamp – Pledge for Rights. It is aimed at spotlighting a range of “Getting to Zero” Initiative. The Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of NCCI and The Rev. R Christopher Rajkumar, Executive Secretary of the Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation wrote that the objectives of the campaign are “to draw the National Ecumenical Movement’s attention to the denial of the rights of people living with HIV and vulnerable populations; mobilize support for the protection of the rights of PLHIV and affected by HIV and AIDS in order for them to get access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and to combat stigma and discrimination and misrepresentation of sexuality which is a gift of God.” Churches are invited to observe the Light a Lamp – Pledge for Rights Campaign in a way they think appropriate during the season of advent.

Activities suggested on December 1 were to create a virtual lamp a light through the social networking sites as their pledge of commitment for the rights of PLHIV+, to organize a Red Ribbon Flag hoisting and ceremony in front of their buildings. In addition, NCCI member churches are invited to symbolically light their church building on December 27, distribute Red Ribbons and encourage members to share them with fellow worshippers, light a lamp as a symbol of pledge and commitment at the altar, invite a person living with HIV/AIDS, and offer special prayers and sermon focused on the theme, “Getting to Zero.”

Individuals and communities were invited to lamp a light at 7pm in their own homes to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1st.

The Myanmar Council of Churches, Myanmar Interfaith Network on AIDS joined the activities of the seven networks of various Key Affected Populations for the candlelight ceremony on World AIDS Day on December 3. A continuation of the seminar on Building HIV Competent Churches was held in Yangon on December 7-8, 2011.

In Pattaya, participants of the Building HIV Competent Churches organized by the Christian Conference of Asia, The Glory Hut Foundation and Baan Jing Jia Foundation joined the rest of Pattaya AIDS Organization in marching on the streets of Pattaya that ended with a program at the Smart Student School in the evening of December 1, 2011.

The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry celebrated World AIDS Day and CAM’s 20th anniversary at the new CCT building on December 9 with worship, exhibits, and lunch for all participants. Pastor Pornsawan Khankaew of Adonai Church in Pattaya, Elder Prasert Dechaboon, Jutatip Dechaboon and Dr. Alphinus Kambodji sang during the service. It was attended by the top leadership of The Church of Christ in Thailand. Small flaglets were given to participants who planted them in a big heart at the altar to commemorate the lives of those PLHIV+ who have returned to the Creator. Souvenirs were given to all participants.

The St. John’s Cathedral (Anglican) HIV Education Center commemorated World AIDS Day with the following activities:

The Manager was invited by The Hong Kong AIDS Foundation at their 20th anniversary charity dinner at the Inter-Continental Hong Kong on 30 November and was interviewed by Standard Newspaper on Monday, 28 November 2011 and interviewed by Health TV, a new TV channel focusing on health related issues in China and Hong Kong SAR on November 30. A radio broadcast on World AIDS Day was aired. Oncert organized by the Red Ribbon Centre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Plaza C, TST.

Building HIV Competent Faith Communities and Interfaith Collaboration

2011-11-01T21:50:00.001+08:00

This October 2011 two countries held the seminar on Building HIV Competent Churches: Dhaka, Bangladesh facilitated by the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh, October 13-16 and in Siem Reap, Cambodia facilitated by the Kampuchean Christian Council, October 26-30.

In Cambodia, there was an active participation of interfaith communities in Cambodia and in Asia. The Salvation Centre Cambodia (SCC) provided the exposure visit to the work on HIV and AIDS. SCC is funded by EED and works through the network of Buddhist monks and nuns in the communities of Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh. The Cambodian HIV/AIDS Education and Care and the National AIDS Authority provided information on HIV and AIDS and the situation on the ground. The three organizations committed to support KCC’s education program among KCC member churches. Thirty pastors and lay people from different churches of KCC participated in the seminar. The different interfaith organizations in five countries of Asia (Thailand, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Korea) and the INERELA+ members gave reports on their activities. Two pastors (one woman and one man) living with HIV gave their testimonies and led in the Sunday prayers. Rev. Paddy Noble, a Maori theologian based in Phnom Penh gave the Biblico-Theological reflection focusing on the stories of Centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman. The Bible reflection is a helpful guide in dealing with difficult issues of key affected population and in reflecting on the healing ministry and how Jesus Christ responded to the sick.

In Dhaka, Rev. Dr. Wati Longchar provided the Biblico-Theological Reflection on deconstructing our understanding of God from one strong and mighty to a loving and compassionate God who journeys with people in their suffering. Ms. Keiko Butterworth who participated in the Yangon meeting provided an example of the work of the Catholic Churches in Myanmar in Building HIV Competent Churches. She used the methodology of role play in understanding the responses of people to HIV and AIDS. Dr. Martin Chowdhury provided information on HIV and AIDS. Thirty participants, mostly men attended the meeting in Dhaka. Rev. David Das organized the seminar in Dhaka.

Dr. Erlinda Senturias
CCA HIV and AIDS Consultant

Building HIV-competent Churches On-going

2011-09-20T16:53:00.000+08:00

CCA and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) held the second seminar on Building HIV Competent Churches in Asia at the Bishop La Verne D. Mercado Ecumenical Center on 14-16 September 2011. The seminar was participated by 28 people from different member churches of NCCP: Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, United Methodist Church, Lutheran Church of the Philippines, Iglesia Unida Ekyumenikal, and the Episcopal Church of the Philippines. The Metropolitan Community Church sent two representatives. Other organizations present were: Batis Aware, a service organization of women Migrant Workers, the Youth and the Board of Women’s Work of the United Methodist Church, the Women and Gender Commission of the Association of the Major Religious Superior of the Philippines, and Southern Christian College of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Rev. Fr. Rex R. Reyes, General Secretary of NCC Philippines and a member of the Presidium of the CCA delivered the first Biblico-Theological Reflection during the worship service. He began his reflection with the inspiring story of Pastor Ponsawan Khankaew who gave her testimony in the last worship during the CCA Executive Committee meeting on September 10, 2011.

He shared this reflection on the life of Pastor Ponsawan:

It was a powerful and moving testimony. Moving because it was a first person story – her life story. She told of her blindness and how one eye eventually gained sight. She talked of her isolation from her friends, from the hospital and above all her isolation from her own pastor and the members of her community. She was dismissed as a hopeless case, a sinner and her community talked about rituals and customs related to her impending death. She also told of how her love for her two sons and the apparent love of her sons for her carried her through the painful ordeal. It was powerful because her testimony is a challenge to the church and Christians about our notions of sin, mission and pastoral responsibility. There she was - well recovered singing of her faith in a Jesus who stood by her and healed her. There she was - opening up a ministry for people suffering the suffering she underwent by putting up the Adonai Church in Pattaya and the Glory Hut Foundation out of nothing but her indomitable spirit to minister to people isolated by others. There she was - receiving, without resentment, referrals from pastors who still think they have nothing to do with people living with HIV and AIDS. May she live much longer than the fifteen years she prayed for. There she was - singing of the victory that was hers in Jesus Christ and the joy of watching her two boys grow up in a hostile world. There is no other profound and genuine witness to the love of Jesus and His command to love than the testimony of our own lives.

This story was a fitting start of a seminar to build HIV Competent Church. In a rapid appraisal using the bench mark assessment tool for HIV Competent Church conducted by Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias, only the Metropolitan Community Church, a church of gay people in the Philippines showed elements of HIV Competency. Building HIV Competency among churches is an important step in a society where the HIV epidemic is characterized as low, slow but rising trend of infection by 25% between 2001-2009, as reported by UNAIDS in 2010.

More information on HIV and AIDS were given by Ms. Teresita “Bai” Bagasao, UNAIDS Country Coordinator. There are 7 new infections of HIV everyday and to date there are almost 8000 people with HIV. Pinoy Plus, an organization of people living with HIV+ (PLHIV) shared their experience of stigma and discrimination and isolation. They are advocating for greater access to services and making the government keep their promise. The good news of their advocacy is that PhilHealth, a government health insurance scheme has made a commitment to include PLHIV in a package that will pay for their medication and laboratory examinations beginning next year.

Two more interactive Biblico-theological Reflections were given by Lizette Tapia- Raquel, Cristy Framer Mella, Revelation Velunta and Glorilyn Ostoy, all professors of Union Theological Seminary, and by Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana, NCCP Program Secretary of Ecumenical Education and Nurture. Dr. Senturias gave an input on Building HIV Competent Churches and the Ecumenical and Interfaith challenges in creating safe spaces for HIV and Human Sexuality.

Participants shared that most of their churches do not deal with HIV and AIDS and appreciated the need to build their inner and outer competency and shared some insights on a policy on HIV and AIDS that church leader can act on. They also developed an action plan for the next steps. (with reports from Erlinda Senturias)

The ICAAP X Declaration 2011

2011-08-31T17:18:00.000+08:00

We the participants of the Interfaith pre conference to the ICAAP X 2011, hereby declare its unconditional support and conviction in the belief that Faith must be made more visible and active in the response to HIV and AIDS and to reverse the effects of this global pandemic.

For three decades now, HIV has continued to spread across all levels of our societies, creating stigma and discrimination that is fuelled by ignorance, injustice, denial and hate. All of these are against the teachings of our faiths. The members of the Interfaith Preconference have come together to challenge and overcome every iota of negativity associated with HIV and instead bring about a worldwide climate of positivity that will lead to Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS related deaths, and Zero Stigma & Discrimination.

Some of the methods to bring about these changes are as follows:-

Different faith leaders and other members have highly recommended using the holistic prevention strategy called SAVE (S-Safer Practices. A-Access to Treatment. V-Voluntary Counselling and Testing. E-Empowerment). We identified the need to be trained on using the SAVE toolkit and to applying the SAVE methodology in our respective countries and communities, so that HIV competent faith communities may be further expanded.

Members of the conference heard with great concern the vulnerabilities experienced by people from key populations in relation to HIV. This led to a greater determination in eradicating stigma & discrimination and creating safe spaces for education and awareness on sexuality and gender, with a commitment to continue dialogue with key populations, so that all challenges can be overcome and oppressive systems of power within and outside of religious communities would be challenged.

Faith based Advocacy, Networking and Support for Key affected and vulnerable populations (such as People living with HIV, MSM, People who use injecting drugs, Transgenders, Sex workers, Migrants, Human Trafficking, women, children and populations living below the poverty line) were confirmed by the participants of the Pre -conference and that all interfaith leaders would take this to the next level by involving local, national, regional and global decision makers.

Universal access to prevention, treatment care and support are also being influenced by unjust trade agreements. Life saving medication and diagnostic procedures should not be at the mercy of pharmaceutical companies particularly in the knowledge that Anti-retro virals(ARVs) are effective in preventing HIV transmission. Intellectual property rights regimes need to address the survival needs of people who are affected and infected by life threatening diseases.

We the members pledge spiritual support and action based on the belief that love, compassion, forgiveness and mercy cannot be separated from people living with HIV. The challenges arising out of HIV need to be addressed not with anger, violence and hate, but with a deep faith and a deeper love. We agree to share our experiences, approaches and expertise to reach the common goal of Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS related deaths, and Zero Stigma & Discrimination.

Free Space Process Strategy Caucus in Amsterdam

2011-08-17T17:21:00.006+08:00

Dr. Erlinda Senturias, CCA Consultant for HIV and AIDS, participated in the Free Space Process Strategy Caucus, organized and supported by the International Civil Society Support at Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam on 21-22 July 2011. She was requested by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) to represent the regional network. CCA is a member of the EAA.

The participants discussed the Strategic Investment Framework and the Theory of Change, and agreed on the following:

The participants support the principles that underpin the strategic Investment Framework. These include:
• the need for more strategic investments in the HIV/AIDS response that move away from a commodity approach;
• the need for a fully integrated and comprehensive approach that recognizes the (scaled up) role of civil society and community mobilization in all response areas: basic programme activities, critical enablers and synergies with development sectors;
• the need for strategic investments that focus on “funding the right thing”, which means country specific and evidence-based interventions and activities;
• the need for increased investments (front loading) in order to fundamentally change the course of the epidemic, both in terms of infections prevented as well as AIDS deaths averted.
Participants however expressed concern regarding the potential flaws and/or gaps in the community and civil society components of the framework, including the assumptions in costing models that have been used.
Participants therefore call on Bernhard Schwartländer as head of the Investment Framework Study Group, for a meeting that would look into the concerns expressed in relation to the assumptions and costing models used. The aim of this meeting would be to establish full understanding of the assumptions, costing and other modelling that underpins the framework and to agree on an improved next iteration of the framework if deemed appropriate. Alvaro Bermejo, David Barr and Mat Southwell will prepare a request to this end with support of ICSS.
Participants will express their support for the principles as well as the need for additional work on the framework to UNAIDS (Michel Sidibe) and will call for his leadership in moving this forward. This message will include a request to UNAIDS to financially facilitate the follow up meeting between Study Group and representatives from civil society.
The outcomes of this meeting will determine to which extend participants can fully endorse a next (improved) iteration of the strategic Investment Framework.

(with news from Erlinda Senturias)

CCA HIV and AIDS Report for July-December 2009

2009-12-07T12:20:00.000+08:00

Dear colleagues,

Sawasdee kaa.

Here is my 6 month-report which will be integrated as part of the Office of the General Secretary. It has been a privilege to work with member churches and council and to accompany AINA in this period.

May we all experience the joy of having Christ in our lives.

Cordially,

Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias

Consultant on HIV and AIDS

Christian Conference of Asia

Testimony during the CCA Bali Meeting

2009-08-28T22:07:00.001+08:00

Good morning everyone, my name is Jutatip Dechaboon and you can call me 'Ann' for short. Thank you the organizer of this workshop for giving me a chance to share my personal experience with the Church of Christ in Thailand, AIDS Ministry as you may know in the short name 'CAM'.

In 2002, I knew my HIV positive status at the same time when I got to know 'CAM'. I had been involved in 'Saraphi Flower group' which is a network of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) at the district level in Chiangmai province.

Since my background was in computer graphic designing, I could use my skills in helping the network in their activities. I started with the 1^st Mini-marathon for World AIDS Day in 2002; it was my first involvement in this network and partners including CAM.

At the same time, I also worked with the New Life Friend Centre, a centre which provided care and treatment services to PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV. Through working with them, I heard many people talking about Ajaarn Sanan or Rev. Sanan Wutti from CAM. They said that Rev. Sanan is a very good man, very kind, very supportive and someone who had dedicated his life to help People Living with HIV.

As I was living in the old faith at that time, I never heard about Christianity or Jesus. So I felt it unbelievable that there was a man who could do everything for others even dedicating his personal life. I heard he would woke up during bed time when he got a phone-call and would run out to see people who were very sick and needed emergency help even though those people were not his relatives. So I thought what I heard was a half-truth and I didn't believe there will be any person willing to do many things for others unconditionally in this world.

Years after, I had a chance to re-marry with someone who was born in a Christian family. And this factor allowed me to hear more about Christianity and the love of Jesus. However, I still couldn't understand what God is and how His love is; and I still believed in myself.

During that period, I also attended church activities and worship with my new family. I still remember the first time I went to church; I was so impressed after seeing old ladies aged between 60-70, singing Christian songs so clearly and loudly.

During 2 years attending church, the ordinary words from sermons and lyrics of Christian life songs had touched my deep heart amazingly. Words from the Bible had changed my thoughts, my feelings and had healed my soul. I realized that what I thought about people always hurting me was not true, but it was me who allowed others to hurt me because of my own weaknesses.

Then I realized what I thought about Rev. Sanun and people from CAM, was wrong. I could see their love, their sincerity through their clear actions. And it inspired me to open my mind and my heart to the Christian faith. I decided to be baptized on November 14, 2004 by Rev. Sanan Wutti.

(Show photos and explain)

From that day till now, my spirit had been continually edified by observing Christian people around me. I observe and learn from them how to walk into this faith.

Especially, from Rev. Sanan, brothers and sisters from CAM, they definitely show me how Jesus' love is. I can see it from their works in the local community, the way they treat People Living with HIV, not as pathetic people but like their own relatives.

What Rev. Sanan and people of CAM have done is not only their work, but truly their serving.

Thank you very much.

Proceedings: Pre ICAAP Interfaith Forum and Skills Building Workshops

2009-08-28T16:05:00.001+08:00

Pre ICAAP Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshops

"Empowering People, Strengthening Networks"

Hotel Dhyana Pura Beach Resort, Jalan, Camplung Tanduk

Seminyak, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

August 6-9, 2009

Schedule of Activities

August 6 (Thursday)

0800 Arrival and Registration

1800 AINA, INTERNA and Local Organizing Committee Meeting

1830 Dinner

19.30 Registration continues

August 7 (Friday)

0700 Breakfast

0800 Registration

0900 First Session Opening Ceremony

Master of Ceremony Mohammad Abdus Sabur

AINA Committee Member

Interfaith Prayers Rev. Sanan Wutti

The Church of Christ in Thailand

Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi

Buddhist

Swami Pragyapad

Hindu

K H Abdlah Hasyim

Muslim

Opening Remarks Dr. Prawate Khid-arn

General Secretary

Christian Conference of Asia

Introduction/Recognition of Guest, Religious Leaders,

Organizers, Supporters, Speakers, Facilitators, Participants

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar

Welcome – Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, President

President

Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS

Opening of the Interfaith Meet

(by the sounding of the Gong)

Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar and

Prof. Dewa Nyoman Wirawan, MPH

Welcome Dance – Maha Borga Marga

Traditional Drums - Nahdlatul Ulama Dance Troupe

Greetings Prof. Dewa Nyoman Wirawan, MPH

Dr. Zahidul Huque

Ms. Geeta Sethi, UNAIDS

Dr. Manoj Kurian, World Council of Churches

Introduction of the Guest Speaker – Ms. Anggia Ermarini

General Secretary

INTERNA

Keynote Address – Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar

General Director of Religious Affairs

Indonesia

Words of Appreciation – Mohammad Abdus Sabur

Master of Ceremony

Group Photo

1030 Coffee/Tea Break

1100 Session 2: "Building Partnerships Among People Living with

HIV and AIDS and Faith-Based Organizations"

Moderators: Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Alih, AMAN

Ms. Geeta Sethi, UNAIDS

Speakers: Prof. Dr. Musdah Mulia

Ms. Shanti

Mr. Surachart Suchakam

Sr. Mercedes Placino, INAT

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, IICA

Ms. Anggia Ermarini, INTERNA

Ms. Sophie Dilmitis

1230 Lunch Break

1400 Session 3 – Faith Based Responses to HIV and AIDS

Moderators: Fr. Philip Kuruvilla

Speakers: Mr. Greg Manning, World Evangelical Alliance

Fr. Giovanni Contarin, Camillian Social Center

Muslim – KH Abdullah Hasyim

Hindu – Swami Pragyapad

Buddhist – Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi

1600 Tea/Coffee Break

1630 Skills Building Workshops

Building HIV-Competent Faith Based Organizations

Calle Almedal, Manoj Kurian

Vulnerability in HIV Epidemics

Greg Manning, Sophie Dilmitis, James Matarrazo

Collaboration, Rights-Based Advocacy and Campaigns

Thabo Sephuma, Bianca Marks

Working with People Living with HIV and AIDS

Mr. Peter Borges, Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Allih

With support of Ms. Anne Harmer

Addressing Stigma and Discrimination

Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sr. Mercedes Placino,

Rev. Sanan Wutti and Jutatip Dechaboon

Channels of Hope

Dr. Christopher Baskeran

1830 Dinner

1930 Formal Opening of All Pre-ICAAP Events

Steering Committee Meeting: AINA, INTERNA, LOC

August 8

0630 Breathing Exercises/Meditation

The Art of Living Foundation

0800 Breakfast

0900 Continuation of Skills Building Workshops

1200 Lunch Break

1400 Plenary Session

Moderators: Anggia Ermarini and Geeta Sethi

Rapporteurs of all Skills Building Workshops

1600 Tea/Coffee Break

1645 Book Launching

"A Handbook on HIV and AIDS: Guidelines for an Interfaith Response"

Statement of Purpose: Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias, Editor

Presentation of the Writers

Message: Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn

to be read by Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta

Distribution of the Handbook – Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon

1700 Introduction to the 9^th ICAAP – Dr. Alphinus Kambodji

1800 Closing Ceremony – c/o Sr. Mercedes Placino

Reading of Conference Statement

"Empowering People, Strengthening Networks: Interfaith Response"

18.30 Dinner and Cultural Evening

Courtesy of Hotel Dhyana Pura Beach Resort

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony started with an introduction of Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA), initiator of this interfaith event by the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Mohammad Abdus Sabur, Executive Director of the Asian Muslim Action Network and a Committee Member of AINA.

The Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS was founded in Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 7, 2005 with support from the Christian Conference of AINA. AINA is aimed at creating a common platform for action to work together to build caring communities, to address stigma and discrimination, to protect human rights of people living with HIV and AIDS, and to prevent the further spread of HIV. AINA believes in the greater involvement of people living with HIV and AIDS. The first pre ICAAP Interfaith Conference was in Colombo in August 2006.

The Interfaith prayers were given by Rev. Sanan Wutti (Christian) Director of The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry (CAM), Ms. Mitali Nandeshwar (Buddhist) working with sex workers through the Human Touch organization in Nagpur, India, Swami Pragyapad (Buddhist) of the Art of Living Foundation in India, K.H. Abdullah Hasyim (Muslim) of the Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia, and Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi (Buddhist Monk) from Myanmar.

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) gave the opening remarks.

Venerable Religious Leaders,

Distinguished Delegates

and Friends

(Sawaddee Krab)! Salamat Pagi! and Good morning everybody!

Let me first of all extend my warm greetings and sincerely welcome you all to the opening of the Pre-ICAAP Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshop "Empowering People, Strengthening Networks".

Our gathering this morning brings my good memory as we people form various religions and faith-based organizations came with the same spirit to be more meaningful citizen of the world.

This Conference becomes yet another milestone for faith-based communities. It has opened up space for wider interfaith cooperation among Buddhists, Christians, Muslim, and Hindu faiths to exchange ideas and experiences on this sensitive and significant issue of HIV and AIDS.

This year (2009) marks 28 years in international battle against HIV and AIDS. Over the last 28 years, we have seen encouraging responses from faith-based communities.

There is no doubt that the faith-based communities are providing a huge share of the services in response to HIV and AIDS.

HIV and AIDS is a critical test of our faith and commitment to sustainable community. We as faith based communities have been challenged by our faith and divine teaching to raise our voice against stigma and discrimination, to protect the dignity and basic rights of all those living with HIV and AIDS as well as to change social life styles and behavior that pose a risk to HIV and AIDS.

My appeal today is that "let the communities of faith speak out with clear, prophetic and moral voices, calling for an end to the suffering and death bred by this global pandemic."

There is a need to ensure sustained access to preventive and treatment services for all high-risk groups. The goal of prevention is best achieved through an ongoing process, open to change and flexible to adaptation.

To ensure ongoing usefulness of public health policies related to HIV prevention, we must learn to synthesize old knowledge with new, and, at the same time, utilize opportunities to choose new directions.

I am sure many have been done as I mentioned above. Still, many need to be done in the years ahead to prevent and control HIV virus spreading and to care for the infected people. We are competing running toward the goal – to help people free from HIV and AIDS, and sustain healthy life in the midst of AIDS crisis.

Friends,

The main objective of this conference is to take stock of the role played by religious communities, faith-based organizations and networks in the area of prevention, care, counseling and advocacy and their successes and failures. This conference will discuss challenges and adopt strategies for future course of action.

Only words will not help us in our fight against the pandemic. Now is the time for collective action to all of us

Let our dialogue and discussions help us strengthen faith-based coordination and cooperation to reach out to all faiths and may we continue to include people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

May God's peace be with you.

Thank you.

Recognition and Vote of Thanks

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, a medical doctor and a Hindu member of the AINA Committee recognized and expressed thanks to the contributions of all the guests, religious leaders, resource persons, organizers and supporters of he Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshops.

Chief Guest

Prof. Dr. Nasruddin Umar, General Director of Religious Ministry, Indonesia

Prof. Dewa Nyoman Wirawan, MPH, Co-Chair International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific

Religious Leaders

Hindu faith leaders – Swami Pragyapad (The Art of Living Foundation, India)

Buddhist faith – Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi (Myanmar)

Christian faith leaders – Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelicals

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia

Mr. Gregory Manning, representing the World Evangelical Alliance

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, representing the Malankara Syrian Orthodox

Rev. Sanan Wutti, representing the Protestant Churches

Fr. Giovanni Contarin, Roman Catholic Church

Rev. Gomar Gultom, Secretary on Diakonia, Communion of Churches of Indonesia

Rev.Dr. Erick Barus, Secretary on Marturia, Communion of Churches of Indonesia

Ms. Manju Baroi, CCA President

Ms. Elijah Fung, representing Rt. Rev. Thomas Soo Yee Po, Honorary Treasurer of CCA

Mr. Kingphet Thammavong, representing Rev. Dr. Khamphone Khounthapanya, President of CCA

Mr. Nefos Jaya Daely, PELKESI

Rev. Gomar Gultom, Diakonia, Communion of Churches in Indonesia

Rev. Tony Hutagalung, Huria Kristen Indonesia, Lutheran World Federation

Islam faith leaders – K.H. Abdulah Hasyim

Local Steering Committee in Indonesia

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Coordinator, United Evangelical Mission/INTERNA

Ms. Anggiah Ermarini, General Secretary, INTERNA

Mr. Samidjo, Programme Officer on Advocacy, UNFPA, Jakarta

Dr. Toha Muhaimin, MPH

Yahya Ma'shum

9^th ICAAP Coordination

(Links with the ICAAP)

Elis Widen, Congress Coordinator, 9^th ICAAP

Alautiah Miftahayati R, Community Forum Officer, 9^th ICAAP

Asia Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA) Committee

Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn, Chairperson, AINA – sends apologies

Members

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, Indian Interfaith Coalition on AIDS/Hindu

Mohammad Abdus Sabur, Asian Muslim Action Network

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, India

Sr. Mercedes "Karuna" Placino, Daughter of Charity

Ms. Usanee Nanasilp, Catholic Committee on HIV and AIDS

Office Secretary

Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon

Interfaith Network on AIDS in Thailand – Recipient of Global Fund Support

Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn, Chairperson

Rev. Sanan Wutti, The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry

Sr. Mercedes Karuna, Daughter of Charity

Mohammad Abdus Sabur, Asian Muslim Action Network

Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta/Buddhist Leadership Initiative

Ms. Jutatip Deechabon

India Interfaith Coalition on AIDS (IICA)

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar

Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA)

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, President

Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary

Sinta Gardiana

Meta

Ami Wayuhni

Supporters

Christian Conference of Asia

Ms. Manju Baroi, Member of Presidium, Bangladesh

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary

Dr. Erlinda Senturias, Consultant on HIV and AIDS

Dr. Liza Lamis, Communication Consultant

Ms. Dominica Faurillo – Ecumenical Formation, Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment Special Program in East Timor

Supported AINA Committee and participation of 37 participants

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Dr. Zahidul Huque, UNFPA Jakarta Office

Ms. Anne Harmer, Socio Cultural Technical Advisor, United Nations Population Fund, Regional Office in Bangkok

Mr. Samidjo, Program Adviser on Advocacy, United Nations Population Fund, Jakarta

Supported one full day of full board for 200 participants

United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS)

Ms. Geeta Sethi, Asia Pacific Leadership Forum, UNAIDS Regional Office in Bangkok

Recognition was also given for the support of Ms. Sally Smith and Ms. New New Aye

United Evangelical Mission

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Coordinator, Anti-AIDS Programme, United Evangelical Mission

Supported participation of 12 participants

Nadhlatal Ulama

Ms. Anggia Ermarini

Speakers

Prof. Dr. Siti Musdah Mulia, Research Professor of Sciences. 2009 Yap Thiam Hien Award for promoting women's rights and minority rights and International Woman of Courage Awarded from USA in 2007 for human rights, democracy and moderate Islam

Ms. Sophie Dilmitis, HIV and AIDS Coordinator, Young Women's Christian Women's Association

Ms. Shanti, Muslim

Mr. Surachart Suchakam, Thai Red Cross

Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary, INTERNA

Sr. Mercedes Placino, Daughter of Charity, INAT

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, IICA

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, IICA

Facilitators of Sessions and Workshops

Session on Building Partnerships between PLHIV+ and FBOs

Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Alih, Regional Programme Coordinator, Asian Muslim Women's Commission, HIV and AIDS Components, Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation

Ms. Geeta Sethi, APLF Manager, Regional Support Team, Asia and the Pacific, UNAIDS

Session on Faith-Based Responses on HIV

Mr. Greg Manning, World Evangelical Alliance

Rev. Fr. Giovanni Contarin

Muslim – K.H. Abdulah Hasyim

Buddhist – Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi

Hindu – Swami Prayapad

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, Facilitator

Workshop on Building HIV Competent Faith Based Organizations

Mr. Calle Almedal, Consultant, World Council of Churches HIV Competent Churches

Dr. Manoj Kurian, Executive Secretary for Health and Healing, World Council of Churches

Workshop on Vulnerability in HIV Epidemics

Mr. Gregory Manning, MICAH Network and Representative of World Evangelical Alliance

Ms. Sophie Dilmitis, World Young Women Christian Association

Rev. James Matarazzo, Positive Faith

Workshop on Interfaith Collaboration, Rights-Based Advocacy and Networking

Mr. Thabo Sephuma, HIV and AIDS Campaign Officer, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

Ms. Bianca Marks, Women's Campaign Coordinator, World AIDS Campaign

Workshop on Networking with People Living with HIV and AIDS

Mr. Peter Borges, Interim Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific, INERELA+

Zarah Kathleen Allih, AMAN (helped train Muslim Positive)

Ms. Anne Harmer, UNFPA provided assistance

Workshop on Addressing Stigma and Discrimination in Faith Based Organizations

Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta, Buddhist Leadership Initiative

Sr. Mercedes Placino, Daughter of Charity/AINA Committee Member to Accompany the Workshop

Rev. Sanan Wutti, The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Program

Workshop on Tourism and HIV and AIDS

Mr. Caesar D'Mello, Director, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism Foundation, Inc.

Fr. Giovanni Contarin

Mrs. Usanee Nanasilp, Catholic Committee on HIV and AIDS/AINA Committee Member to Accompany the Workshop

Workshop on Channels of Hope (Model of Christo Greyling, World Vision International)

Dr. Christopher Baskeran, World Vision India

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, President of the Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA) welcomed the participants to the land of 4S – Sun, Sand, Service, and Sex. He advocated for the reduction of stigma and discrimination, for the human family to develop solutions, share, learn in a new spirit, improve knowledge and skills, develop networking, work together and love from the heart to support People Living with HIV+ (PLHIV+).

To formally open the Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshops, the Chief Guest, Dr. Nassarudin Umar, General Director of Religious Affairs Indonesia and Prof Dewa Nyonan Wirawan, Co-Chair of the ICAAP sounded the gong.

The participants were welcomed in the Balinese way through a solo dance number from the Maha Borga Marga Foundation (MBM), a foundation of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali that works with PLHIV+ and key affected populations followed by the Traditional Drums and chanting prayers performed by the Nahdtadul Ulama Troupe.

Greetings were given by Prof. Dewa Nyonan Wirawan, Co-Chair of the ICAAP, Dr. Zahidul Huque of the UNFPA, Ms. Geeta Sethi, UNAIDS, and Dr. Manoj Kurian, World Council of Churches.

Prof. Dewa Nyonan Wirawan, Co Chair of the ICAAP welcomed the participants and acknowledge the critical challenge of HIV in Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) and encouraged the human rights approach to eliminate stigma and discrimination. He encouraged the participants to engage in inter and intra-faith dialogues, work on the spiritual orientation using religious values and responses to human suffering. FBOs offer unique contribution to the overall response to the HIV epidemic.

Dr. Zahidul Huque of UNFPA Indonesia Office emphasized that we are dealing with HIV as the virus that causes the disease of AIDS. Stigma and discrimination are not acceptable. God loves human beings and cares for the well-being and health of the population. The support of religious leaders – monks, ulama, priest is important such as in providing economic and social support to PLHIV+ and in fostering human understanding. He recognized the publication of "Handbook on HIV and AIDS: Guidelines for an Interfaith Response" which will be launched during the gathering as a very useful handbook for promoting common understanding among religious leaders on responding to HIV. UNFPA is also producing a book on Faith in HIV/AIDS, Islamic teachings and foundations of HIV prevention and care for people authored by Prof. Dr. Musdah Mulia.

Ms. Geeta Sethi, APLF Manager, Regional Support Team Asia and the Pacific of UNAIDS recognized that religion is a powerful force. People turn to religion when they are in trouble and unhappy. Some of the painful aspects of the epidemic are brought about by stigma and discrimination. Religion and faith has a unique role to find from within us the compassion and love. UNAIDS will take forward the ideas emanating from this gathering and the results of the skills building workshops.

Dr. Manoj Kurian, Executive Secretary for Health and Healing of the World Council of Churches emphasized that religion provides a framework that would guide society to put into practice respect and human dignity. The questions that everyone would face in the end are – "What have you spoken in your seminar?" What did you do to eliminate stigma and discrimination?" "What have you done with the church buildings and facilities when it is not used for prayers and worship?" "What did you do when people need me?" "How are the least of our brothers and sisters treated?" He challenged the participants to consider our lack of actions and listen to care for others, and learn from our failures. PLHIV+ are precious members of society. Let us bring the best in us – in our actions, prayers, liturgies – may we extend universal care and love for all especially to the vulnerable people in our society.

The Chief Guest of the conference was introduced by Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary of INTERNA. She said that in addition to being General Director of Religious Affairs in Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar is the Secretary General of the Surpreme Board of Nadhlatul Ulama, Rector of Koranic Studies, Zakat Advisory Board of Indonesia.

(We need to get the speech of Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar)

From what I recall, Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar cited that there are 75M sex workers, 5.1M are living with HIV in Asia and 376,000 new infections as of 2007 statistics. He challenged the religious leaders to enhance work to support the key affected populations (based on the report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia, the key affected populations are the sex workers and their paying male clients who practice unprotected sex and the monogamous and faithful wives and girlfriends who get infected, Injecting drug users sharing contaminated needles and syringes and those who practice unprotected sex between Men). There is a need to educate and provide guidelines and lead by example. He cited the importance of empowering people and strengthening networks. There is a need to increase networking with all stakeholders and to implement effective strategies to respond to the HIV epidemics. He is happy that there are seven community for a taking place before the actual ICAAP.

The word of appreciation to the Chief Guest of Honor was given by Mr. Mohammad Abdus Sabur.

Session: 2 "Building Partnership Among People Living with HIV and AIDS and Faith-Based Organizations.

Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Alih was the moderator of the session. In this session, there were three sets of presentations:

One was an opening presentation by Prof. Dr. Musdah Mulia and two testimonies from people living with HIV – Shanti and Jo. The second set was the sharing from the three interfaith organizations: Interfaith Network on AIDS in Thailand (INAT) by Sr. Mercedes Placino; Indian Interfaith Coalition on AIDS (IICA) shared presentation by Fr. Philip Kuruvilla and Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, and the Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA) presented by Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary of INTERNA. The third set was the presentation of Ms. Sophie Dilmitis from Zimbabwe but based in Geneva as HIV Coordinator of the World Young Women's Christian Association (World YWCA) and member of the International Community of People Living with HIV and the summary of the session given by Ms. Geeta Sethi of UNAIDS. In between the sessions, there was an open forum.

(We need the record of the presentation of speakers.)

From what I recall, Prof. Musdah Mulia talked about her research on women living with HIV. She cited three ways of transmission: 1) blood transfusion of contaminated blood, 2) transmission from husband who engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with other women, and 3) raped by boss in the workplace. What needs to be done: 1) Need advocacy for empowerment and support of women 2) End stigma 3) Need education to avoid behaviors that put people at risk, 4) Need to reconstruct culture and enhance the culture of love, 5) reform the public policy and law, 6) reinterpret religious teachings, 7) promote human rights and human dignity, 8) encourage religious leaders to stand in the forefront of PLHIV+ that they may have access to treatment and a friendly, loving and caring environment.

Shanti shared her testimony on how she acquired the virus and experienced discrimination even from her own family. Jo shared his testimony on how he was cared for by The Church of Christ in Thailand when he his CD4 was very low and he had opportunistic infections. He is now back to good health and is working with the Thai Red Cross on Anonymous Screening and giving counseling to those who are found positive.

Question was raised on how to reinterpret religious teachings. The response was for religious leaders to give right information on family and to exercise more honesty in relationship as well as doing preventive actions to stop the virus from spreading such as the use of condom when husband is infected. Religious leaders need to change attitude towards women who speak up and advocate for protection by labeling them as pro free sex

Sr. Mercedes Placino shared the formation of INAT, its involvement in the International AIDS Conference in Bangkok in 2004, the advocacy for "no new HIV infection" and the scaled- up responses in interfaith activities to support people living with HIV after INAT received a grant from the Global Fund that is currently managed by Norwegian Church Aid. They conduct home visits, home based care, capacity building for counselors, care of AIDS orphans and child watch to protect children from abuse.

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla shared through powerpoint presentation the formation of interfaith organization in

South Asia. Dr. Asavari Herwadkar shared the Hindu Caucus and other activities of IICA in partnership with PLHIV+.

Ms. Anggia Ermarini shared the activities of INTERNA, established in February 2007 and the Signing of the Religious leaders of the "Call of Action to Fight Against AIDS" in May 2007.

Women Leading Change

Bridging Partnerships Between People Living With HIV and AIDS and Interfaith Organisation

Sophie Dilmitis, World YWCA HIV and AIDS Coordinator

It is a great honor for me to participate in this panel on building partnerships between people living with HIV and interfaith organisations. I would like to start by thanking the conference organizers especially Erlinda Senturias who is coordinating this event.

I must confess that I do not know much about the Asia and the Pacific Region so I have been on a steep learning curve and an exciting one. For that reason this presentation is going to focus on my own personal perspective.

I have stood before many audiences and given similar presentations and sometimes I myself am tired of listening to what often feels like rhetoric. I only hope that when we all walk away from this interfaith pre conference that the AIDS response changes so that people living with HIV and people of faith work together. I am not pointing fingers at one – but speaking to all of us – including myself.

As a person who has been living with HIV for 15 years I know how important this topic is and as I come from the Young Women's Christian Association, which is a movement that has been around for over 150 years we have seen how support, acceptance and love can grow health, economies and leaders and how being alienated, afraid and alone is possibly the worst experience for many of us.

There are three things that I would like to cover in this presentation.

The first is the belief that many faith-based organisations have and I was reminded of this when I was reading the publication called HIV in Asia by Paula Clifford and I wanted to share a short sentence with you. I quote "We have a moral duty to offer care for positive people as well as prevention work" end quote. I would like to push the envelope a little more and whilst this moral obligation is great it also tips the scales and can make relationships unequal as then there is always the supporter and the supported. We need to put the facts and the truth on the table about risk and vulnerability to HIV and AIDS and move beyond a victimization consciousness. We need to move from moral obligation to meaningful partnerships – where a person who uses drugs can be spoken to as Jesus spoke with Zacchaeus (Zachaos), the tax collector, the Samaritan women, the leapers and all of those who were rejected by the 'pure' society. Jesus spoke with them as equals, without looking down on them. Please don't misunderstand me – I am not saying that all people of faith look down on people living with HIV or people who use drugs or sex workers but I do think that there is an element of sometimes wanting to reform and fix instead of recognizing the role that sex worker living with HIV have in prevention and supporting their rights. My husband and I recently went to a Tracy Chapman concert and a song she sang that was about her relationship with God touched me. She started the song by saying that many times we need saving from the very people who are trying to save us

Secondly, I would like to talk a little about the kind of partnership that we would like to have with interfaith organisations as PLHIV.

Equal partnerships bridge issues around morality as HIV is so much more than just a health issue but touches on assumed promiscuity, homosexuality, drug use and sex work.

We need to be open to talk about what needs to be said. We often hear about the important role that faith based organisations have in providing health worldwide and with so many who urgently need support this is so critical but what we still need is more religious leaders and interfaith organisations who boldly speak out against human rights violations, especially the sexual and reproductive health violations that so many women experience today. It is most often the people who have experienced these challenges first hand who stand alone and advocate for change. We want you to stand beside us and join us in our advocacy.

The third issues is reminding ourselves that human rights were founded on the very values that almost all people of faith uphold and yet many people of faith struggle to balance rights versus values. I am not talking about more contentious issues like abortion (a word we rarely speak yet that accounts for 13% of the 526 000 maternal deaths globally every year) I am talking about the human right to information and education. Often this in the context of sexuality education is ignored. Whilst we recognize that we are a faith based organization who is doing this work and that there are many we also recognize that this is still a huge gap and a bridge that needs to be built to meet the needs of all of us who are vulnerable.

As we move into this meeting I would like us to remember these points – as I will. None of us are above criticism and this is a great opportunity as we move forward to ICAAP and beyond that we start working together to achieve all universally agreed Human rights – especially for and in partnership with people living with HIV.

To conclude, I would like to make three recommendations that I made at the Ecumenical pre conference in Mexico, as I believe that today they are still relevant to this discussion.

1. We must work with people who have the lived experience and messages that we are trying to convey. A colleague of mine back at the World YWCA said that God gave us his only son so that he could experience through him and us, every day what it means to be human. As you address HIV remember the responsibilities we all have to provide correct and consistent information. If you are not comfortable doing this – bring someone in who can do this and who is comfortable addressing issues around sex and sexuality which are so closely linked to HIV and are central to our human nature.

The second is acceptance, empathy and understanding. As people of interfaith we do not always share similar ideas and respecting different opinions is critical. As a person living with HIV I need prevention messages to reflect my reality. Exclusion of any human right and evidence based prevention method should simply not be happening at this stage in the epidemic. This is contrary to the will of God and something I hope we will be held accountable for.

And last but not least religious leaders need to become well versed in the language and have well developed knowledge around HIV. Millions have died and millions continue to die. I cannot think of a better reason for religious leaders to speak out on these issues, WITH people living with HIV and provide accurate and comprehensive information.

The cost of not building these partnerships would be a failure that will shame the achievements of the last 25 years of AIDS and will mean that we have failed as part of God's own family and it is our duty not to let this happen.

I thank you for your attention.

Ms. Geeta Sethi gave her appreciation for the honest sharing of stories by the members of the panel. the sharing of the panel. She summed up the presentations by citing the need for strengthening our network among different sectors and more partnership building with those who have actual experience on HIV and bridging the gaps in human relationship using the human rights approach, founded on the values of our faith. There is a need to work and relate this partnership with messages on what it means to be human. There is a need to address the issues of women and what could lead to their empowerment amidst issues raised by the members of the panel, the need to address gender justice and the role of religious leaders in eliminating stigma and discrimination. There is a need to strengthen the network, train and empower faith leaders. Correct and consistent messages should be grounded on what is happening – on reality on the ground.

Session 3: Faith-Based Responses to HIV and AIDS

This afternoon session was chaired by Fr. Philip Kuruvilla. Each speaker from different traditions were given 15 minutes to present their responses. Mr. Greg Manning presented the response of the World Evangelical Alliance, which he represented in the meeting; Fr. Giovanni Contarin gave the Roman Catholic Response especially their experience in Thailand; Swami Pragyapad of the Art of Living Foundation gave the Hindu response, K. H. Abdulah Hasyim gave the Muslim response and Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi of Myanmar gave the Buddhist response.

Greg Manning shared the statement of the World Evangelical Alliance on HIV Call to Action:

HIV – A Call to Action

While we have not always acknowledged it, we recognise today that the Body of Christ, His Church, is living with HIV. With brokenness we admit that as Evangelical Christians we have allowed stigmatisation and discrimination to characterise our relationships with people living with HIV. We repent of these sinful attitudes and commit to ensuring that they are changed. We will follow Jesus' example and identify with those who are affected (Matthew 9:12-13) as we intercede fervently for one another (Romans 8:26).

We recognize that as the current generation of young people in our churches enters adulthood and becomes sexually active we have not always provided a clear, biblical framework of human sexuality and life skills for their guidance and nurture. We are cognizant that we have been insensitive to the inability of women, children and the most marginalised to exercise real choices and that in many areas of the world marriage and gender-based violence are risk factors for HIV transmission. We apologise for this failure and resolve to model and teach the essential value of human sexuality within the bounds of God-honouring lifestyles. We also commit ourselves to listen with understanding to our children, youth, women, and the most marginalised – especially people living with HIV – so that we can work together for a healthy and safe future which will enable all people to live in the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

The HIV pandemic has reminded us that the health of all communities is connected to the health of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our societies. We commit as leaders to equip ourselves and our congregations to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Since ours is the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) we will seek to live out incarnational faith working in partnership with the most marginalised and vulnerable to HIV infection.

As a community of Evangelical Christians we believe that all people regardless of belief, identity, gender, ethnicity or health are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Hence it is an essential element of our identity that we bear witness to the love of God for all people in word and deed, in private and in public. We therefore resolve to strengthen our theological reflection and practical action in our advocacy, respect for life and justice with dignity for all people. We realize that this resolution will profoundly challenge us as we deeply long to be a holy people who please God (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:8). We reaffirm that we all live in and by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2) and agapé love (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).

We commit to working in HIV prevention in partnership with others to halt and reverse the spread of HIV. In so doing we understand that there are many social drivers that contribute to HIV transmission and that no one group or organisation can do everything. We will therefore work alongside other sectors of society so that all people will know how to protect themselves from infection and have access to the services needed to do so.

We commit to playing our part in caring relationships – individually and corporately – working to mitigate the impact of HIV on individuals, families and communities and advocating for comprehensive HIV services in prevention, treatment, care and support. We will work towards universal access for these services for people living with HIV so that they become less vulnerable and are enabled to be meaningful contributors within the Church and society.

We commit to develop a comprehensive HIV strategy in collaboration with our member-networks, people living with HIV and other partners.

As a community of Evangelical Christians expressed globally, nationally and locally we will foster connections between parts of the Body of Christ. We will strive for practical solidarity and sacrificial giving among Christians – person-to-person, congregation-to-congregation, denomination-to-denomination, and country-to-country – in order that Jesus may be lifted up, the Father glorified and men and women brought into His saving grace through the life revolutionising power of the Gospel we preach (Romans 3:23-24; 6:23; Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:13).

Fr. Giovanni Contarin provided the Roman Catholic teaching and its application in the midst of the HIV epidemics. He emphasized faithful adherence to monogamous relationship and protection from those that could put people at risk. The Church needs to help prevent, treat, give care and support for people living with HIV. He cited the experience of the Camillian experience in the nineties.

We need the text of the religious leaders.

Skills Building Workshop

There are seven skills building workshops August 7 1630H-1730H and August 8 0900H-1200H in different rooms in Dhyana Pura Beach Resort.

Building HIV Competent Faith-Based Organizations

Dr. Manoj Kurian and Mr. Calle Almedal

(There is a list of ways by which FBOs could demonstrate their competencies in HIV distributed to the participants)

(We need notes from the Rapporteur)

Vulnerability (The Ability to be Wounded) in HIV Epidemics

Mr. Greg Manning and Ms. Sophie Dilmitis

(We need notes from the Rapporteur)

HIV and Vulnerability (Outline of the Workshop given before the start of the Pre-ICAAP)

Faith-based participation in HIV and AIDS prevention has invested heavily in education, raising awareness, and building knowledge about HIV and AIDS.

This participatory skills building session will cover challenging questions like – why is it difficult for individuals, organisations and communities to prevent new HIV infections, even when equipped with good knowledge about how HIV spreads, and how to prevent its transmission?

This workshop will develop an understanding or risk and vulnerability and clarify the difference, develop capacity to respond to vulnerability by hearing from people who are vulnerable to HIV infection and explore relationships between religion and belief and vulnerability.

The session will be in three parts

Introduce the concept of vulnerability, and explore vulnerability specifically in relation to women and girls
Build on the themes in part 1, focusing on vulnerability in HIV epidemics in Asia, including the identification of some faith-based tools for reducing vulnerability
Build confidence and communication skills to speak, listen and engage in dialogue about HIV and AIDS in both religious and multi-sectoral contexts.

Interfaith Responses on Stigma and Discrimination

INAT Team: Sr. Mercedes Placino, Rev. Sanan Wutti, Mr. Lawrence Maund

REDUCTION/ELIMINATION

OF STIGMA AND DISCRIMANTION

Sister Mercedes Karuna Placino, DC

1.Introduction:

2.Objectives:

2.1 To share experiences of faith-based organizations in the

reduction/elimination of stigma and discrimination in their

particular context.

2.2 To reflect on lessons learned and learn from the experience

so as to focus on the best practices that can be multiplied in

other settings.

2.3 To assess the challenges that emerged from the experiences

and to find appropriate response to those challenges.

2.4 To consider the best possible actions to go forward and

advance in the reduction/elimination of stigma and

discrimination, not only in each particular community but

also in the in community at large through connectiveness,

cooperation and collaborative actions.

3. The actors in effecting the above objectives:

3.1 PLWHA – is the most important actor in the

reduction/elimination of stigma and

discrimination. Since PLWHA is the most

affected, it is imperative that they own the

problem by accepting the reality of their

health status and live "normally" as much as

possible, participating in social economic,

political and spiritual life of the community.

Understanding human rights and its

corresponding responsibilities and act

accordingly enhanced human dignity,

promote and sustain self-confidence.

Avoiding self-discrimination and apparent

unconscious attempt to protect their identity

without realizing the limitations of that

thought. Living a healthy positive life that

attract collaboration and support from the

community.

3.2 Government at all level –

Ø 3.2.1 At the national level – by recognizing and owning the problem and making effective response through legislation, pro-life and holistic policies. It covers the prevention, treatment, care, support, space for advocacy, active and creative participation of PLWHA and the communities in the planning of programs, as well as adequate allocation of budget for the activities mentioned above.

Ø 3.2.2 Provincial and District levels-

The Implementor of policies made at the higher level and hold the

budget for the activities in their particular areas.

Ø 3.2.3 Sub-District - Tambon Administrative Organization

(TAO) the local government who carry out specific and concrete

task in combating AIDS.

Example: Provision of monthly financial support to persons who are living with AIDS, orphan children and those who takes care of orphans and vulnerable children. Education assistance through the provision of school materials and school lunch. Nursery and day care program for small children that cater to both HIV positive children and vulnerable children.

4. Civil Society-

The organization of Prachakom Tambon or Sub-District Committee on AIDS. Its primary role is to carry out awareness campaign and the education of the community regarding AIDS and the leaders and government personnel organization of support for persons living with HIV and AIDS and the affected families. Regular meetings were held with community and PLWHA at the with

with critical understanding and acts at the root cause of the problem. However, its main role is animation, education, formation and the promotion of life through its various activities that are based on the precepts of their particular belief, culture and traditions. Holistic approach and inclusive target group lessen the stigma and promote unity and solidarity in diversity. (Example BMT PHA Group) Many members of different sectors community level. These activities were carried out in collaboration of the community such as village heads, village leaders, health volunteers, spiritual leaders, and persons of influence, community leaders and school administrators.

5. The community - where the PLWHA are residing – Considering the influence of the local political leaders, it is important that they are part of the solution of the problems on AIDS. Allocation of funds and other services are distributed according to the needs of the people including those persons who are living with AIDS and those who are affected. For example: Assistance in the preparation of legal papers. Issuance recommendation documents for referral to agencies and services from facility-based centers and institutional services.

6. Non-Government Organizations (NGO) Phi Liang (guide) to the PLWHA Group. Provide technical assistance to group organization, group management, provide training on Human Rights, Project Cycle Management (PCM) Project Proposal Writing, techniques on monitoring and evaluation, connecting the PLWHA with funding agencies. Support and participate at advocacy activities and AIDS awareness campaign. Provision of short and long term assistance for development.

7. Faith-Based Organizations – by virtue of its mandate, faith-based organizations are the oldest and most stable agencies that provides spiritual, social and health services through its extensive network and resources. FBOs acknowledged the reality of HIV and AIDS PHA Support include persons and families who are non-HIV and AIDS.

8. Partner agencies – to some extent, partner agencies are indispensable agents of transformation and development. The current trend for development and advancement of people necessitated that the recipient bring with them at the negotiating table their needs, aspirations, feelings and the way they are going to implement the Project of activities in relation to their particular context. Therefore, it is imperative that short and long term financial assistance are gear toward the building of human capacity for self-determination and sufficiency.

4. Strategies

Strategies in working with people living with HIV and AIDS is limitless, but we have to choose what is more effective, participative and holistic so as to That provides avenues and expressions for a convergence of efforts and resources in most effective ways. In my own experience, I combined the Action –Reflection in Faith-Action (ARFA) with the method and principles of Social Work and Development: which is:

1) Environmental scan

2) Data analysis

3) Establish Priority

4) Prepare Project Proposal

5) Project Implementation

6) Monitoring/Periodic Assessment

7) Evaluation (may use SWOT or Evaluation-Based Objective, Impact Evaluation, Etc.)

8) Revision of the Project/Turn over or Closure

9) Start the Process All over again to make it more relevant to the needs of the time.

5. Lessons Learned:

Ø That, it is not easy to change attitude and behavior that are related to stigma and discriminations. One need to have a deeper understanding of culture, traditions and practices based on their belief that are variables in contributing to the stigmatization and discriminations of persons living with HIV and AIDS.

Ø Start where the PLWHA are, and build from their strength to enhance their capacity to respond and act with conviction on the reduction of stigma and discriminations.

Ø Critical understanding of laws, policies and the implications of human rights and its corresponding responsibilities challenged the PLWHA to disclose their health status so as to be able to work with a sustained sense of freedom and regained their role in society.

Ø People's and community organizing, counseling and other techniques of reaching the unreachable segments of society particularly those living with HIV and AIDS are effective means of neutralizing HIV and AIDS.

Ø Creative and non-threatening communication that includes: observation, expression of needs, expressions of feeling that leads to decision making are helpful in the reduction and elimination of stigma and discriminations.

Ø Healthy human relationship and respect for one another that draw its strength from the inner self that is positive, free from fear, can appreciate the value and meaning of life then, and it is only then, that stigma and discrimination will disappear from the earth.

7. The Way Forward, CD. AINA:

Thank you very much for your attention.

References:

- BMT and Pro-Life Initiatives Annual Report 1996-2008

Rev. Sanan Wutti and Mr. Lawrence Maund presented their strategies on August 8. (We need notes)

Channel of Hope

Christopher Baskeran, World Vision, India

(Video on Channel of Hope was presented. This model originated from Mr. Christo Greyling, World Vision International)

(We need the notes of rapporteur)

Working with People Living with HIV and AIDS

Peter Borges (INERELA+), Zarah Kathleen Alih (AMAN), and Anne Harmer (UNFPA)

This workshop group did a SWOT analysis of the situation

(We need the notes)

Tourism and HIV

Caesar D'Mello, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism

(Outline of the Workshop)

Prevention is crucial in checking the spread of HIV-AIDS!

As people of faith and goodwill, we instinctively respond to the suffering of human beings. It should be so given the faith based call to compassion and care.

Compassion and care are also served if we use our energies and resources – mental, financial, political - to help prevent an ill, especially one which is so destructive.

HIV-AIDS is a fact of life, and so is the suffering. Preventive strategies will help reduce the spread of the pandemic, ensuring that more people are free of its impact: stigma and social isolation, disrupted families and communities, pain and eventual death. It is not inevitable that societies must suffer from HIV –AIDS as long as they emphasise prevention within their communities.

HIV-AIDS is sourced from several directions, and one of these is tourism and the environment it engenders for the spread of the disease. And yet the link between the two is not explored to the extent that it should. And this is crucial given the universal presence of tourism which is one of the four largest industries in the world besides oil, arms and armaments, and pharmaceuticals. And it is the size of the industry, and the potential for tourist income, that render both the industry and governments unwilling to face up to the link between tourism and HIV-AIDS. And so there is a strange disconnect: on the hand governments may consider allocating huge amounts of resources to the treatment of HIV_AIDS (effect), but on the other hand want tourism (a causative factor) to grow unchecked

The Workshop

Within the constraints of time, the Workshop will focus on these elements:

The link between Tourism and HIV-AIDS
Policy recommendations for the tourism industry, governments, faiths, and other relevant stakeholders
Inter-faith perspectives
Campaigning for better preventive policies in light of faith perspectives
Networking and alliance-building

The leadership of the Workshop

The Workshop was led by ECOT Director, Mr. Caesar D'Mello in collaboration with Fr Giovanni Contarin and Ms Usanee Nanasilp. The Workshop will enable participants to share their experience and expertise to enrich the discussions and outcomes for all.

caesar@ecotonline.org

Session Summary Report

DATE

TIME

SESSION 3

NAME OF PRESENTER

07/08/09

15.55

Faith Based Response to HIV/AIDS

Sayardaw U Tay Zadipati

Shwe Chin Thae (Golden Lion) CBO

Sagaing Division

Myanmar

Summary Note

Care & Support Programs

• Advocacy: local authorities & other implementing partners

• Linking with public health system for Clinical care & support:

- treatment of O.I at 4 clinics

- provision of hospital support cost

• Home visit: assessment & pyschosocial support to the patients & family members.

• Voluntary Confidential Counseling & Testing (VCCT): pre-test counseling, referral for blood testing, post test counseling

• Nutritional support: 3 main staple foods: rice, bean, oil.

• Funeral support

• Gathering meeting: hold quarterly

- experience sharing

- awareness raising

- games

• Exchange visit among other partners in other areas.

Other Community Active

• Organising of blood donor group

• Library

• Free Tuition for Formal Education

• Buddha's Philosophy Training

Name of Rapporteur : (MBM Team)

Putu Oka Yudhana
Pipit Purwadi
Desmi Togatorop

SESSION SUMMARY REPORT

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

09.00

Session :

Skills building Workshop – continuation of 7^th program

Summary Note

•

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

13.30

Session :

Plenary Session

Summary Note

VULNERABILITY – the ability to be wounded

Faith-based participation in HIV prevention invest heavily in education, raising awareness, and building knowledge about HIV and AIDS.

Even when equipped with good knowledge about how HIV spreads, and how to prevent its transmission, there are many things which make it difficult for individuals and communities to prevent new HIV infections.

Information about HIV is not enough to equip religious communities to make communities safer to live in for people who are living with HIV or trying to prevent HIV infections and epidemics.

Women

Our discussion enabled a group of men to sustain an inquiry into the vulnerability of women to HIV infection, guided by a woman.

We looked at the broader issues why women and girls cannot protect themselves and why communities aren't protecting women and girls from HIV infection, and stigma, despite good knowledge.

Our discussion turned to drug use by women and girls in Asia. The design of services and strategies are prone to overlooking female drug users.

Labels

We considered whether religious groups identifying 'vulnerable groups by name help us to craft good responses to HIV, or do they stigmatise and keep HIV outside our communities of faith.

Our conclusion was that we need to keep looking of how HIV is spreading in our community. This year may be different from next year.

And that the people affected by HIV should be involved in the discussion.

We talked about men

How can our religious teachings help us to transform our understandings of masculinity. What is it to be a man. e.g. are you really a man?

In Asia MSM is an important element in the future of HIV and AIDS in the region. We must acknowledge this in our communication, but not as a block removed from us, but people we can talk to and listen to and understand.

Our discussion also reflected on our own meeting here.

We wondered how or whether women who are outraged by certain teaching of male religious leaders can influence male leadership.

We recognized in this interfaith gathering that people who are vulnerable to HIV infection and people who are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination are still vulnerable to problematic religious cultural practices:

· the tendency towards silence, when we differ,

· The unchallenged prevalence of blame that persists in religious discussion

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

15.30

Session :

Book Launching

"A Handbook on HIV and AIDS ; Guidelines for an Interfaith Response"

Phrakru Pipitsutatorn (AINA Chairperson)

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn

Dr. Manoj Kurian

Summary Note

•

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

16.00

Session :

Introduction to the 9^th ICAAP

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji

Summary Note

•

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

16.30

Session :

International AIDS Conference, Vienna Austria (2010)

Thabo Sephuma

Summary Note

•

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

16.45

Session :

Reading of Conference Statement

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar MD

Summary Note

•

DATE

TIME

SESSION

NAME OF PRESENTER

08/08/09

17.15

Session :

Closing Ceremony

Sr. Mercedes Placino, DC

Summary Note

•

In the afternoon session, the rapporteurs presented the outcome of their skills building sessions.

(notes are with local organizers)

Book Launching

A Handbook on HIV and AIDS: Guidelines for an Interfaith Response

Dr. Erlinda Senturias, Editor of the Handbook, presented the AINA Writing Committee: Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Allih, Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Sr. Mercedes Placino, Fr. Philip Kuruvilla,Mr. Lawrence Maund, Ms. Usanee Nanasilp, Mr. Abdus Sabur, Winai (Soleh) Sawehsiripol, Dr. Erlinda Senturias and Rev. Sanan Wutti.

The "Handbook on HIV and AIDS: Guidelines for an Interfaith Response" was launched.

Message from Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn, Chairperson of AINA

(read by Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta/Buddhist Leadership Initiative)

As faith communities we all recognize that the values of our religions compel us to respond to all kinds of human suffering. Our religious values provide a unique and distinctive contribution to the overall response to the AIDS pandemic drawing on the dignity sacredness, rights and responsibilities of individuals and communities, faith communities are committed to work to overcome HIV in an inclusive manner, mobilizing the human, spiritual, institutional and financial resources that our faith communities possess.

Actually faith communities have already been active in addressing all aspects of HIV and AIDS from raising awareness to providing treatment, care and support to those infected and affected. However, we still commit to ensure that the tremendous social assets and competencies of our faith communities are energized to engage religious leaders, build partnerships and mobilize communities. We believe that religious leaders can and must play a constructive role in the response to HIV and AIDS. However, it needs to educate and mobilize religious leaders to advocate, educate and lead by example in their respective faith communities.

Religious leaders at all levels must be equipped to provide accurate, evidence-based information on preventing the spread of the virus, while at the same time focusing on the values and teachings and our faith traditions that also contribute to reducing HIV infections.

This "Handbook on HIV and AIDS: Guidelines for an Interfaith Response" is the result of an effort of faith communities responding to HIV and AIDS. The first part of this handbook gives background to the interfaith response, space for interfaith interventions including faith values and motivation, faith-based interventions as well as interfaith experiences. The second part provides statistics on HIV and AIDS, learning about HIV and AIDS and their challenges, addressing stigma and discrimination, human rights and HIV and AIDS, comprehensive community-based intervention, advocacy, networking and sharing of resources, capacity building of human resources and program management.

On behalf of religious leaders, I would like to express my gratitude to all who have put their effort to complete this handbook. My special thank is, also, to all religious leaders, community leaders, and people living with HIV and AIDS for their active collaboration on HIV and AIDS interventions that produced constructive outcome and impact all over the world.

The books were distributed by Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon.

Copies of the book are available at the AINA Office – c/o The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry, 1/100 Rattanakosin Road. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000, Tel/fax+66 53 247460. Email ainaaisa@yahoo.com

It is also available at the Christian Conference of Asia PO Box 183 Chiang Mai, Muan Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand. Telephone: +66 53 243906/7 Fax: +66 53 247303. Email: ccagensec@cca.org.hk or linda.cca@gmail.com

Presentation of the Conference Statement, Discussion and Approval of the Interfaith Presentation

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar chaired the session. Dr. Manoj Kurian presented the draft statement for discussion. The final statement was read by Dr. Alphinus Kambodji to the Community Events Reporting in ICAAP on August 9, 2009.

Statement from Interfaith Forum to the 9^th ICAAP

Bali – August 7^th- 9^th, 2009

"Working together to empower people"

We, 160 men and women of faith, from 20 countries, with various roles and responsibilities in religious communities and organizations from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Shinto, met in Bali on the 7^th- 9^th August, 2009, to strengthen Faith-Based responses in meeting the challenges of HIV in Asia and the Pacific[1].

We are committed to united and coherent action among our varied faith communities to face up to HIV and AIDS in our region.

People living with HIV have reminded us during our meeting that our communities still need to know more about HIV and we are committed to delivering the necessary information and overcome indifference associated with ignorance and existing attitudes, which contribute to stigma and discrimination. We will continue to build our religious capacities to speak personally and in public about HIV without judgment and without increasing stigma.

We are committed to building on the provision of care and support and information and raising awareness in our communities. However we realize that this is not enough. It is not enough to equip people with information without making it possible for them to use the information to protect themselves and their communities. It is not enough to provide care, support and treatment for a select group of people without struggling for access to treatment for the many who are currently unsupported.

We asked ourselves:

How can we de-construct our cultures for the well-being of all?
How can we re-form our laws and public policy?
How can we interpret our religious teachings, which are clear about the unity of humanity and our inter-dependence and responsibility to each other so that we overcome destructive attitudes about 'them and us'.

In response to these questions:

We held sustained discussions about human rights and injustice and violence related to gender throughout our meeting.
We discussed the devastating impact of the criminalization of drug use, and lack of quality services for male and female drug users. We will join in and advocate for the review of laws, cultures, policies and regulations that facilitate the transmission of HIV, and exclude people who are living with HIV from the workplace and from access to health care.
We are confident we can change ourselves. We will listen to people from all walks of life and we will read and apply our sacred texts for the empowerment of communities. We are determined that our beliefs about overcoming stigma and discrimination will be reflected in our lives as individuals and as communities of faith.

We also began a regional discussion about HIV and tourism.

The value of sharing wisdom within this international, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-religious network is clear to us. We will strive to include more people in our networking, both within our own national borders and throughout our regional context.

ADDRESSING
STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION

SUMMARYPOINTS
address stigma and discrimination by:

Hearing the stories of PLWHAs, to dispel shame and blame

Welcoming and integrating PLWHAs in the community (love neighbors as one's self, offer our caring, loving and healing hands)

Helping PLWHAs regain their dignity through giving care, facilitating their economic empowerment

Recognizing and not denying the reality of HIV and Aids

Changing our language about HIV and Aids (victims to stakeholders, beneficiaries to partners)

Facilitating awareness building activities on HIV and Aids

v Community in general (on correct information on HIV and Aids)

v Young people (for best practices and life skills)

v Religious leaders (to talk about suffering and compassion)

Studying our sacred texts (Bible, Qur'an, etc.) and recovering our religious teachings (on suffering, compassion) to use as a framework in addressing stigma and discrimination

Challenging religious leaders to put their words into actions NOW. For example, by accompanying PLWHAs (to show a good example and to dispel wrong beliefs, and thus remove stigma and change attitudes)

Involving the community in developing a community-based response that is holistic, integrating prevention, care and support

Promoting open and participatory discussions on different issues (e.g. health issues) in the family, community, church

Faith Based Responses in HIV & AIDS

Presenter: Sayardaw U Tay Zadipati

Shwe Chin Thae (Golden Lion) CBO

Sagaing Division

Myanmar

Supported by International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Myanmar

Location

Cover Urban and rural areas in

Shwe Bo,

Sagaing Division

Care & Support Programs

• Advocacy: local authorities & other implementing partners

• Linking with public health system for Clinical care & support:

- treatment of O.I at 4 clinics

- provision of hospital support cost

• Home visit: assessment & pyschosocial support to the patients & family members.

• Voluntary Confidential Counseling & Testing (VCCT): pre-test counseling, referral for blood testing, post test counseling

• Nutritional support: 3 main staple foods: rice, bean, oil

• Funeral support

• Gathering meeting: hold quarterly

- experience sharing

- awareness raising

- games

• Exchange visit among other partners in other areas

• Income generation activities

• Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHG):

- meeting

- fund contribution of the members

- psychosocial support

Prevention Activities

• Awareness raising: Health talk

• Condom distribution

• IEC events: regular IEC distribution in the community

- World AIDS Day, Library Anniversary day, Pagoda Festival :

- Health talk

- IEC distribution

- contest (cartoon, poem, essay)

Orphan & Vulnerable Children Programs

• Child Development Centre: feeding program, Non-formal education, personal hygiene

• Awareness raising sessions: Children, family, care givers, community

• Home visit

• Life Skill training

• Painting: every Sunday

• Nutritional support: 3 main staple foods

• Education support

• Vocational training: hair cutting

Other Community Activities

• Organising of blood donor group

• Library

• Thank You
To contact Shwe Chin Thae:

• International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Myanmar
Programme Manager U Kyaw Thu

• Email: kyawthu@alliance.org.mm

•

• Free Tuition for Formal Education

• Buddha's Philosophy Training

Global Hindu Declaration

n Reaffirm our commitment to educate and mobilize Hindu priests and faith leaders to advocate and lead by example in the response to HIV / AIDS;

n Commit ourselves to ensure that the Hindu faith leadership at all levels is equipped with relevant information to help them guide the community to reduce HIV infections and fight stigma and discrimination;

n Recognise the need to incorporate HIV information in appropriate ways into our discourses, our rituals, our festivals, our religious education and training of future leaders of our faith;

n Pledge to work towards overcoming HIV in an inclusive manner and for this purpose, mobilize the human, spiritual, institutional and financial resources that our community possesses;

n Dedicate ourselves to safeguard the rights of Hindus living with HIV and ensure their complete inclusion in familial, social, economic and religious life;

n Commit to engage the Hindu communities in holding our governments and other international actors accountable for the commitments they have made to provide increased resources and to work towards universal access to treatment, prevention, care and support services;

n Affirm that the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, regardless of their HIV status, is an essential element of the Hindu faith;

n Commit to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by women, children and marginalised populations;

n Pledge to exhort pregnant women to access formal healthcare, HIV testing and qualified doctors so that their babies are born healthy and free of HIV, in recognition of the fact that HIV positive mothers can have children free from HIV;

n Commit ourselves to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by children affected by and living with HIV, to ensure their access to education, treatment, care, support and a loving environment;

n Pledge to advise people to protect themselves from the risk of HIV infection through contaminated blood by always using safe tested blood from authorised blood banks and never sharing injection syringes and needles;

n Resolve to utilise our places of worship, our educational and health facilities and our women and youth programs to provide the full range of prevention, treatment, care and support services in coordination with the government;

n Pledge to keep our promise to provide the leadership and resolve to overcome HIV and AIDS and bring hope and prosperity to all humanity;

n And in all these commitments, we seek strength, guidance and support from the divine.

[1] This conference was co-organized by AINA (Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS in Asia), Indonesian Interfaith Network on HIV/AIDS (INTERNA) and the Local Organizing Committee of ICAAP, in partnership with broad coalition of national, regional and international organizations.

Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS

2009-08-28T15:58:00.001+08:00

Statement from Interfaith Forum to the 9^th ICAAP

Bali – August 7^th- 9^th, 2009

"Working together to empower people"

We are committed to united and coherent action among our varied faith communities to face up to HIV and AIDS in our region.

We asked ourselves:

How can we de-construct our cultures for the well-being of all?
How can we re-form our laws and public policy?
How can we interpret our religious teachings, which are clear about the unity of humanity and our inter-dependence and responsibility to each other so that we overcome destructive attitudes about 'them and us'.

In response to these questions:

We held sustained discussions about human rights and injustice and violence related to gender throughout our meeting.
We discussed the devastating impact of the criminalization of drug use, and lack of quality services for male and female drug users. We will join in and advocate for the review of laws, cultures, policies and regulations that facilitate the transmission of HIV, and exclude people who are living with HIV from the workplace and from access to health care.
We are confident we can change ourselves. We will listen to people from all walks of life and we will read and apply our sacred texts for the empowerment of communities. We are determined that our beliefs about overcoming stigma and discrimination will be reflected in our lives as individuals and as communities of faith.

We also began a regional discussion about HIV and tourism.