From the 21st to the 22nd of July 2024 faith leaders, faith-based organizations, and faith actors gathered for a two-day interfaith pre-conference themed “Sustaining Hope for All – Through 2030 and Beyond.” ahead of the International AIDS Conference which was scheduled to take place from 22-26 July at the Messe München in Germany.
The pre- conference was coordinated by the Interfaith Health Platform of the UNAIDS – PEPFAR Faith Initiative. Collaborating organizations included the World Council of Churches (WCC), Caritas International, the Africa Christian Health Association Platform, the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+), Islamic Relief, the Academic Consortium of the UNAIDS – PEPFAR Faith Initiative (Emory University, Atlanta and St Paul University, Limuru Kenya), UBtheCURE, HIV Vaccine Trials Network Faith Initiative, United States HIV/AIDS Faith Coalition, the Interfaith Health Platform, and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development.
As a passionate individual of faith, the INERELA+ Executive Director Munya Mandipaza together with others convened to discuss inclusivity, compassion, and support for all affected by the HIV epidemic. The aim of the pre- conference was to inspire lasting hope and resilience to ensure that efforts of faith communities prioritize the wellbeing of every individual impacted by HIV.
Discussions at the pre – conference focused on fostering a future where dignity and support for all are central thereby creating a response that is not only effective but deeply human-centred. This approach aims to build bridges among different religions and sectors for a more coordinated and impactful response. In her welcoming remarks, Christine Stegling, the Deputy Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Knowledge Branch at UNAIDS, praised the work of faith communities and committed to enhancing collaboration. She highlighted the historic role of faith-based communities in responding to HIV challenges by indicating that, “Faith communities were there before the programmes came to communities, and they will probably be there when the programmes leave.”
Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, the Director of Public Witness and Diakonia from World Council of Churches (WCC emphasized the importance of collaboration enhancement over competition in ensuring sustainability in the faith-based HIV response. He alluded that collaboration should extend beyond faith actors to include science, international agencies, medical institutions, and government and political entities. He asserted. His remarks were “Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”
INERELA+ through its Patron Canon Gideon Byamugisha and Rev Jide Macaulay the INERELA+ board member joined other panelists to engage in deep and challenging discussions, reaffirming their commitment to raising faith communities’ unique, credible, and consistent voices to address stigma and discrimination which is very crucial for the most at risk populations.
Rev. Dr Sande Bailey-Gwinn of Foundations for Living, USA, reminded participants that the HIV work of faith communities is not just a program but a ministry. She emphasized the need for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self-care among those doing this work.
Young people living with HIV acknowledged the efforts of faith communities to engage them but encouraged even greater support. They called for faith communities to allocate more space and resources to support their active and meaningful involvement in the life and work of the community but emphasized that this should be in a safe space where they are allowed to be human, vulnerable, and supported.
There was recommitment by people of faith to promote compassion and understanding, provide support and care, prevention, testing, treatment, advocating for inclusivity and non-discrimination, educating and raising awareness.