Proceedings: Pre ICAAP Interfaith Forum and Skills Building Workshops
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 9th 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
9th ICAAP Coordination
(Links with the ICAAP)
Elis Widen, Congress Coordinator, 9th ICAAP
Alautiah Miftahayati R, Community Forum Officer, 9th 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.
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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.
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 7th 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 9th 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 [email protected]
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: [email protected] or [email protected]
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 9th ICAAP
Bali – August 7th- 9th, 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 7th- 9th 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)
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: [email protected]
•
• 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.
