Stepping up the role of faith-based organizations in the response to HIV can present new opportunities to save the lives of children living with HIV in western and central Africa, agreed the participants at a meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, on 14–16 June.
The Regional Consultation on Early Diagnosis and Treatment for HIV-Positive Children: Strengthening the Engagement of Faith-Based Organizations saw more than 100 representatives of faith-based organizations, governments and organizations of people living with HIV come together to discuss the role of faith-based organizations in the response to HIV. The participants, who were mainly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, agreed that churches, mosques, religious leaders and the health facilities they support are critical to ensuring that HIV among children is diagnosed and treated.
The participants developed plans to create demand for testing and treatment, as well as to support people living with HIV to stay in care. The participants also planned to build the capacity of faith-based service providers to deliver quality HIV services for children and discussed the strengthening of age-appropriate HIV and sexual health education in faith schools.
The event was organized by Caritas Internationalis, UNAIDS and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, with the support of Caritas Nigeria.
“Zimbabwe’s theme remains prevention, prevention, prevention as we close the tap on new HIV infections. Appropriately, the faith-based organizations are now fully at the centre of the HIV prevention agenda.”
David Parirenyatwa Minister of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
“If the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, UNAIDS and governments are prepared to invest in a conference like this one, it is because they believe faith-based organizations have a specific and important role to play in the HIV response.’’
John Onaiyekan Roman Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria
“We have to be connected—faith-based organizations with faith-based organizations, governments with governments—in order to deal with paediatric AIDS. After these consultations, now is the time to work.”
Amparo Maria Alonso Escobar Director, Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva, Caritas Nigeria
“This forum shows a desire to do things differently and explore new opportunities in addition to what already exists. Where is our humanity if we continue to allow children to be born with HIV?”
Sani Aliyu Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Nigeria
“I am excited to hear about the potential integration of pastoral care, clinical care and education: linking people living with HIV and their families to support systems in communities of faith. This provides a comprehensive continuum of care that not only helps get people tested and on treatment, but helps them to stay in care.”
Deborah Birx United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy
“We need faith-based organizations to help Fast-Track the response to HIV for children because they are closer to the communities than the rest of us.”
Luiz Loures UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director
