Combating HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination: USAID Director Emphasizes Role of Faith Leaders

January 07, 2006

CHENNAI -- George Deikun, USAID India Mission Director said here today that stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is of utmost concern because it results in secrecy and denial of HIV infection and becomes a catalyst for HIV transmission. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Second International Inter-Faith Conference on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS at the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. Religious leaders have a unique catalytic role to play in addressing stigma and discrimination within communities, he said.

“The conference provides a great opportunity for religious leaders to identify concrete ways to strengthen their response to HIV/AIDS prevention and to eradicate the stigma attached to people with HIV/AIDS,” Mr. Deikun said.

Messaging through prayer, liturgy and preaching are ways in which religious institutions can challenge the stigmatizing elements of society. Religious leaders should ensure the delivery of messages of love and care to people who are infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, he said.

Commenting on India’s diversity and presence of different religious faiths and institutions, Mr. Deikun said India has enormous and unparalleled resources that can play a crucial role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“In countries that have successfully mitigated the impact of HIV/AIDS, faith based leaders have made a tremendous contribution,” he stated. Creating awareness, counseling, care and support, referral for treatment and reducing stigma are the areas where faith leaders can play a significant role, he opined.

The US Government’s worldwide Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief encourages the involvement of faith based groups in the response to HIV/AIDS. The US Government HIV/AIDS program in India is supporting several organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, SHARAN, YWCA, World Vision, Salvation Army and St. Mary’s Hospital. The US Government also supported development of the HIV/AIDS policy of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI).

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