Faith Leaders' Role in Fighting HIV-AIDS Stressed

June 18, 2005

BANGALORE – Indian and international faith-based organizations and development organizations attending a conference here today recognized the important role faith leaders can play in the fight against HIV/AIDS in India.

The Inter-Faith Roundtable Consultation brought together dozens of faith-based organizations and leaders from throughout India to strengthen their commitment in the battle against HIV/AIDS. The meeting was sponsored by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and the Chennai-based Voluntary Health, Education and Rural Development Society (VHERDS).

Addressing the meet, Director of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in India George Deikun said: “Faith-based institutions and faith leaders can play an extremely important role in both prevention of HIV/AIDS and care of HIV/AIDS infected and affected persons.” There is almost infinite scope for enhanced engagement of the religious community in India, he said.

Building on the International Inter-faith Conference held in December 2004, this roundtable is the first in a series of regional consultations that will culminate in a second International Inter-Faith Conference planned in December 2005.

Remarking on India's diversity and the presence of the different religious institutions, Mr. Deikun noted that India has enormous resources that can play a crucial role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “In those countries which have successfully made a dent in HIV/AIDS, faith-based leaders have made a tremendous contribution,” he stated. He elaborated on the areas in which faith leaders can play a significant role including counseling, care and support, referral for treatment and reducing stigma.

India is one of more than 100 countries where the U.S. is providing assistance in combating HIV/AIDS. The U.S. government provided $30 million to help India battle HIV/AIDS in 2004. USAID, the Department of Health & Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Defense (DOD) have worked with India to provide increased access to HIV prevention services; increased access to community-based care and support; training for health workers in prevention, treatment, and care; and infrastructure improvements such as new generators and laboratory equipment.

USAID has a policy of encouraging faith based organizations and leaders in its activities.