Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

304 Abstracts WePpG2123-WePpG2126

XIV International AIDS Conference

negotiation power are needed to elaborate messages and images in order to
succeed without any restriction nor concession. To solve this obstacles is necessary to emphasize governmental responsibility. Results of the pre/post evaluation
showed a decrease of hostile attitudes toward condoms and the increase of it
use.
Recommendations: The experience recommends: establish HIV/AIDS as a Public Health problem, informed broadly the magnitude and evolution of the epidemic
and aware politicians.
Presenting author: Mabel Bianco, Parana 135, Piso 3ro. Dpto. 13,1017 Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: feim
@ciudad.com.ar
WePpG2123 Bridging policy and action of Churches on issues
of AIDS
M. Kurian, S. Kobia, S. Parry, T. Zarraga. World Council of Churches, World
Council of Churches, Box No. 2100, route de Ferney, Ch 1211, Geneva,
Switzerland
Issues: Analysis of Church policies in relation to AIDS and their practical impact
on society
Description: An analysis of policy and actions of the networks of churches related to the World Council of Churches (representing 342 churches in more than
120 countries) over a period of 15 years (1986 to 2001).
Lessons learned: The practitioners of the health and healing work in Church
and related organisation have had substantial input on appropriate societal responses to HIV/AIDS. The policies at the central level have been very clear. But
this has not been universally applied by the member churches of World Council of
Churches. The response of the leader ship of churches have been very variable
depending on the region and the denominations of the churches. There has been
insufficient mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS in all facets of church life. This has led the
World Council of Churches to focus on the following 1) to assist in the incorporation of HIV/AIDS in the curriculum of theological institutions. 2) to facilitate in the
value based educational processes in HIV/AIDS in schools and communities. 3)
to analyse and publicise the work and impact and the lack of if, of churches and
related organisations in the regions This is assisting the communities to lift up
best practices and promoting local and regional networking among stake holders
in the civil society. 4) strengthening advocacy work among churches both locally
and internationally. 5) to assist establishment of regional networks for implementing focused and measurable activities in communities.
Recommendations: (Outcome) The need to follow through the policies of
churches with practical impact of their actions in communities in relation to
HIV/AIDS on the various facets of community life.
Presenting author: Manoj Kurian, World Council of Churches, Box No. 2100,
route de Ferney, Ch 1211, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel.: [phone], E-mail: mku
@wcc-coe.org
WePpG2124 Mae Chan Monk movement on AIDS prevention
and care: The frontline of changing words to
action
S. Suphakitprayut1, S. Supawitkul2, B. Supawitkul3, Y. Chaiyos3, U. Pintatum3.
1Sankong Temple, Mae Chan Hospital, Sankong Temple, Mae Chan Hospital,
274 Moo-5, Phaholyothin Road, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand; 2Chiang Rai
Provincial Health Office, Chiang Ra, Thailand; 3Mae Chan Hospital, Chiang Rai,
Thailand
Issues: The action by religious members may play vital roles in leading community guidance to create supportive communities in confronting HIV/AIDS.
Description: Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand with the explosive HIV spread since the early 1990s. During 1988-2001, the official reported
AIDS cases, AIDS related deaths, and AIDS affected children among 1.2 million
populations, were 20,600, 5,287 and 3,287 cases respectively. Buddhism is the
major religion in the province with 1,002 temples and more than 2,000 monks. In
1991, an initiative training course for monk volunteers to work on AIDS prevention and care was implemented in Mae Chan District. They learned by visiting and
discussing with PWAs in the hospital and PWAs' houses. They guided the whole
community to response for the crisis. They formed a monk group and network
working on AIDS. They implemented teaching and awareness raising in every
religious rite, rotating counseling services and mental support for PWAs in the
hospital-homes-communities. Some monks who expertise in traditional medicine
provided basic medical care and health promotion by using herbs as an alternative and symptomatic treatment. They set up day care centers for PWAs in their
temples and provided economic support by occupational training, established revolving fund from religious donation by communities. For the 10 years implementation, the monks could build up Mae Chan District Monk AIDS Network, linked
communities to learn HIV/AIDS, providing care and support for PWAs, decreasing
stigma and discriminated environment so that PWAs and community members

can learn and live together.
Lessons learned: In resources-poor setting, religious institutions play vital roles
in community mobilization by translating religious philosophy and teaching to action. Community participation is essential in AIDS prevention and care to achieve
continuing, sustainable, and self-reliance of community in confronting HIV/AIDS.
Presenting author: Phrakhru Suphakitprayut, Sankong Temple, Mae Chan Hos
pital, 274 Moo-5, Phaholyothin Road, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand, Tel.: +66 53
667 402, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePpG2125 African forum of faith-based organizations in
reproductive health and HIV/AIDS: Facilitating
inter-faith dialogue and advocacy to inform
programme and policy responses to HIV/AIDS
challenges in sub-Saharan Africa
B. Sinqh, Z.S. Kavuma. InternationalFamily Health,International Family Health,
First Floor, Cityside House, 40 Adler Street, London El1 lEE, United Kingdom
Issues: The interwoven issues of religious doctrines, ethics, morality and the official positions of religious hierarchies, when juxtaposed with issues of sexuality,
gender inequities, reproductive health issues and access to services, are quite
diametrical. Religious health organizations(RHOs) are responsible for up to 50%
of health care in sub-Saharan Africa. Whilst RHOs have a wide reach, influence
and the capacity to mobilize communities to respond to HIV/AIDS, their responses
have lagged behind the challenges faced by communities and their policies shy
away from potential conflicts with theological constructs.
Description: International Family Health's experience of working with RHOs to
promote integrated sexual and reproductive health provided the impetus to establish an alliance of RHOs in Africa to influence the discourse on HIV/AIDS in
the context of religion, ethics and morality The aim is to inform programmatic and
policy change amongst religious hierarchies and RHOs through action research,
cross-fertilization, leadership development and advocacy. The Forum supports
champions of change within RHOs to influence the development of appropriate
HIV/AIDS services. The Forum now spans 8 African countries and 15 RHOs of
various faiths.
Lessons Learned: The Forum has created an opportunity for RHOs to collectively raise awareness and understanding of sensitive issues around HIV/AIDS,
so as to advocate for change. The partnerships have facilitated sharing of information, expertise and resources to strengthen the capacity of RHOs. The more
progressive ones have effectively influenced agenda setting in the more conservative ones.
Recommendations: To continue to build bridges with other RHOs and also secular organizations at national and international levels, to break the isolation of
RHOs and to further strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to HIV/AIDS,
within the context of their religious beliefs and practices.
Presenting author: Balwant Singh, International Family Health, First Floor, Cityside House, 40 Adler Street, London El1 EE, United Kingdom, Tel.: [phone]
9944 ext.233, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePpG2126 Empowering Religious Leaders through
Education, in the care of People Living with
HIV/AIDS
J.D. Downing, D.M. Douglas. Mildmay International, The Mildmay Centre, PO
Box 24985, Kampala, Uganda
Issues: The need for comprehensive HIV/AIDS Care in Uganda is evident with
over 1,100,000 people living with HIV (MoH 2001). This represents a challenge
for both health services and social support mechanisms. Within Uganda the
churches provide over 50% of Health Care and when ill, many people will see
their Religious Leader before they see a Health Care Professional. A recent survey conducted amongst religious leaders in Uganda highlighted a lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and care.
Description: In response to this and in recognising the key role of religious leaders in the care of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Mildmay set up a modular
training programme over 2 months, for Religious Leaders at its Centre in Uganda.
To date the programme has run twice with 48 participants, from 8 countries within
Southern and Eastern Africa. The programme aims to empower religious leaders to facilitate effective Holistic Care to PLWHA and to enable others through
training. As a result of the programme, projects have been developed by individual churches caring for PLWHA, attitudes amongst religious leaders have been
changed and local networking has been strengthened.
Lessons learned: There is a lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS within religious
organisations and a need for training for the religious leaders. Attitudes and barriers to care were addressed and once individuals came to an understanding of
some of the issues involved they were able to identify the key role they have in
the care of PLWHA and were keen to develop the services for their parishioners.
Religious leaders are a key resource for care of PLWHA and it is important to
empower them and encourage them in this.
Recommendations: That similar programmes are conducted in order to continue
to have an impact on the care given to PLWHA by religious leaders. Networking
within the institutions needs to be strengthened and the importance of training in
this area highlighted to religious organisations.
Presenting author: Julia Downing, The Mildmay Centre, PO Box 24985, Kam
pala, Uganda, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: juliadowning
@ hotmail.com