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

XIV International AIDS Conference

Abstracts WePeG7001-WePeG7006 329

Recommendations: Religious institutions should work hand in hand with the civil
society in the fight, care and prevention of HIVAIDS
Presenting author: Suzan Nakayiga, Nsambya Hospital, RO. Box 7146, Kampala, Uganda, Tel.: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeG7001 Government policy acknowledging and
supporting civil society organisations (CSO)
M.C. Carvalho, C.L. Camara. Ministry of Health, W3N SEPN 511, Bloco C,
70750-543, Brasilia -DF Brazil
Issues: The partnerships and close contacts made with the CSO have made it
possible for the national STD/AIDS programme to vary its response to the AIDS
epidemic. There are a variety of channels, ranging from support for the CSO
projects to participation in open discussion meetings such as the national commission on STD/AIDS, the national committee on anti-HIV Vaccines and a number of other groups which watch over government policies regarding the AIDS
question in Brazil.
Description: Since 1993, the policy of liaising with civil society has begun to occupy an important position in the responses to tle AIDS epidemic, especially as
regards prevention interventions. The Brazilian government has made over funds
to the CSOs - which in a counterpart endeavour have developed a whole range
of original and indispensable work concerning the epidemic, apart from being directly involved in the development of society more generally. During 1998-2001,
the CSOs provided support to 1681 projects overall.
Lessons learned: Following the guidelines laid down by the single health system (SUS), the programme decentralised the policy of support of the CSOs for
the larger Brazilian states, increasing local coverage by a number of projects
and reaching out to population groups such as PWA, MSM, sex professionals
and intravenous drug users. There has also been valuable support given to the
strengtherning of NGO/AIDS forums. These are state social networks and are
considered to be forum type spaces which provide an opportunity to redefine the
practice and performance of the CSOs. The forums also assist greatly in helping
to local contacts with the public sector and to reinforce the idea of social control.
Recommendations: In addition to enhancing support for CSOs with local resources, actions which place priority upon the north region of the country will be
taken forward. The north has to date shown a lower degree of local response,
whether by government or others.
Presenting author: Marta Carvalho, W3N SEPN 511, Bloco C, 70750-543,
Brasilia -DF, Brazil, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: martac
@aids.gov.br
WePeG7002 Churches' response to HIV/AIDS: a study of
Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia
S. Parry1, M. Kurian2. 1World Council of Churches, PO. Box 34, Headlands,
Zimbabwe; 2 World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland
Issues: Churches are an integral structural and credible part of communities in
Africa. Their involvement in health and education services and focus on social
needs affords considerable opportunity to combat HIV/AIDS. The World Council
of Churches, together with global ecumenical partners, initiated a mapping exercise of relevant activities, experiences and resources of sub-Saharan churches.
This paper focuses on three of the most seriously affected countries.
Description: The study involved consultations with policy makers and key
persons from most sectors of society to identify responses within the social,
economical, spiritual and political framework of each country. An analysis of
strengths/weaknesses gives insights into possibilities to strengthen the civil society response.
Lessons learned: Resources and political commitment are not the major factors
for success. Churches play significant roles in care but their overall effectiveness
in combating HIV is impeded by a common factor: stigma and discrimination.
These issues need addressing both within the professional church and society in
an open informed and compassionate manner. Lack of HIV/AIDS policy within the
church constrains vision and thus advocacy.
Recommendations: Eradicate stigma and discrimination: challenge paradigms
on sexuality and gender; bridge the gulf between culture/tradition and religion;
target youth; promote Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission; advocate on
inequalities, social injustices and access to medications; network and share 'best
practices.'
A global ecumenical consultation (Nairobi Nov. 2001) resulted in a plan of action
and commitment to address the above issues.
Presenting author: Susan Parry, P.O. Box 34, Headlands, Zimbabwe, Tel.: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]

WePeG7003 Adolescents/youth sex education and morality;
what works for the religious organizations?
M.M.E. Mugarura1, M.D.D. Dawson-Davis 2 1Anglican Church, The Balm In
Gilead, 130 W 42nd Street, NY 10036, New York, Uganda; 2Christian NGO, New
York, United States
Issues: - Misconception among religious organizations that sex education promotes immorality

- It is a taboo to talk about sex and sexuality in the church/mosque
- Adolescents/ Youth are innocent about issues of sexuality
- The HIV infection among adolescents and youth worldwide is mainly facilitated
by ignorance about issues of sex and sexuality
Description: - This presentation intends to highlight the importance of sex education among adolescents and youth
- Address the fear and barriers among religious organization on sex education to
adolescents and youth
- Provoke discussion among religious organizations on the importance of sex
education among young people
- Lobby for policies on sex education by religious organizations
Lessons Learned: - Sex education is not against religious morals but rather
supportive
- Young people who get exposed to sex education are helped to act responsibly
- Sex education empowers young people to take up positive options from an informed point of view as well as facilitating behavior change.
- Religious organizations are the best institutions to handle sex education among
young people
Recommendations: - Sex education should be mandatory in the designing of
all adolescent/youth HIV/AIDS programs
- Training for religious Leaders on handling sex education among adolescents/youth
- Sex education curricula and appropriate policies to be used by the religious
organizations should be developed
- More research on the place of sex education in HIV/AIDS prevention should be
encouraged
Presenting author: Evatt Mugarura, The Balm In Gilead, 130 W 42nd Street, NY
10036, New York, United States, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone],
E-mail: [email protected]
WePeG7004 Multi-religious advocacy on behalf of children
affected by AIDS
J.L. Cairns', B. Spadacini2. 1 World Conference on Religion and Peace, New
York,; 2, World Conference on Religion and Peace, 777 UN Plaza, New York,
NY 10017
Issues: This paper will address strategies that engage religious organizations
in advocacy efforts to address the rights and needs of children who have been
affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Description: The Hope for African Children Initiative has engaged religious leaders in a pan-African campaign to reduce stigma and promote particular concerns
of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the broader fight against the AIDS
pandemic. The focal event is an assembly of Africa's senior most religious leaders
that will take place in June 2002.
Lessons learned: Results from the assembly include a multi-religious declaration and a plan of action for an advocacy campaign to further engage Africa's
religious communities in combating the impact of HIV/AIDS on children. In addition, the presentation will also explore methods for facilitating multi-religious
collaboration to increase the engagement of religious leaders in reducing stigma,
improving OVC strategies in national AIDS policies, and expanding their communities' programs caring for OVCs. It will also report on the Assembly's efforts to
ensure greater participation of women religious leaders, including outcomes from
a leadership strategy and training workshop for religious women.
Recommendations: Next steps in implementing the assembly outcomes will include: a) Strategies for conducting national and local campaigns through religious
organizations in several African countries, including media strategies and communication and educational materials in a range of formats (video, radio, print,
and speeches). b) Discussion of how to improve documentation of work currently being done by religious organizations to increase exchange of best practices around effective OVC programs. c) Mechanisms for increasing partnerships
between religious organizations, other community-based organizations, NGOs,
government and international organizations to improve programs for Children affected by AIDS.
Presenting author: James Cairns, World Conference on Religion and Peace,
777 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, United States, Tel.: [phone], Fax:
[phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeG7006 Blood safety measures decreases the HIV
incidence amongst screened blood donors
A. Gupta. Rajasthan State A/DS Control Society-Jaipur, D-32, Chikitsalay Marg,
Bapunagar, Jaipur- 302015, India
Issues: Blood safety measures such as donor's education, Questionnaire and
Screening may significantly decreases the incidence of HIV infection in blood
donors which in turn reduces the risk of transmission of HIV through blood transfusion.

Description: Rajasthan is geographically larger state of India. Ttotal 54 Blood
Banks functioning in state. Quality Management and promotion of voluntary blood
donation in all blood banks is controlled by State blood transfusion council. This
council was constituted under Supreme Court orders in the year 1996. The presenting author is member secretary for this council.
Council undertaken number of blood safety measures such as Donor education
and screening of donors. Donor's education material, SOPs was supplied to all