Chapter 4 Religion and HIV/Aids

28 February 2008Download (1.2 MB)

Twenty-five years into the epidemic, AIDS has become one of the defining issues of our time: a truly global problem. AIDS affects every region and every country of the world, challenging health systems and undermining our capacity to reduce poverty, promote development and maintain national security. Since 1981, some 65 million people have been infected with HIV and 25 million have died of AIDS-related illnesses.

We present the findings of three case studies about the contribution of religion and religious organisations to the international AIDS response. We also draw on existing research reports and literature. This article mainly addresses aspects of traditional, Christian and Islamic faith-based perspectives, regarding their response to AIDS in an African context. This, of course, limits the perspective in both geographical and religious terms. However, it does mean that the outlines presented are likely to be broader in application.

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