The KZN Interfaith AIDS Forum (An initiative of World Conference on Religion and Peace.)

BIRTH OF THE KZN INTERFAITH AIDS FORUM: On the 16th August 2001, at a special meeting of multifaith religious leaders, the idea of the Interfaith Forum was born and finally came to fruition when Fabio Saini and Balwant Singh visited Durban in October 2001.

The work today covers many different areas: training educators and peer counsellors; with TAC and Children's Rights, lobbying for treatment and particularly the provision of Nevirapine for pregnant mothers who are HIV- positive; providing a space for networking and lobbying among the faith communities; working with other NGOs and the Department of Health to create awareness and educate in issues such as the need to have every child 's birth registered to ensure that they are able to obtain grants if and when they become orphans; facilitating pilot study programmes on child-headed households and projects to find a safe place for our AIDS orphans, and, most important of all, ensuring that every religious organisation regards HIV/AIDS as one of their priority issues spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.

It is through the sharing of ideas, of weaknesses, of strengths and successes that we will win the war against HIV/AIDS. No one group can take on this mammoth task. But the people of Africa, together, can make a difference in the lives of all those affected and infected by the AIDS virus and the Faith-Based Organisations are among the most important in this task, given that 88.17% of people in South Africa are affiliated to some religious group.

PMTCT Court Case and Results

We in the Interfaith AIDS Forum, together with many other South Africans and indeed people throughout the world, were extremely encouraged with the result of the Court case. It was proof, if proof were needed, of the power of the people. I think that sometimes we forget the importance of the whole issue of human rights and HIV/AIDS. We need to remember it at all times.

People of Faith Making a Difference in HIV/AIDS

At one of our first meetings the religious leaders discussed the various areas where they felt that people of faith could truly make a difference. Some important points to come out of the discussions were:

1. One of the most important issues that needed to be addressed was that of stigma and discrimination against PLWA. Also the exploitation of them, particularly with regard to children.
2. The importance of religious leaders heading the initiative against HIV/AIDS. It is not enough that communities had programmes. Religious leaders need to be in the forefront, showing compassion, love and mercy and speaking out from their pulpits and preaching about a God of Love and not a God of punishment.
3. Religious leaders had to accept that they are and had been part of the problem and they needed to accept the challenge of finding solutions; that it was important to scrutinise behaviour and beliefs to help build and reconcile communities.
4. There needed to be collaboration between religious, medical and legal bodies to work for transformation of the present situation, particularly with regard to women and children.
5. It was also stressed that meetings must have follow-up and implementation i.e. action as well as talking.
6. Religious leaders are uniquely placed to be advocates and to lobby government and business.
7. Africa is a continent where more than 88% of all people affiliate to some form of religion; therefore religious leaders have a huge responsibility and role to play in influencing congregants.
8. There is a need to work towards programmes that are based on theological reflection, whilst having practical approaches that frame these programmes from a point of reconciliation and hope, not sin and stigma.
9. There was a need to look at the problem that there seems to be an absence of religious leadership action at grassroots level.
10. Religious Leaders need to conscientise their congregants, particularly about the responsibility for the millions of orphans. Major cost factors for the orphans are health and education. Religious communities can help here.
11. At all levels, all stakeholders should be consulted e.g. women and youth should be represented on all committees, boards etc.
12. We need to ensure that in every religious community in Africa, HIV/AIDS is Priority Number One and not a secondary issue to be shelved or left to some arbitrary committee to consider.
13. Need to set up holistic structures (some are already in place) for all aspects of HIV/ AIDS - Home-based care, child-headed households, prevention and training, advocacy and lobbying, treatment and healthcare, and basic human needs such as potable water and sufficient food.
14. Religious Leaders are the guardians of eternal values and at all times need to speak out about the sanctity of all life. Their unique voice should be heard in every community, bringing the people together.

Department of Health Interfaith AIDS Indaba - The Power of Partnership

We were happy to note that the Department of Health has recently held an indaba with Faith-Based Organisations on partnerships between Government and the faith community. I believe this is a big step forward. This is, in fact, one area where the FBOs can be of great assistance, through lobbying and advocacy, pressurising Government to commit to the partnership that they have called for between the faith communities and the Government.

Database

One of the projects that we are undertaking is the creation of a database of all organisations involved in faith-based programmes and projects, initially in KZN but eventually throughout South Africa and even Africa. In this way, we can share blueprints of successes that we have had and also learn from some of the mistakes which we have made.

Future Challenges

We are in the process of setting up two pilot studies. One involves setting up structures and training people who could assist as mentors in a Mentoring Plan for Child-headed Households.

The second, entitled the "E-Khaya" Project, is looking at a kibbutz-type programme within communities that have a number of orphans of AIDS and/or people living with HIV/AIDS. We are hoping to set up pilot studies in rural, semi-rural and urban areas.

A unique aspect of the project is that we shall be involving many different faith groups and community-based organisations, as well as partners such as government and business. If successful, it could be the way forward for many communities. Let us pray that it does. We would welcome any information or ideas from communities who have anything similar already in operation.

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