Faith-based organizations have played a critical role in responding to HIV since the start of the epidemic more than 35 years ago. Many faith-based organizations have been delivering effective, high-quality HIV services, complementing national public health programmes in the countries most affected by HIV. Their position of trust at the heart of communities allows faith-based organizations to provide services and support that extend beyond the reach of many public sector health systems.
The engagement of the faith community is paramount to achieving the UNAIDS Fast-Track Targets and the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Countries, faith communities, and other partners recommitted to these targets during the June 2016 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS in New York. Countries adopted a Political Declaration on Ending AIDS and the faith community issued a call to action to ensure that no one is left behind.
In the call to action, faith leaders pledged to take significant and sustained action during the next five years in four particular areas: reducing stigma and discrimination; increasing access to HIV services; defending human rights; and ensuring treatment for children. They called on all faith leaders to join them.
To provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships and forge new partnerships, the World Council of Churches–Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, in collaboration with UNAIDS, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Religion and Development, hosted an interfaith prayer breakfast on the sidelines of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Participants included faith leaders from a multitude of religions, all of whom agreed to support a coordinated faith-based effort in responding to HIV. The call to action issued in June was reiterated and wide-ranging discussions were held that resulted in a number of strong follow-up recommendations and commitments to action over the next five years to ensure a Fast-Track faith-based response to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
"If there ever was a time to change words into action, it is today."
Deborah Birx United States Global AIDS Ambassador
“Your commitment brings us hope. Your capacity needs to be strengthened, supported and fully incorporated into the global response to HIV.”
Luiz Loures UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director
“The interfaith prayer breakfast is self-expressive of the forms of partnership the WCC seeks to promote and encourage between faith-based organizations and faith communities of all religious traditions, governments and the UN. The WCC seeks to model a strong, proactive, collaborative and compassionate response to HIV and AIDS and to move together from this commitment to action for the elimination of AIDS as a public health threat by 2013.”
Peter Prove director of the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA)
“It is an exceptional time to build stronger connections between the UN and Faith Based Organizations.”
Azza Karam Senior Advisor on Culture at the United Nations Population Fund
“At the end of the day our destiny is one and the same.”
Imman Abdul-Malik President, NYC Family Day Inc.
“10% of life is what happens to us 90% is what we do about it. All of us need to be at the table if we want to overcome this epidemic.”
Kalvin Leveille health educator and speaker for Love Heals.
“Children cannot speak for themselves. They need us to speak for them.”
Monsignor Robert J. Vitillo general secretary of the International Catholic Migration Commission
