International Interfaith Conference on AIDS Held in Sri Lanka

August 22, 2007

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Colombo Page

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/August22124100SL.html

Aug 22, Colombo: The International Interfaith Conference on HIV/AIDS attended by more than 200 Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim delegates from Asian countries called on the religious leaders to use their places of worship, and educational and health facilities to help in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The conference themed "Response of Faith Communities to HIV and AIDS -- Have We Kept the Promise?" was jointly organized by the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS, the Christian Conference of Asia, and the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, which is linked to the World Council of Churches. It was held in Colombo from 17 to 19 August.

The participants of the conference declared that the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS, along with HIV/AIDS groups in faith communities, will develop "tools to train the leadership." The organizers explained this would enable faith organizations to "be effective public voices for raising awareness and reducing the stigma and discrimination so often associated with HIV and AIDS." Meanwhile, the eighth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific is also taking place in Colombo from 19 to 23 August.