All African Anglican Conference on HIV/AIDS

Boksburg

13 August 2001

As the Anglican Church works with other faith-based organisations, philanthropic, welfare and humanitarian societies together with structures of government, it can do so much more than many other sectors in doing away with the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, according to Deputy State President Jacob Zuma.

Speaking at the end of the first day of the All-Africa Anglican Conference in Boksburg, he said the stigma attached to AIDS had resulted in "horrific forms of discrimination and violence - even rejection, ridicule and death itself, for HIV infected individuals and people with AIDS related aliments."

In many instances families and relatives had suffered untold pain and discrimination.

Zuma, who also heads the SA National Aids Council, said that, without the stigma, voluntary testing and disclosure would go a long way towards combating the pandemic.

"We acknowledge the fact that the Anglican Church sees this as a top priority. The human and legal rights, as well as the human dignity of those living with HIV/AIDS ought also to be respected and upheld."

Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane said the deputy president's support was greatly reassuring, especially his offer to feed the outcome of the conference into the SADC region and the African Union.

"Our initiative" Ndungane added, "is unique and a global first in that it draws together: faith-based communities; international agencies and the donor community.

"Most importantly, the programme is poised to become the critically needed catalyst that will ultimately bring governments, the private sector, civil society and faith communities into a synergistic and effective relationship as they join forces in this crucial battle for survival."

The main thrust of the "train-the trainers" conference, which is actively supported by archbishops, representing some 73 million Anglicans worldwide, is the development of a basic "tool kit" that can be used to address core issues.

"If one considers the ability of churches to reach deep into communities and to adopt a hands-on approach to the pandemic, there is little doubt that our commitment can and must impact on all Africa and, indeed the whole world. We know this is not going to be an easy task. In many instances we are going to have to cut across tradition and culture in terms of issues such as sex education for our young people and burial customs that take up too much land and place poverty stricken families into a permanent debt cycle.

"We ask for the world's prayers as we embark on a prophetic challenge in which we dare not fail."