The Opportunities of Religious Institutions on HIV/AIDS Prevention

Religious institutions can be used to shape tradition beliefs and activities of people, functional when it comes to behaviour change associations with attitudes about HIV. There is an indefinite role of religious institutions to undertake HIV/AIDS prevention education as well as informing campaigns. It also provide unique link that can be used to reach wider community and sensitise people on the spread of the epidemic. Religious institutions have demonstrated the courage and conviction to act alone or in partnership with national governments and non-governmental organizations, there have been significant successes in preventing HIV and alleviating the suffering of AIDS. Religious leaders spoke to their congregants about HIV/AIDS and discuss this topic in mosques, churches, homes, ceremonies like weddings and burials. With regard to the nature of the tragedy important issues such as position or religious institution on condom use, care and support for People Living with HIV/AID have been addressed. Indeed, understanding the role of religious institutions on HIN/AIDS prevention would strengthen and improve strategies to deal with the epidemic.

Autorentext

Anna Sangai MS (Bed, MA Development Studies, University of Dar es Salaam)is a senior policy analyst programme officer at Tanzania Gender Networking Programme. Working under the Analysis Research and advocacy programme. Annäs interest lies of policy analysis especially Gender Responsive Budgeting and HIV AIDS.