DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, March 6, 2002: More than 100 leaders from 15 faiths began a two-day conference considering the role religion plays in responding to HIV/AIDS. Tamil, Hindu, Zionist Christian Church, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, African Independent Churches, Church of Nazareth, Telegu and Bahal representatives as well as representatives from several Christian denominations are attending the workshop. At the conference opening, Health Minister Manto Tahabalala-Msimang emphasized that a strengthened faith-based sector response had the potential to “reap measurable results” both in terms of providing care and reducing the prevailing stigma surrounding the epidemic. The minister said the challenge lay in ensuring each community of faith finds its own place within the HIV/AIDS care system.
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