Le défi de la stigmatisation reste à relever

Strengthening collaboration with religious groups
Over the past few months APAA has strengthened collaboration with religious groups or faith-based organizations (FBOs). This is because of the pivotal role that these institutions play in the lives of Africans (and people of African descent) both on the continent of Africa and in the Diaspora.  On December 4, 2009 APAA made a presentation about HIV/AIDS at an Islamic Cultural Centre (Noor Cultural Centre) following discussion and a visit to APAA by the Imam of that centre.
Another result of efforts to engage FBOs has been the World AIDS Day Workshop that was held at Celestial Christian Church (Toronto) on December 5, 2009. There was intense and frank discussion on issues such as stigma, discrimination and condom use.  Through this event, APAA was able to reach and engage in dialogue with five church leaders from across the city of Toronto. They expressed interest in further collaboration and partnership in dealing with HIV/AIDS issues. APAA also developed with the East African Christian mission Transformation fellowship in Toronto. This has seen APAA present workshops on HIV/AIDS to youth and adults in the congregation. APAA presented on the topic “HIV Risk factors’.
 
UNAIDS is partnering with religious groups to achieve universal access to HIV treatment.
The theme of the 2009 World AIDS day is Universal Access & Human Rights. An UNAIDS publication on partnering with religious groups to achieve universal access to HIV treatment entitled "Partnership with Faith-based Organizations UNAIDS Strategic Framework" is available from the UNAIDS website at: http://data.unaids.org/pub/BaseDocument/2009/jc1786partnershipwithfaithbasedorganizations_en.pdf
 
New strategy encourages Imams to spread HIV messages in Kenya while remaining true to their religious beliefs
"Twaweza", Swahili for "We Can" Project: This new strategy encourages Imams to spread HIV messages while remaining true to their religious beliefs. The following quote illustrates the issues under consideration; "Desist from engaging in adultery, go for HIV tests, do not allow your sons and daughters to marry before they are tested... if you are positive go to the hospital and get free drugs."  The address could be mistaken for an HIV awareness lecture, but is part of a sermon being delivered by Sheikh Harun Rashid, a Muslim scholar at the Isiolo Jamia Mosque in Kenya's Eastern Province. Fore more on this article click;
http://www.plusnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=87367