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Religious Body Declares War on AIDS Lagos By Idowu Sowunmi An inter-religious organisation, Interfaith HIV/AIDS Coalition of Nigeria, comprising Christians and Muslims yesterday expressed its determination to fight HIV/AIDS as it described the disease as a "tragedy" that has affected every facet of human life and every community in the nation. This was contained in the communiqu� issued at the end of the two-day meeting held in Lagos and attended by leaders from both religions. The communiqu�, which was read by the Coalition Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Lateef Adegbite, resolved that "stigma and discrimination constitute major hindrances to the on-going efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. These factors have driven the epidemic further underground and still remain an obstacle to prevention efforts. Furthermore, stigma and discrimination prevent people living with HIV/ AIDS from seeking the care that they deserve and this aggravates the condition of families affected by HIV/AIDS." Adegbite, who is also the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, noted that the religious leaders are in vantage position to ensure a profound impact on the reduction of the spread of the disease and the discrimination against the people living with it. He stressed that the Coalition is well positioned to make a profound impact in combating the dreaded disease by its credibility and ability to influence the community at all levels. "We wish to reiterate our resolve to throw the full weight of our position as faith leaders to battle the scourge of HIV/AIDS in all its ramifications and reaffirm our compassion towards people living with the affected by HIV/AIDS," the communiqu� added, saying "our vision is that the next generation of Nigerians shall be free of HIV and live in a world without AIDS and that those who are living with HIV receive the care and support that they deserve and that stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS is finally eradicated." The Coalition resolved its commitment to "take up the responsibility to combat stigma and discrimination by being a voice of moral strength calling our communities and wider society to respect the rights and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS." Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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