wfn.org | World YWCA Meets with Theological Consultation on AIDS in

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

11 December 2003
Contact: Roselle Dalzine
Press Release
Email: Roselle.Dalzine@worldywca.org

  The World YWCA to Contribute to UNAIDS International Theological
Consultation on HIV and AIDS-related Stigma and Discrimination

Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, General Secretary of the World YWCA, and Ms. Helene
Yinda, World YWCA Program Director for Africa and the Middle East will join
36 other leading Christian theologians being convened by UNAIDS at a
consultation in Windhoek, Namibia on 6-12 December 2003.  Those taking part
represent Protestant, Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox traditions.

The theme of World AIDS Day 2003 (1 December) is "Live and Let Live", with a
special emphasis on overcoming stigma and discrimination associated with HIV
and AIDS.  A growing priority and focus is being placed on the potential of
faith communities for engaging with these issues.

Calle Almedal, Senior Advisor in the Partnerships Unit of UNAIDS, who
facilitates work with faith-based organizations, described the aims of the
consultation in these words. "We are bringing together an international
group of Christian theologians to listen to and reflect upon the effects of
stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with or otherwise
affected by HIV and AIDS, particularly in religious contexts."	As a result,
he continued, "We plan to develop a written framework within which issues of
stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS might be
addressed in the context of Christian theology, especially in academic
contexts and among church leaders."

It is also hoped that the week long consultation will inspire participants
with ideas for future work in research, teaching and writing generally, and
action for change within churches whose culture and teaching promote
stigmatization and discrimination directed against people living with or
otherwise affected by HIV and AIDS.  Those attending are also encouraged to
promote the development of relevant research and writing projects.  Where
participants are engaged in pastoral formation programs, they will be
encouraged to ensure that issues of stigma and discrimination are addressed,
and appropriate responses developed.

On the eve of her departure for Namibia, Musimbi Kanyoro said, "Our fight
against HIV/AIDS will not be complete until a cure is found. For now we must
care for both affected and infected without stigmatizing anyone".

Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro has more than two decades of International experience in
working with Non Governmental Organizations (NGO's), Churches, and
Ecumenical Institutions on a wide variety of issues, including those arising
out of the United Nations (UN) agenda.	She has provided various aspects of
leadership in the preparation and implementation of major UN conferences
beginning from the 1985 end of the UN Decade for Women. Currently she serves
on three major committees of the UNAIDS (AIDS in Africa: Scenarios for the
Future, Steering Committee for the Global Coalition of Women and AIDS, and
Theologians on HIV/AIDS). She also collaborates in an advisory role in the
Gender, Faith and HIV/AIDS Initiative of Yale Divinity School. With her
leadership, the World YWCA has prioritised HIV/AIDS in its strategic plan
since 1999.