wfn.org | AACC - Conflicts Responsible For Spread of AIDS in Africa

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All Africa Conference of Churches
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Our Ref:					PRESS RELEASE

Conflicts Responsible For Spread of AIDS in Africa

NAIROBI (LWF) March 28 - A report of the Fellowship of Christian Councils 
and Churches in the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA) has noted 
that conflicts have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.

The report issued here today during the regional Interfaith Peace Summit 
pointed out that risks are substantially increased because of population 
movements within the affected countries and across borders.

Also, sexual violence has in the recent times become a tool of war, says 
the report. Surveys have established that the developments have greatly 
enhanced the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The report, titled, Emerging Conflict trends and challenges in the Horn of 
Africa, East and Central Africa region with a focus on the role of faith 
communities, was presented on the second day of the three-day summit.

But conflict's most visit impact is on physical infrastructure, the report 
adds. Transport, energy, telecommunications, public buildings and housing 
are ruined and in a pathetic state of disrepair because of lack of 
maintenance during the times of war.

The report notes that because of long-lasting conflicts, such regions as 
Southern Sudan have almost no visible road network. In parts of the 
Democratic Republic of Condo land-based transport has almost collapsed.  In 
addition, the structure of the economy is usually deeply affected and 
institutions often collapse. The lack of educational opportunities 
jeopardizes a generation's prospects and lays the ground for further 
instability.

The report says women and children, because they are the most vulnerable, 
constitute the majority of millions of people who are affected by conflict 
and live in terrible conditions as refugees.

It notes that faith communities have a strategic advantage to play a 
significant role in conflict transformation. Interfaith dialogue, the 
report recommends, could be used as an effective tool to advance peace 
building.

Advocacy, mediation, and capacity building are cited as some forms, which 
such dialogue could take. But it is recommended that following lessons 
learned from past civil wars, social reintegration would need to consider 
all the affected groups.  "As faith-based organizations we must build on 
our special capabilities and perspectives while also recognizing and taking 
into account our limitations," the report said.

By Noel Okoth
AIMS Media for LWF