Asian interfaith leaders call for deeper community engagement in overcoming stigma and increased access to health care for those affected by HIV
Panel discussion on "HIV and Healing: Interfaith Responses"
Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Interfaith leaders attending the regional conference on ‘Reversing the HIV Epidemic in Asia: Faith-Based Engagements’ called for collaborative efforts to deepen community engagement, overcome stigma, and increase healthcare access for people affected by HIV.
The session, titled “HIV and Healing: Interfaith Responses,” brought together Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic faith leaders to explore how spiritual practices and faith-based initiatives can contribute to HIV awareness, support, and stigma reduction.
Swami Atmananda of The Art of Living Foundation in India emphasised a holistic approach to HIV education, addressing the stigma surrounding the disease and advocating for social and governmental collaboration in awareness initiatives. “Sex is not the only reason for HIV”, Swami Atmananda stated, underlining that numerous factors can lead to infection and that sexual behaviour is only one of them.
“We must encourage a greater awareness about the treatability of HIV stages 1 and 2 so that more people feel empowered to get tested and seek treatment”, he added.
Advocating for the use of social media apps and influencers, Swami Atmananda also suggested the development of technology to connect individuals living with HIV, offering support, shared experiences, and spreading awareness.
“A strong body cannot handle a weak mind but a strong mind can handle even a weak body - even those who are living with HIV”, he noted, highlighting how breathing practices like pranayama can enhance mental and physical health, instilling resilience in those affected by HIV.
Bishop Feliciana P. Tenchavez of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines introduced the Church’s efforts and progress in combating HIV and AIDS, while also calling for renewed dedication to addressing stigma and discrimination in the community.
“We need to overcome our ‘self-survival mode,’ which concentrates only on our personal life development and issues and neglects our commitment as servants of God to a wider community. Our calling and our advocacy in ministering to our neighbours demands eagerness and desire not only to tear down oppressive systems and dark forces, but also the desire to build a community that portrays healing, love, joy, peace, and justice”, Bishop Tenchavez urged the interfaith group.
Representing the Buddhist community, Venerable Lam Ngodup of Bhutan voiced optimism about the collective goal of faith leaders to create positive change.
“It's heartening to have different faiths here in the same room trying to achieve the same kind of goal—worrying or having the concern to make the world a better place”, remarked the monk from the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Bhutan.
Reflecting on the Buddhist tenet of universal compassion, Venerable Ngodup underscored the importance of interfaith collaboration and self-reflection.
“As faith leaders, we are able to be the messengers of change—to try and put somebody on the path of positivity or goodness; we stand in a position where we have the opportunity to deliver”, stated Venerable Ngodup.
Dr Citra Fitri Augustina, a mental health specialist from Indonesia and a member of the Islamic faith, discussed the role of compassion in Islam, particularly towards people living with HIV. She noted, “While Islamic law emphasises the avoidance of activities that lead to harmful consequences such as promiscuity or drug use, there is also a strong emphasis on mercy and compassion. Muslims are encouraged to help those in need, including people living with HIV and AIDS, without judgement”.
Citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, she emphasised, “Islam encourages the pursuit of medical treatment. The Prophet Muhammad said, ‘Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, except for one disease, namely old age’. This principle supports the idea that treatment for HIV should be sought and that there is no shame in seeking modern medicine and health care”.
Dr Augustina also described the unique challenges Indonesia faces, including discrimination, healthcare access, and transportation barriers, highlighting the essential role of faith-based organisations in bridging these gaps.
Rev. Fr Rodolfo Vicente Cancino Jr of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, in a presentation titled ‘Who is My Neighbour?’, shared the Catholic Church’s methodology for supporting those affected by HIV through the Philippine Catholic HIV And AIDS Network (PhilCHAN).
Reflecting on the Church’s calling to embody the love of Christ, Fr Cancino emphasised the importance of compassionate community support and pastoral care, stating, “In order to bring hope, healing, and reconciliation, we have to welcome people living with HIV into our homes and our parishes”. Fr Cancino concluded his presentation with a call for solidarity and love towards those affected by HIV, highlighting their role as “our neighbours, and the human face of Jesus”.
The second panel of the first day, comprising representatives from the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Network, introduced presentations on ‘Challenges and Best Practices in HIV Treatment Access and Adherence’.
Maria Cristina Morales, a passionate advocate and HIV counsellor who serves as a peer educator and the HIV volunteer programme coordinator with the Association of Positive Women Advocates, Inc. (APWAI) - a support group of women in the Philippines, expounded on the issue in the regional context.
Wangda Dorji, a founding member of Lhak-Sam, the Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (BNP+), shared his insights and experiences in combating HIV and AIDS and supporting vulnerable communities in Bhutan.
Thawdar Htun, Deputy Head of the Myanmar Positive Group (National PLHIV Network) shared the network’s role in the promotion of rights and prevention of stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV and key populations through collaboration with all stakeholders.
Loon Gangte, founder of the Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+) in India, recounted his work in HIV treatment access and patient rights, as well as his role as a prominent advocate for affordable healthcare and the rights of HIV-positive individuals.
The Executive Director of Estrela+, an organisation committed to empowering, and supporting people living with HIV in Timor Leste, Ms Ines Sarmento Lopes shared the inter-church efforts in supporting people affected by HIV.
As the presentations concluded, panellists from diverse faiths and regional communities echoed the need for continued efforts and interfaith collaboration in combating the HIV epidemic.
