International Consultations on Islam and HIV/AIDS

Islamic Relief Worldwide (http://www.islamic-relief.com) is delighted to announce a groundbreaking conference that aims to generate practical responses to the HIV and AIDS pandemic from an Islamic perspective. The conference entitled “Islam and HIV/AIDS” will, take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 until 30 November 2007.

Today there are around 40 million people living with HIV and AIDS. The disease devastates individual lives as well as communities, and is increasingly affecting Muslim populations. This conference aims to contribute to halting the spread of this disease and to ensuring appropriate care for the people who have been affected by it. It will do so by bringing together three groups in an innovative partnership.

A week of International Consultations on Islam and HIV/AIDS is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, during November 2007. Running from 26 to 30 November the consultations will draw upon the expertise of three groups of people in order to ensure their success.

Firstly, Muslim scholars of both calibre and influence will be in attendance. Coming from diverse Islamic backgrounds, they will all have the ability to forge change within their respective countries and communities.

Secondly, there will be a number of prominent HIV and AIDS practitioners at the consultations. They will provide invaluable insight into the multiple dimensions of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, and the practicalities of mitigating its effects on individuals and communities.

And thirdly, a number of people who are living with HIV and AIDS will contribute to these consultations. Their personal experiences, and their active role in all discussions, will ensure that these consultations remain focused on the realities of those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Together, these three groups will address the complex issues surrounding HIV and AIDS, a pandemic that affects both Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide. They will do so by applying their expertise and experience to a range of case studies that will be presented over the course of the week. The outcomes will then be used to provide religious leaders, governments, NGOs and local communities with advice and guidance that will help them in their response to the disease.

For more information and to register to be a part of these consultations, kindly go to http://www.islamandhivaids.org