Thirty years have passed since a new illness was first identified in medical reports. Since then, over 30 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses, deaths that can now be prevented if people receive accurate information, treatment and support. But one of the greatest barriers to further progress is HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV continues to fuel ignorance, injustice, denial and hate.Religious leaders from many faiths and from around the world have committed themselves personally to do more to overcome stigma and discrimination. Their personal commitment can help provide important new momentum in the global response – to break the silence that still exists around HIV and AIDS, promote prevention, ensure treatment and care, and advocate for sufficient and sustainable resources to help all those in need.
This personal commitment to action came out of a Summit of High Level Religious Leaders on the Response to HIV held in Den Dolder, The Netherlands, 22-23 March 2010. Religious leaders and communities have long been involved in HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and the hope is that this commitment strengthens further efforts, particularly in overcoming stigma and discrimination.

More than ever the personal commitment needs to be promoted. Please join these leaders. Whether you are a religious leader at a local, national or international level, you can make a difference to people’s lives.

In addition, please join us in sharing your work to fulfill your commitment. The commitment is unique in that it asks signers to report on their acitviites every 18 months. A first report of actions taken by September 2011 was compiled and reviewed by a group of leaders in November 2011. Participants found that the “personal commitment is a helpful tool to engage a wide range of religious leaders but those who commit must be ready to do what they commit to, and be empowered and equipped to carry it out.” More recently, in December 2013, a new report was compiled that aimed to outline the results and impact of religious leaders’ actions when fulfilling their personal commitment.

LATEST NEWS

Framework for Dialogue Launched
(read story) 22/08/2013

Religious Leaders Fight HIV/AIDS Stigma, Discrimination
(read story) 22/12/2011

Religious leaders seek more urgent action on HIV
(read story) 05/12/2011

Religion to boost AIDS support
(read story) 28/11/2011

Religious leaders to review commitment to HIV
(read story) 25/11/2011