In Colombo, Sri Lanka, more than 200 Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim delegates from all over Asia came together at an international interfaith conference entitled "Response of Faith Communities to HIV and AIDS - Have We Kept the Promise?".

According to Christian Today, the three-day event which preceded the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) that also took place in Colombo, came about through the effort of the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS, the Christian Conference of Asia, and the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, which is linked to the World Council of Churches.

The reports of the event make it clear that one of the problems concerning aids in Asia is still stigmatisation and discrimination. Also some religious leaders do not consider themselves to be in the position to tackle the problem of aids.

Yet programs set up by religious groups have been successful where there was strong pastoral leadership and active support from the community.

Summary: Yunus - 28/08/2007
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