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AIDS 2010: Faith representatives tackle current HIV challenges

13. July 2010

Human rights, financial crises, unmet universal access targets, ongoing stigma and discrimination and the need for greater collaboration across sectors in the response to the HIV pandemic will be key issues addressed by faith-based representatives at the 18th International AIDS Conference being held in Vienna, 18-23 July 2010.

AIDS 2010 will bring over 20,000 medical professionals and scientists, government representatives, policy makers, persons living with HIV, civil society activists and others working in the field of HIV and AIDS under the theme "Rights Here, Right Now". The event takes place at the Reed Messe Wien.

Some of the collaborative multi-faith events that will take place at AIDS 2010 include:

Pre-conference: "Rights Here. Right Now: What's faith got to do with it?" - 17 July, 9:00 - 18:15, Technical University, Vienna
 
Speakers include World Council of Churches' General Secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit; Dr Kevin Moody, International Coordinator and CEO of the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS; Dr Hany El Banna, CEO of The Humanitarian Forum; Dr Kezevino Aram, Director of Shanti Ashram; Ms Jan Beagle, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS; and Dr Marijke Wijnroks, Dutch AIDS Ambassador.

Plenary sessions will address how faith traditions can overcome barriers and work towards universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention. Six breakout sessions will discuss practical and theological responses, faith-based advocacy, and the role of religious leadership in the response to HIV.

There will be simultaneous interpretation in English, German and Russian for all plenary sessions and some breakout sessions.

Closing prayer, with music by the Zimbabwean Betseranai Choir of people living with HIV, will take place in the Karlsplatz outside the Technical University.

Global Village Multi-Faith Networking Zone - 18-23 July, Reed Messe Wien

A dynamic space for workshops, "meet the leaders" sessions, "Around the World with HIV" game on travel restrictions, symbolic events and launches of new initiatives. The Global Village is open to the public and admission is free.

Multi-Faith Prayer Gathering and Human Rights March - Tuesday, 20 July at 18:30 at Votivkirche (Rosseveltplatz 8)

Following a multi-faith prayer service at 18:30, participants are encouraged to join the AIDS 2010 human rights march through the streets of Vienna to demonstrate their commitment to promoting the human rights of all people, including people living with HIV.

Human Rights: What's faith got to do with it? (IAC Non-Abstract Driven Session) - 22 July, 11:00-12:30, Session Room 7, Reed Messe Wien

Protecting the rights of people living with HIV and addressing the root causes of vulnerability to HIV are a vital part of a faith-based response to HIV. Most religions proclaim justice and compassion as fundamental principles, yet some people experience the role of faith organizations as a barrier to the realization of human rights. This session will feature frank and constructive dialogue on these issues with faith leaders, representatives of key populations, people living with HIV and human rights experts.

Interfaith Prayer Room - 18-23 July, Speakers Centre, Hall A, Reed Messe Wien

The Interfaith Prayer Room is a quiet space welcoming AIDS 2010 participants of any faith tradition for meditation or prayer. Daily devotions in the different faith traditions will be organized from Monday to Thursday as well. A team of multi-faith chaplains is also on call for spiritual accompaniment.
 
Information for the media:

More information, including the complete program for the pre-conference and calendar of faith-based events at AIDS 2010, can be found at: www.e-alliance.ch

To request interviews or to attend the multi-faith pre-conference contact (English only): Sara Speicher, sspeicher@e-alliance.ch, +44 7821 860 723 (from 15-23 July: +43 699 102 685 25).

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