New Global Health Council Study to Offer An Unprecedented View of the Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Fighting HIV/AIDS 7/8/2004
From: Lynnette Johnson Williams, 011-66-40-135519 (Bangkok through 7/18) Jennifer Simonds, 202-327-5016 (Washington), media@globalhealth.org, both of the Global Health Council BANGKOK, Thailand, July 8 -- Faith-based organizations (FBOs) play a critical role in confronting the HIV/AIDS pandemic, according to a new Global Health Council report. Preliminary findings from the report, "Faith in Action: Examining the Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Addressing HIV/AIDS," offer an unprecedented exploration of secular groups' perceptions of FBOs' contributions to addressing HIV/AIDS. Commissioned by the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), this independently conducted study by the Global Health Council examines FBO involvement in six key countries and, in doing so, reveals critical areas where FBOs can most effectively collaborate, contribute and provide leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. "In many parts of the world, faith-based organizations are in the forefront in the provision of care and treatment for the world's neediest. These preliminary findings provide perceptions of the role of FBOs in addressing the comprehensive and complex factors of the AIDS pandemic," said Dr. Nils Daulaire, president and CEO of the Global Health Council. "The global health community's goal is to provide effective approaches to addressing HIV/AIDS; this report will contribute to an informed dialogue on AIDS policy that can lead to improved prevention, treatment and care initiatives by all faith-based organizations." While religious organizations have long delivered social, educational and health services around the world, what has been lacking is independent analyses of their work and how that work is perceived by others working in the field of HIV/AIDS. "Faith in Action" is a first-ever qualitative analysis of commonly-held perceptions of FBO involvement and leadership by high level key informants in Haiti, India, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand and Uganda -- countries with either high or rapidly growing HIV prevalence rates or those that have been successful in containing the epidemic. "Mosque, temple and church create a whole series of invaluable faith-based networks with extraordinary reach, most often enjoying profound trust among communities. These networks offer unmatched opportunities to disseminate key messages, reduce stigma and mobilize grassroots involvements in community preparedness, orphan care, palliative care, and in so many other ways," said John ("Jack") F. Galbraith, president and chief executive officer of CMMB. "These initial findings confirm that this important work is recognized by leaders as a key component in the global response to HIV/AIDS." In the study's initial findings, a large number of respondents from outside the FBO sector feel that faith-related groups are essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and should be involved in many aspects of care, prevention and treatment. A majority of respondents note that FBOs can utilize their large infrastructures and networks for scaling up HIV prevention efforts and integrating treatment for those with AIDS. Notably, many interviewees believe that FBOs also can provide moral and compassionate support to the most vulnerable and disenfranchised. However, a number of interviewees believe that, due to religious belief systems, faith-related groups may not be able or willing to carry out key prevention and treatment activities effectively. Conceptually grounded in UNAIDS' Global Strategy Framework on HIV/AIDS, interview questions were designed to investigate perceptions of a wide range of key individuals representing governments, donor agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, health care facilities, faith-based organizations and community-based organizations regarding the extent of FBOs leadership, collaboration and community-level contributions. Focusing on one of many research questions, this preliminary report highlights key findings from the perspective of secular groups in anticipation of the final report, scheduled for release in early 2005. The final report will include a full and comprehensive analysis of the more than 200 interviews the Global Health Council and its local research partners conducted. It will explore a significant number of issues surrounding the role of FBOs in a variety of contexts, including differing faiths, sectors, communities and political realities. The Global Health Council and CMMB will have copies of the preliminary report available during the XV International AIDS Conference July 11-14. (IMPACT Exhibition Centre booths -- Global Health Council No. 80, CMMB No. 77). To access "Faith in Action," please go to http://www.globalhealth.org. On the Internet: http://www.globalhealth.org or http://www.ccmb.org ------ The Global Health Council is the world's largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. The Council serves and represents thousands of public health professionals from 103 countries on six continents. Global Health Council members include nongovernmental organizations; policymakers and advocates; academic institutions; concerned citizens; corporations and foundations; government and multilateral agencies; and public health professionals. Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) was founded in 1928 and is a leading U.S.-based Catholic charity focusing exclusively on international healthcare, particularly the well-being of women and children. CMMB works collaboratively to deliver solutions to the HIV/AIDS pandemic from Africa to Asia, treat tuberculosis in Zambia, and provide primary healthcare in Latin America and the Caribbean. Global initiatives include recruitment and placement of medical volunteers, medicine and medical supply shipments, emergency relief, and training grants. |