United Nations Development Programme (New York) - April 10, 2002
President Benjamin Mkapa, who has declared the epidemic a national disaster, hosted the forum, which was chaired by former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi and attended by Roman Catholic, Protestant and Anglican bishops and imams and sheikhs from the Muslim community.
HIV/AIDS is the number one killer disease among Tanzanians between ages 15 and 49, with the HIV virus infecting an estimated15 per cent. Nearly one in four pregnant women in some urban areas are infected, and surveys in two rural districts and Dar-es-Salaam found that AIDS contributes to more than one third of all deaths.
President Mkapa emphasized the government's duty to inform every citizen about the risks of HIV infection and promote measures to prevent infections. He also pointed out that "it is a duty and responsibility" of each individual to protect himself or herself.
Suleiman Gorogosi, Secretary to the Mufti of Tanzania and Sheikh for the Lindi Region, said: "We have our spiritual way of fighting the pandemic, and the government and scientists have their ways as well. Let each side play its part."
The religious leaders said they could not campaign for the use of condoms as a means of curbing HIV/AIDS as this runs counter to their doctrines, but agreed that it is the responsibility of the government to do so. They also agreed to collaborate with the government in educating their followers about avoiding extra-marital sexual relations.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of HIV/AIDS education for children through Sunday schools, madrasahs and kindergartens, as well as regular religious classes given to primary school children. They called on the government to give more support for promoting ways to prevent the disease -- including abstinence, faithfulness between partners and condoms -- and to commit more resources for HIV/AIDS prevention and care and for mitigating its impact.
President Mkapa has directed all ministries and public and private sector organizations to design and implement interventions to fight the epidemic and established the Tanzania AIDS Commission to coordinate the national campaign against HIV/AIDS through the Prime Minister's office.
UNDP collaborated with the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in providing technical and financial support for the Tanzania AIDS Commission and the Religious Network for AIDS Control for organizing the forum.
For further information, please contact Lena Renju, UNDP Tanzania, or Cassandra Waldon, UNDP Communications Office.
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