Combating HIV and AIDS Related Stigma, Denial, and Discrimination: A Training Guide for Religious Leaders

Published by Religions for Peace, this 57-page training guide contains both a training manual and a handbook on HIV and AIDS. The training manual and handbook were designed to provide religious leaders and facilitators with a comprehensive information pack on HIV and AIDS and related stigma, denial, and discrimination, as well as strengthen their commitment and skills to combat HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination.

The first part of the book comprises the manual, which provides training guidelines and process, while the handbook section provides the background and factual information. According to the publication, the training approach used in this course is highly interactive and participatory and participants will have many opportunities to work in small groups applying principals of adult training/learning methods. The sample timetable provided is based on a 4-day programme, though it can be adapted for shorter or non-consecutive periods.

Religions for Peace is a multi-religious coalition that works to advance common action among the world's religious communities for peace. Religions for Peace works to transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth. One area of multi-religious cooperation that has been a long-standing priority is the wellbeing of children and families. In 2000, in an effort to respond to the impact of HIV and AIDS on families and children in Africa, Religions for Peace entered into a partnership with other organisations — Plan International, Save the Children Alliance, Society for Women and AIDS in Africa (SWAA), and CARE international, World Vision International, and Network of African People Living with HIV and AIDS (NAP+) - to form the Hope for African Children Initiative (HACI). This guide was developed as part of this committement.