INTERNATIONAL MUSLIM LEADERS’ CONSULTATION ON HIV/AIDS

 

In 2000 a group of Muslim practitioners interested in using the Islamic approach to combat HIV/AIDS met in Durban, South Africa during the International Conference on AIDS.  They included representatives from the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, Islamic Medical Association of South Africa and the Malaysian AIDS Council.  It was noted that the interests of the Muslim communities were not being adequately catered for by current international AIDS conferences.  It was agreed that an international consultation should be held to share experiences of Muslim communities and chart the way forward, regarding the Islamic approach to combating AIDS.  It was initially difficult to get a sponsor for this initiative.  However, in 2001, USAID agreed to fund this initiative.

Mission:
To promote and coordinate the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS by learning and sharing experiences.

Vision:
To eradicate HIV/AIDS globally using the Islamic and scientific approach.

Goal:
To reach a consensus on the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS

Objectives:

Objective 1:
To conduct IMLCs every two years.

Activities:

1.  Constitute an international planning committee
2. Determine a theme
3. Constitute sub-committees for implementation.

Objective 2:
To find and articulate the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS.

Activities:

1.  Identify contemporary issues related to HIV/AIDS
2. Identify Islamic Teachings related to these issues.
3. Reach a consensus, document and disseminate the outcome.

Objective 3:
To assess and share experiences on various aspects of the Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS

Activities:

1. Call for abstracts on studies and interventions conducted in various areas of the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS.
2. Review abstracts and select best practices.
3. Call for and review full papers
4. Select and share best practices.

Objective 4:
To conduct regional Muslim Leaders Consultations (IMLCs) annually.

Activities:

1. Constitute a regional planning committee.
2. Determine a theme
3. Constitute sub-committees for implementation.
4. Organize regional consultations
5. Review post-IMLC interventions at country level.
6. Make recommendations

Objective 5:
To develop a five year strategic plan for IMLCs.

Expected impact of IMLCs at the community level:

1. Participants will mobilize their local Muslim leaders to learn from the experience of the consultation and discuss the way forward.
2. Increased awareness of the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS among all stakeholders locally in host country and internationally.
3. Increased commitment of participants to implement strategies set during IMLCs.
4. Development of networks among participants to ensure effective responses follow the consultations.
5. Identification of projects for implementation with international collaboration, using the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS.

 

Download:

The Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS Explained

The 1st IMLC

The 2nd IMLC

The 3rd IMLC