Responding to HIV is one of the biggest issues facing the church and the world today. Twenty-five years on from the first recognition of AIDS, the devastating impact of the pandemic continues to grow. There are now over 33 million people living with HIV worldwide. In 2007, it was estimated that another 2.5 million people became infected and 2.1 million died of AIDS-related illnesses.
The local church can play a crucial role in helping to stop the spread of HIV and reverse the impact of the pandemic. Click on the links below to find out more:
An overview of the facts - a basic overview of the facts about HIV.
Case studies of church responses to HIV - inspirational examples of what the church is doing to address HIV.
Models of church response to HIV - a range of different models of how churches can respond to HIV.
Key areas for church involvement in HIV - ending stigma and discrimination; promoting access to treatment; caring for those affected by HIV, including widows and children; preventing mother to child transmission of HIV; and promoting positive behaviour amongst children and young people.
Theological reflection - resources for theological reflection on issues of HIV
Planning processes - research questions to help develop strategic plans to respond to HIV
Church self-assessment tool - a discussion tool to help churches assess their response to HIV
For more information on the issue of HIV and the church's response, please see the HIV section of Tilz.