On World AIDS Day, the World Council of Churches launched Leading by Example: Religious Leaders and HIV Testing, a interfaith campaign that encourages religious leaders to inspire getting tested for HIV and especially to lead by example and have themselves tested for HIV. The aim is to overcome the stigma of HIV testing by showing that having the test done is not a statement about morality, but a health practice that all should do.
· Promote testing in their church and faith community: lead by example by getting tested and/or by allowing their photo to be taken for the poster series on “Religious Leaders and HIV Testing”.
· Set a Sunday per month (or an HIV testing week or month), or another day – depending on the faith tradition – to encourage people to get tested through their sermon or other sharing that provides accurate information about HIV testing and treatment and promotes a non-discriminatory community. In some communities, a mobile HIV testing unit can be organized through the local government or health service.
· Write a letter to the editor, or share with media the importance of HIV testing and the example being set by themselves and their faith community
· Tell the wider community! Share photos and news via Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #IKnowMyHIVStatus
To know more, click here: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/
what-we-do/religious-leaders-a nd-hiv-testing Downloadable posters are available here http://www.oikoumene.org/
en/what-we-do/religious- leaders-and-hiv-testing/Leadin gByExample_DownloadablePosters For more information email fme@wcc-coe.
org.