Impact of Christian and Muslim Beliefs on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Treatment in Selected African Communities

Evelyn Almocera, MD, MPH

Abstract

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is spread through body fluids and attacks the body's defense system specifically CD4 which is responsible for fighting infections. Overtime, these viruses destroys the CD4 cells resulting in a weaker body defense thus allowing opportunistic infections and even cancer to develop. HIV infection is preventable and there are several methods and interventions that have proven highly effective in reducing the risk of, and protecting against the infection. While there is no cure for HIV but with early diagnosis and the proper use of antiretroviral drugs, it can be controlled from progressing to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) which until today has no effective cure. On September 2000, the United Nations (UN) signed a declaration for its 191 UN members states to support its eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to be achieved by 2015. MGD number 6 is to combat HIV and AIDS and other diseases. One of the strategies advocated by the WHO to eliminate HIV- AIDS is through Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV control. While HIV- AIDS is a global epidemic, Africa as a whole carries the highest burden of the disease with the highest prevalence in subSaharan Africa. Some studies have indicated a correlation between religious beliefs and behaviors that help to protect against contracting HIV and responses to the use of ARV drugs. 

This study is a descriptive research on the role of religious beliefs in the prevention and the attitudes towards use of ART for HIV control. The study will concentrate on two religious groups: Christians and Muslims or Christianity and Islam who are significantly big religious groups in this continent. The study will answer four questions: 

1. Is there a similarity between how Christians and Muslims understand the cause of HIV and AIDS?
2.Is there a difference between the Christians and the Muslims as its incidence or prevalence?
3 What similar and dissimilar protective factors prevail in these two religious groups?
3. What influences the HIV or AIDS patient'attitude towards ART?
4. As a church, how are we going to support the global intention on prevention and control of HIV and AIDS in our churches?