SUSTAINING HOPE FOR ALL - Through 2030 and Beyond: Interfaith Preconference 2024

Munich, Germany – July 17, 2024 – The Interfaith Health Platform (IHP) is proud to announce the upcoming Interfaith Preconference, SUSTAINING HOPE FOR ALL - Through 2030 and Beyond, set to take place on July 20-21, 2024, at Messe München, Munich. This pivotal event will convene faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to address the ongoing HIV epidemic and explore sustainable solutions through interfaith collaboration.

The conference is open to virtual and in-person attendees and registration is available at https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2024/registration.

IHP will report on the conference through its social media channels:X: @Interfaith_H_P

Facebook: Interfaith.Health.Platform

Instagram: interfaith.health.platform

Programme

Day 1: Saturday, July 20, 2024

Room 5/Channel 8

Session 1: Putting People First: Inspiring Lasting Hope and Resilience 

The conference will start with a focus on the human aspect of the HIV epidemic, emphasizing hope and resilience. Keynote speakers from UNAIDS and PEPFAR will highlight their collaborative efforts with faith actors. The session will feature:

- Welcome Remarks: Insights from UNAIDS and PEPFAR on sustaining hope and resilience in the context of HIV.

- Faith Actors: Discussions on sustaining hope through 2030 and beyond.

- Roundtable Discussion: Sustainability in the HIV response.

- Personal Stories: Narratives of resilience and hope.

- Recommendations: Insights from the African faith-sector consultation in Kenya.

- The Way Forward and Prayer: Concluding thoughts and spiritual reflection.

Session 2: Advancing Towards Ending AIDS: The Faith Sector's Role in Confronting Current Challenges 

This session will delve into the significant contributions of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the fight against AIDS, including:

- Impact of Religion and Spirituality: Exploring the influence of beliefs on health outcomes in South Africa.

- Quantitative Study: Insights from a study on mental health and viral load among young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

- Interactive Dialogue: Engaging with speakers and participants on the role of faith in ending AIDS.

- Young People Living with HIV: Accompaniment for adherence and spiritual support.

- Closing Remarks: Recommendations for future actions.

Session 3: Sustainable FBOs and Community Approaches in the HIV Response 

This session will focus on sustainable practices within FBOs and community-led initiatives:

- South-to-South Replications: Strategies for closing prevention and treatment gaps.

- Community Mobilization: Addressing HIV stigma through U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaigns.

- Successes and Challenges: Integrated HIV care from the COVID crisis to universal health coverage by 2030.

- Interactive Dialogue: Sustainability in the HIV response.

- Closing and Recommendations: Contributions of the faith sector and communities to sustainability.

Day 2: Sunday, July 21, 2024

Room 13a/Channel 6

Session 1: Building Bridges of Compassion: Facing Stigma and Fostering Inclusion

This session will address stigma and promote inclusion, featuring:

- Case Study: An LGBTQ-affirming congregation in Kenya.

- Framework for Dialogue: Impact of HIV stigma among women and girls in Uganda.

- Faith Communities: Channels of hope.

- Addressing Stigma: Experiences from the Africa Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP).

- Interactive Discussion: Engaging participants in dialogue.

- Way Forward: Recommendations for fostering inclusion.

Session 2: Breaking Barriers: FBOs Promoting Innovations in Access to HIV Treatment and Prevention Services 

This session will highlight innovative approaches by FBOs:

- Latest Innovations: Updates in HIV prevention and treatment.

- Pediatric HIV Care: Strategies from Haiti.

- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: Success stories from Nigeria.

- HVTN Faith Initiative: The role of faith communities in HIV vaccine research.

- Interactive Discussion: Participant engagement.

- Closing and Recommendations: Innovations in access to HIV services.

Session 3: Upholding Human Rights: Advocacy for Equality and Dignity in the HIV Response

Focus on human rights and advocacy:

- Advocacy for Equality: Protecting health by protecting rights.

- Intersectional Approach: Addressing AYSRHR challenges in Siaya County.

- Interactive Discussion: Engaging participants.

- Roundtable: Advocacy for equality and dignity.

- Sustaining Hope for Children: Life cycle support for children living with HIV.

- Way Forward: Recommendations on collaborating with the faith sector.

Session 4: Reaching the Missing Millions: Faith Communities Increasing Access to HIV Services 

This session will explore coordinated interfaith advocacy:

- Successful Advocacy: Best practices and lessons learned.

- Panel Discussion: Enhancing advocacy efforts.

- Closing and Recommendations: Increasing access to HIV services.

Session 5: People First! Sustaining Hope for All - Through 2030 and Beyond 

The final session will emphasize sustainability:

- Key Elements for Sustainability: Effective collaboration with FBOs.

- Dance of Hope: A performance celebrating strength and hope.

- Engaging Young People: Enhancing the HIV response.

- Closing Ceremony: Reading of pledges by religious leaders.

Join us as we work together to sustain hope and resilience in the fight against HIV, through 2030 and beyond. For more information, visi