In late March, World Vision President Dave Toycen spoke with Stephen Lewis, UN Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, about the role of the church—both in Africa and in Canada—in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Here are excerpts from their conversation.

Dave Toycen: What are some of the unique ways African churches are currently responding to AIDS?

Stephen Lewis: The churches do three vital things. First of all, they do a lot of important consciousness-raising. More and more ministers are prepared to talk about the pandemic and its consequences.

Secondly, the churches do some lovely home-based care. You'll find that the women of the church are ones doing palliative care for women who are sick and dying at home.

The third thing the churches do—and are almost alone in doing—is to respond to the orphan deluge. The way they provide solace and comfort to orphans is exemplary. There's so little response generally to orphaned children. The churches do the best they can for these kids.

DT: What else could churches be doing?

SL: The churches are still not sufficiently vocal. The clerical voice is not muted, but it's by no means aggressive or interventionist.

Another opportunity for churches is to urge treatment. In Africa, 16 or 17 per cent of those who need treatment are receiving it. Treatment gives people hope. Testing is something the churches can help mobilize.

Thirdly is the question of stigmatization. It's really important that the churches take us beyond the assumption that people have done wrong or sinned or that they're somehow culpable. The authority of the church voice is spreading a message of respect and love and human rights for those who are affected. That's a very powerful voice, and we've not heard enough of it.

DT: What can the Canadian church do?
 
SL: I'd encourage the church community to use the opportunity of the changing government to press the 0.7 per cent * very, very hard, whether it's as part of the Make Poverty History campaign or through the churches as separate entities. Governments are always most susceptible during a minority period.

Also, making sure the legislation on the manufacture and export of generic anti-retrovirals** actually gets implemented. But it requires voices, pressure, and constant advocacy. Church involvement can make a difference.

* A 30-year-old commitment by our government to spend 0.7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product on foreign aid by 2015. Canada currently spends about 0.3 per cent GDP.
** Anti-retroviral drugs are the main form of treatment for HIV and AIDS. While they are not a cure, they can prolong lives.

Click here to view the complete transcript.