African Diaspora Faith Leaders HIV/AIDS Historical Summit - Tarrytown, NY

Mobilization of the religious leadership in Tanzania was initiated in the fall of 2001, during which time The Balm In Gilead convened a series of meetings with representatives of major religious institutions for the purposes of creating awareness of the organization and its desire to partner with religious organizations through the development of the Africa HIV/AIDS Faith Initiative. In January of 2002, Tanzanian religious leaders Bishop Severine Niwemugizi and Dr. Alban Hokororo of TEC, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samson Mushemba and Dr. Mtaita of CCT joined delegates from Cote’ Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, and the United States for the African Diaspora Faith Leaders HIV/AIDS Historical Summit held in Tarrytown, New York.

The 4-day meeting of multinational religious leaders afforded delegates the opportunity to gain significant training and insight into the multi-dimensional aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Sessions offered by notable global HIV/AIDS leaders such as Dr. Helene Gayle of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided participants with a comprehensive foundation in the global impact of HIV/AIDS, basic HIV/AIDS science and theological implications of HIV/AIDS. In addition to the Summit providing the participants with a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue concerning the impact of HIV/AIDS in their respective nations, delegates shared their needs and challenges concerning the mobilization of their faith communities to respond to HIV/AIDS.

The central outcome of the African Diaspora Faith Leaders Historical Summit was the creation of a synergistic partnership between The Balm In Gilead and the faith leadership of each of the represented nations.