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Our Mission |
A Unique Approach |
Nigeria |
Kenya |
Tanzania |
Côted’Ivoire |
Our Team |
A Theological Call to Action!
Coalition of Religions Against HIV/AIDS in Cote d'Ivoire (CORAS-CI) - new!
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The Balm In Nigeria – A History
After receiving a mandate from the leadership of both the Christian and Muslim
communities to establish a new organization through which the faith community
of Nigeria would address HIV/AIDS, The Balm In Gilead facilitated a process for
creating, within the most populated African country (130 million), a culturally
diverse and competent national HIV/AIDS organization with a mission to mobilize
and engage both churches and mosques to effectively and appropriately address
HIV/AIDS.
In April 2002, the process began at a historical gathering of Christian and Muslim leaders to address HIV/AIDS. The partnership was endorsed by both the Most Rev. Dr. John Onaiyekan, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, and Dr. Alhaji Lateef Adegbite, Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Several follow-up meetings included extended representation from both the Christian and Muslim faith communities, Rev. Kaine Nwashili, the newly selected convener of the advisory council, and representatives of The Balm In Gilead. During these meetings the organization was formalized. With a motto of, In Love, Unity and Hope, the mission of the Interfaith HIV/AIDS Coalition of Nigeria is to empower religious organizations to play a leadership role in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, and to support those infected with and affected by the virus..
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Partner
Contact Information:
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Interfaith HIV/AIDS Council of Nigeria
National HIV/AIDS Office In Partnership with
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
8th Floor, Akuro House
24 Campbell Street, P.O. Box 10233
Marina, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: 234 01 263 6961, Fax: 234 01 474 0814
Tel/Fax: 234 01 263 7205
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Rev. Kaine D. Nwashili
National Director
Rev. Sr. Dr. Agatha Ogunkorode
Evaluation Coordinator
Dr. Victoria Agbara
Program Coordinator – Christian
Mallam Mohammed Kabir Kassim
Program Coordinator – Muslim
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AIDS Facts – Nigeria
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- In 2002, it was estimated that there are 3.5 million people in Nigeria living with HIV.
- There were more 300,000 Nigerian AIDS cases in 2003 alone.
- In 2003 alone, about 80,000 newborn infants were infected with HIV in Nigeria.
- An estimated 170,000 deaths occurred in Nigeria due to AIDS in 2001.
- In 2002 alone, it was estimated that 1 million children were orphaned by AIDS in Nigeria.
- In Nigeria, approximately 72 percent of all HIV infections are among adults under the age of 40 years old.
Sources: UNAIDS, Epidemiological Fact Sheet, 2002, www.unaids.org, USAIDS Country HIV/AIDS Profile: Nigeria. http://www.usaid.gov. AllAfrica.com.
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