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Published on January 16, 2008

The number of infected people in the Asia-Pacific region has risen significantly.

The latest UNAids report estimated 4.9 million people in Asia-Pacific had contracted HIV, including 440,000 newly infected in the past year.

Approximately 300,000 people died from Aids-related illnesses last year.

Religious organisation should play a key role in combating prejudices faced by people with HIV and Aids by urging communities to respect "principles of compassion, leadership and moral responsibility", she said.

"They have the potential to do much more in reducing stigmatising and discrimination," she said. They could also increase awareness about prevention.

During the three-day conference that started yesterday, 15,100 participants from 10 regional religious organisations will strive to share experiences, identify challenges and build networks that can boost their roles in helping infected people.

"So far since the first case of HIV was identified more than 20 years ago, people still misunderstand HIV and express a negative attitude towards people living with HIV," she said.

It is important for faith organisation to change attitudes and prejudices, she added.

Asian Interfaith Network chairperson Pramaha Boonchuay Doojai said religious organisations needed to support and get communities to understand and help people with HIV.

"People with HIV can spend their life in communities peacefully if religious organisation help them to eliminate stigmatisation," he said

Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta programme's director, said the faith-based organisation should educate society on how to prevent infection.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation