DAKAR, Senegal (PANA) —A new body to bolster the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Africa was born in Dakar late June 5 at the end of a three-day workshop by religious leaders and medical experts from several African countries.

The multi-denominational body, known as the International Religious Alliance on HIV/AIDS for Africa, will be based in Dakar, under the auspices of two non-governmental organizations involved in AIDS control activities—the Islamic Jamra and Catholic AIDS Service (SIDA Service), respectively.

Addressing a news conference at the end of the workshop, the head of the Senegalese National AIDS Control Program, Dr. Ibra Ndoye, said that Latif Gueye of Jamra will be the Alliance’s secretary general, while Emile Daly Diouf will be his deputy.

Dr. Ndoye said two ranking religious leaders—El Hadj Maodo Sylla, the grand imam of Dakar and Mgr. Theodore Sarr of Kaolack will serve as spiritual advisers to the secretariat.

Observers will include an imam who is already living with HIV, the Senegalese AIDS Control Program, the West African AIDS Initiative and UNAIDS.

He said the Alliance’s plan of action will be formulated during a meeting of regional representatives from the continent’s five geographical regions.

Latif Gueye said the Alliance will work closely with scientists in prevention efforts at grassroots levels, combating stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS through religious leaders’ associations to be created in every country.

"African leaders have done a lot in efforts to combat AIDS, but the fact that prevalence rates are still going on means the prevention message is not reaching the audience. I think religious leaders have a role,’’ said Latif Gueye. He said an alliance formed by Senegalese religious leaders in 1997 had served as a model in the formation of the international alliance and many other actors from other continents had sought to learn from it.

Addressing the workshop’s closing session, a representative of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, Mrs. M. Grunitzky Bekele, said "We have waited for the formation of this alliance for a long time so as to add to the responses against AIDS.’’

Asked about the sources of funds to run the alliance’s secretariat, Dr. Ndoye said, "We have support from our international partners particularly those who back the international partnership initiative for Africa that is propped by the World Bank and UNAIDS.

"In addition, religious leaders, who are known for their seriousness and commitment, will actively mobilize resources for this noble cause,’’ he said, adding that the office bearers will be working on a voluntary basis.