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UN urges religious leaders to join AIDS battle

    JOHANNESBURG

    A probable increase in the number of AIDS orphans in Mozambique has caused the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) to seek assistance from the country's religious leaders.

    During a recent two-day conference, the agency urged more than 100 elders of the Christian, Hindu and Muslim faiths to play a more active role in tackling the pandemic.

    UNICEF representative Marie-Pierre Poirier said the leaders enjoyed confidence, credibility and authority, and could play a key role in raising AIDS awareness in communities.

    Poirier said: "Religious leaders have the power to put an end to the feeling of guilt and rejection stigma, and open the door to reconciliation and hope, awareness, prevention and care."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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