Policy Statement The Salvation Army seeks to be a significant participant in Faith-based, integrated, quality responses to those infected or affected by HIV and AIDS, giving priority to the poor and marginalised members of society. The Salvation Army was one of the first groups to appreciate the importance of care and relationships in stimulating communities to respond to HIV and AIDS. We will continue to work towards the eradication of new HIV cases by focusing on, prevention, detection, support, care and treatment in the community with assistance from corps, hospitals and clinics. The Salvation Army holds that every individual is important in the sight of God and has the potential to be whole in body, mind and spirit. Prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS is therefore viewed holistically, caring for an individual’s physical, emotional, social, mental, spiritual and economic wellbeing. The Salvation Army recognises that faith groups have a significant role to play in responding to HIV through, reducing HIV related stigma and isolation, encouraging individuals to know their status and comply with their treatment. This role complements, rather than replaces, the state, market and NGO responses. In many communities, faith can break down the barriers, build trust and provide a means of communication which is direct and effective. The Salvation Army acknowledges that no single agency can provide for the full spectrum of needs of people living with or affected by HIV and works in partnership with other agencies involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Background Information Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that may if not treated, lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) It is estimated that 21.7 million of the 36.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2017 were on HIV treatment, and eighty percent (80%) of pregnant women living with HIV had access to anti-retroviral medicines to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies. There were 1.8 million newly HIV infected individuals in 2017, with around 7,000 young women aged 15-24 years every week becoming infected with HIV. Young women aged 15-19 years are twice as likely as young men of that age to be living with HIV. More than 35% of women around the world experience physical and/or sexual violence at some time in their lives. In some regions women who experience violence are one and a half times more likely to become infected with HIV.
HIV treatment helps to improve the length and quality of life, as well as reducing their chances of infected individuals in infecting others. WHO’s aim is 90-90-90. This means that by 2020: Ninety percent (90%) of people living with HIV know their status. In 2017, 75% of individuals knew their status. Ninety percent (90%) of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy. At the end of 2017, 59% of all individuals who knew their HIV status had access to treatment. That of those accessing treatment 90% will be virally suppressed. In 2017, this was the case for 81% of those on treatment. HIV and AIDS continues to be a focus for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to Health, which desires that by 2030 there is an end to the epidemic of AIDS.
Principles – Biblical and Theological Background The suffering and death which results from AIDS stands in stark contrast to God’s intentions for abundant life. Health, healing and wholeness were a central part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The New Testament provides numerous examples of Jesus’ commitment to healing and social inclusion. Providing excellent examples of treating the marginalised and excluded members of society with compassion, dignity and love (Mark 1:29-34 Luke 8:40-56, Matthew 8:1-4; 9:27-38; 10:8; 22:34-40). We believe that: • Relationships are critically important, and care is more effective when it is supported by communal and congregational structures and integrated into the web of relationships in which we live • People who suffer from any illness should not be subjected to social isolation or rejection. Unconditional acceptance should be available to all people without discrimination.
Practical Responses 1. The Salvation Army seeks to promote quality relationships between those infected or affected by HIV within their communities, to ensure there is a supportive, inclusive, caring environment. 2. The Salvation Army encourages programmes and dialogue which reduce fear and stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, wherever it still exists.
3. The Salvation Army encourages the use of education and counselling to provide information on; prevention, diagnosis, disclosure and treatment of HIV, to enable individuals to make informed choices. The Salvation Army is not opposed to the use of condoms or needle exchange programmes in situations where this is an appropriate response. 4. The Salvation Army encourages everyone to take personal responsibility for maintaining their health. This includes seeking early diagnosis and adherence to treatment. 5. The Salvation Army encourages specific programmes which support young people who acquired HIV either at birth or in early childhood, to enable them to view their condition like any other chronic illness, be able to accept their situation and move forward to achieve their full potential in life. 6. The Salvation Army works with communities to help reduce violence among women and early sexual activity among young girls through education and awareness programmes. 7. The Salvation Army seeks to create safe, supporting environments, which empower HIV positive individuals to disclose their status, and in which they can continue value themselves as individuals who have much to give to society. 8. The Salvation army encourages collaborating with the government and partner NGO’s to ensure all Salvation Army health providers are up to date with the latest research and best practice in the field. No single agency can provide for the full spectrum of needs experienced by people living with HIV and AIDS and partnership with other individuals and organisations involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS is essential.
Reference Documents http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet (July 2018) http://www.salvationarmy.org Building Deeper Relationships using Faith-Based Facilitation, https://www.avert.org/global-hiv-targets http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2017/90-90-90 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg3