The positive Muslims’ approach to stigma, HIV, AIDS and PLWH : a theology of compassion translated into non-judgmental support for HIV-positive Muslims in South Africa
Document type: article
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Abstract:
The South African organization Positive Muslims was founded by Faghmeda Miller, after she had discovered her HIV-positive status. In the absence of a Muslim support group Faghmeda had first joined a Christian one. Faghmeda then initiated a support group committed to addressing HIV and AIDS in a Muslim context. The organization was formally founded in 2000. Stigma surrounds infected and affected persons in Muslim communities. Since HIV is associated with pre- and extramarital sex and drug usage, the widespread conception is that ‘good Muslims’ are above it. A survey on Asian Muslims’ opinions on HIV and AIDS found that about half of the respondents viewed AIDS as God’s vengeance on immorality. An almost similar percentage considered AIDS a ‘disease of sinners’ and almost as many regarded people living with HIV (PLWH) as ‘devoid of morality’. Although Positive Muslims is a ‘faith-based organization’, it does not advocate solely for a ‘return-to-faith’ solution to the AIDS epidemic. Instead, it aims for a more comprehensive approach incorporating both personal transformation and socio-economic justice.
Authors:
Westh, J.
,
Noordien, F.
Country:
South Africa
Category:
General
End Page:
9
Serial number:
2
ISSN:
1871-7551
Journal:
Exchange on HIV/AIDS, sexuality and gender
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
religion
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Year:
2008
Region:
Africa South of Sahara
,
Southern Africa
Right:
© 2008 KIT
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Start Page:
7
Title:
The positive Muslims’ approach to stigma, HIV, AIDS and PLWH : a theology of compassion translated into non-judgmental support for HIV-positive Muslims in South Africa