What religious leaders need in order to be involved in the fight against HIVAIDS : results of a qualitative research from Egypt

الملخص EN

Introduction : Religious Leaders are the gate keepers for many social and cultural issues.

The role of Religious Leaders is not restricted on calling for prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage and other religious commandments and juristic regulations; but this role extends to include inviting people for various medical, social, cultural and religious fields of life.

In belief of the role of religious leaders, bringing them to the field of HIV / AIDS and networking with them, the efforts to tackle the problem would be more successful.

Objectives : Examining the knowledge of a group of religious leaders about HIV/AIDS Examining the attitude of a group of religious leaders towards PLWA Examining what can religious leaders do in the efforts for protection against HIV / AIDS and for providing care for PLWA.

Looking at the needs of the religious leaders in order to engage them in the efforts to fight against HIV/AIDS.

Methodology : The research was conducted in one of the Upper Egypt Governorates (Beni-Suif) and one in Lower Egypt (El-Sharkia): The study is cross-sectional analytical which used two types of qualitative research Focus group discussion for different target groups (Total 2), and In-depth Interviews for 12 Religious Leaders and In-Depth Interviews.

Main Findings : Religious Leaders affirmed that Islam has always encouraged discussions on matters which will help protect health and life.

Muslim men and women never felt shy to ask the Prophet (pbuh) about intimate sexual matters.

The Holy Qur'an has discussed reproduction and sexual health.

These facts would be of much help for the HIV/AIDS programs where the knowledge and the lack of it are crucial.

Love and compassion are the qualities of a good Muslim, people living with HIV / AIDS cannot be denied these powerful emotions.

People with AIDS need compassion, love, and affection, in addition to social and material support.

There are many sayings from the Prophet about showing love, compassion and support to people in ill health.

In this regard Religious leaders can contribute to the efforts that aiming at prevention of HIV / AIDS and caring for PLWA.

Religious leaders can contribute to the advocacy programs through mosques, seminars, writing articles, and through hotlines.