INERELA+ is an international, interfaith network of religious leaders - both lay and ordained, women and men -- living with or personally affected by HIV. It is recognized that religious leaders have a unique authority that plays a central role in providing moral and ethical guidance within their communities; indeed their public opinions can influence entire nations. INERELA+ looks to empower its members to use their positions of respect within their faith communities in a way that breaks silence, challenges stigma and provides delivery of evidenced-based prevention, care and treatment services.

Vision

A world where HIV and AIDS related stigma, infections and deaths are eliminated.

Mission

INERELA+ exists to equip, empower and engage its members to live positively and openly as agents of hope and change in their faith communities and countries.

Key areas of activity

• Overcome self-stigma among people living with HIV and break the silence that surrounds the pandemic;
• Stimulate the faith communities’ response to end societal and faith-specific stigma and discrimination;
• Advocate and engage in compassionate and effective HIV prevention, care, treatment and support;
• Address the social, legal and economic needs of people with additional vulnerabilities;
• Provide resources and financial support to the regional networks.

INERELA+, as a newly founded organisation, aims to run regional and national programmes to provide a framework within which the above goals can be accomplished. The network’s regions will identify and recruit new members; train members to be advocates against stigma, silence and discrimination and providers of evidence-based, effective HIV-related services.

INERELA+ seeks to offer unique resources for communities in the fight against HIV. Below is an example of anti-stigmatisation music video that INERELA+ co-produced with Christian Aid at the Methodist Youth Resource Centre in Bo Town, Sierra Leone.

Contact

JP Mokgethi-Heath
jheath@inerela.org

www.inerela.org