Ambassador Yamamoto Addresses the 3rd International Muslim Leaders’ Consultation on HIV/AIDS

Ambassador Donald Yamamoto addressed nearly 150 participants from over 30 countries on Monday, July 23, during the opening ceremony of the third International Muslim Leaders’ Consultation on HIV/AIDS.  He urged religious and community leaders to return to their communities to spread the good word and to bring communities together to fight HIV/AIDS. 

“You can shape social values, promote responsible behavior, increase public knowledge and influence opinion, as well as change attitudes, policies and laws,” Ambassador Yamamato said.

“The United States is grateful to you and for being able to support this conference and your continued commitment to this endeavor through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, and USAID.”  

The US Government first started supporting Muslim communities to address AIDS in 1992 through a project entitled “Family AIDS Education and Prevention Through Imams” implemented by the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda.  In 2000, a group of Muslim practitioners decided to articulate an Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS in order to help their religious community respond appropriately.  In 2001, the United States Government supported the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda to organize the first International Muslim Leaders’ Consultation on HIV/AIDS in Kampala, Uganda.  In 2003, the US Government also contributed to organizing the second gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

The conference in Ethiopia, which has been highly supported by the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, is following the theme of “The Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS: Enhancing the Community Response”.  Jason Heffner, PEPFAR Ethiopia Coordinator, was instrumental in bringing the U.S. Government’s support to this gathering.  His efforts were recognized by the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council during the opening ceremony of the five-day event.

In Ethiopia, PEPFAR partners include the Ethiopian Muslim Development Agency, Ogaden Welfare and Development Association and Rohi Weddu Pastoral Women’s Development Organization in Afar region. These groups are educating communities about HIV prevention through local Imams and peer educators, and strengthening anti-AIDS youth clubs.