With a new sense of urgency in view of a pandemic which is
growing exponentially, high level figures from many of the
world's faiths have committed to exercise "stronger, more
visible and practical leadership" in response to HIV, with an
emphasis on eradicating the stigma and discrimination towards
those affected. "I am convinced that my faith must be more
visible and active to halt the spread of HIV and reverse this
pandemic", reads a "personal commitment to action" signed by
some 40 Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and
Sikh participants at a global Summit of High Level Religious
Leaders that took place in the Netherlands from 22-23 March
2010. The signatories promised to work "tirelessly to end all
stigmatising attitudes and actions until people living with HIV
are fully included in our religious communities and societies".
They also committed to engage in a meaningful way with people
living with HIV, protect human rights, influence decision makers
and collaborate with leaders from differe