Skip to main content

HIV/AIDS, Religion and Spirituality

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On

Abstract

Two-and-a-half decades into the epidemic, AIDS continues to exact a significant toll on southern Africa. Studies have pointed to a host of local factors, such as the co-morbidity of the AIDS virus with sexually transmitted infections or tuberculosis (Nelson and Lipman, 2006); prevalent pre- and extra-marital sexual behaviour (Brockerhoff et al., 1996); socio-economic factors such as poverty, circumcision, the cultural position of women, poor social health services and migratory pressures (Caldwell, 2000; Susser and Stein, 2000); and civil unrests and conflicts (Mills et al., 2006), as important determinants of the causes and course of the epidemic in the region. Researchers have, however, neglected religion and its effects on AIDS-related behaviour in Africa.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adongo, P.B., Phillips J.F., and Binka, F.N. (1998). The influence of traditional religion on fertility regulation among the Kassena-Nankana of northern Ghana. Studies in Family Planning, 29(1), 23–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Agadjanian, V. (2005). Gender, religious involvement, and HIV/AIDS prevention in Mozambique. Social Science & Medicine, 61(7), 1529–1539.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akwara, P.A., Madise, N.J., and Hinde, A. (2003). Perception of risk of HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour in Kenya. Journal of Biosocial Science, 35, 385–411.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • ARHAP for the World Health Organization. (2006). Appreciating Assets: The contribution of religion to universal access in Africa. Research Report. http://www.arhap.uct.ac.za/downloads/ARHAPWHO_appenAtoL.pdf. Accessed on 20 March 2008.

  • Bediako, K. (1995). Christianity in Africa: Renewal of a non-Western religion. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birdsall, K. (2005). Faith-Based responses to HIV/AIDS in South Africa: An analysis of the activities of Faith-based Organisations (FBOs) in the national HIV/AIDS database. Johannesburg: Centre for AIDS Development, Research and Evaluation (CADRE).

    Google Scholar 

  • Brockerhoff, M., Biddlecom, A., and Saha, T. (1996). Migration, sexual behavior and HIV diffusion in Kenya. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Population Association, New Orleans.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caldwell, J.C. (2000). Rethinking the African Aids Epidemic. Population and Development Review, 26, 117–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christianity Today (18 November, 2002). Killing a Pandemic: The church may be best equipped to deal HIV/AIDS a crippling blow. A Christianity Today editorial.

    Google Scholar 

  • Church of England. (2004). Telling the story: being positive about HIV/AIDS. A report by the Mission and Public Affairs Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council of Anglican Province of Africa. (2007). HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Strategic Plan for 2007–2011. http://hivaids.anglicancommunion.org/hiv/review/p8.cfm. Accessed on 18 March 2008.

  • Deacon, H., and Simbayi, L. (2006). The nature and extent of HIV and AIDS-Related stigma in The Anglican Church of The Province Of Southern Africa: A quantitative study.

    Google Scholar 

  • Faith in Action: Hindu leaders Caucus against HIV/AIDS held on 1st to 2nd June 2008 in Bangalore, India. http://faithinaction.in/category/hinduism-and-hivaids. Accessed on 12 August 2008.

  • Foster, G. (2004). Study of the response by faith-based organisations to orphans and vulnerable children. UNICEF and World Conference of Religions for peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fosu, G.B. (1981). Disease classification in rural Ghana: framework and implications for health behaviour. Social Science & Medicine, 15(4), 471–82.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fosu, G.B. (1995). Women’s orientation toward help-seeking for mental disorders. Social Science & Medicine, 40(8), 1029–40.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garner, R.C. (2000). Safe sects? dynamic religion and AIDS in South Africa. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 38, 41–69.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gifford, P. (1994). Some recent developments in African Christianity. African Affairs, 93, 513–534.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golliher, J.M., and Tuatagaloa-Matalavea, T.F. (Eds.) (2004). Healing God's creation: The global Anglican congress on the stewardship of creation. The Good Shepherd Retreat Center, Hartebeesport, South Africa: Morehouse Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, P.B. (2004). HIV and Islam: Is HIV prevalence lower among Muslims? Social Science & Medicine, 58(9), 1751–1756.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hasnain, M. (2005). Cultural Approach to HIV/AIDS Harm Reduction in Muslim Countries. Harm Reduction Journal, 2, 23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Health Systems Trust. (2007). Survey of HIV prevalence among women attending antenatal clinics in South Africa’. Pretoria: Department of Health. http://www.hst.org.za/healthstats/13/data. Accessed on 12 February 2008.

  • IRIN PlusNews (2006). Faith makes a difference in Aids care. http://www.iolhivaids.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3496086&fSectionId=1591. Accessed on 12 August 2008.

  • IRIN PlusNews (2007). Islamic leaders try to come to terms with Aids. http://www.iolhivaids.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4016632&fSectionId=1837. Accessed on 12 August 2008.

  • Jeenah, N. (2006). The national liberation struggle and Islamic feminisms in South Africa. Women's Studies International Forum, 29, 27–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, P. (2002). The next Christendom: The coming of global Christianity. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Kagee, A., Toefy, M.Y., Simbayi, L., and Kalichman, S. (2005). HIV prevalence in three predominantly Muslim residential areas in the Cape Town Metropole. South African Medical Journal, 95(7), 512–516.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kibombo, R., Neema, S., and Ahmed, F.H. (2007). Perceptions of risk to HIV infection among adolescents in Uganda: Are they related to sexual behaviour? African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11(3), 168–181.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, J. (1997). White, red and black: color classification and illness management in Northern Ghana. Social Science & Medicine, 44(2), 215–230.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lagarde, E., Dirk, T., Puren, A., Reathe, R. T., and Bertran, A. (2003). Acceptability of male circumcision as a tool for preventing HIV infection in a highly infected community in South Africa. AIDS, 17(1), 89–95

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lux, S., and Greenaway, K. (2006), Scaling up effective partnerships: A guide to working with faith-based organisations in the response to HIV and AIDS. Church World Service, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, Norwegian Church Aid, UNAIDS and World Conference of Religions for Peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mbweza, E., Norr, K., and Norr, J. (2004). Gender differences in HIV knowledge, risk perception, and risky behaviors: implications for HIV prevention in Malawi abstract no. WePeD6298. Presented at International Conference on AIDS, Bangkok

    Google Scholar 

  • McCullough, M.E., Hoyt, W.T., Larson, D.B., Koenig, H.G., and Thoresen, C.E. (2000). Religious involvement and mortality: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychology, 19, 211–222.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mills, E.J., Singh, S., Nelson, B.D., and Nachega, J.B. (2006). ‘The impact of conflict on HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.’ International Journal of STD and AIDS, 17, 713–717.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Munro, A. (2002). Belated, but powerful: The response of the Catholic Church to HIV/AIDS in five Southern African countries. Presented at the XII International AIDS Conference, Barcelona.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, M., and Lipman, M. (2006). Management of advanced HIV disease in patients with tuberculosis or hepatitis co-infection. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 60(8), 976–983.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ojo, M.A. (2000). The study of African Christianity in the 1990s. Religion, 30(2), 185–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parker, R., and Aggleton, P. (2002). HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: A conceptual framework and an agenda for action – Horizons Project, The Population Council, Washington DC, May, 2002 – pdf.usaid.gov

    Google Scholar 

  • Positive Muslims. (2004). HIV, AIDS and Islam: Reflections based on Compassion, Responsibility & Justice. Observatory, South Africa: Positive Muslims Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogerson, R.G. (2002) Traditional African healers: their role in the fight against STDs, HIV and AIDS in South Africa. International Conference on AIDS, Barcelona.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rubingh, E. (2002). ‘Theological and Ethical Reflections on HIV/AIDS in Africa,’ Available on http://www.gospelcom.net/rec/Focus2-1rubingh.html. Accessed on 12 August 2008.

  • Schmid, B., Cochrane, J.R., Wanamaker, C.A., Khalfe, H., and Holness, L. (2004). Health Services provided by religious communities. South African Health Review 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmid, T., Schmid, L., Schmid, B., Cochrane, J.R., Gwele, M., and Ngubo, R. (2006). Masangane case atudy, ‘Let Us Embrace’: role and significance of an integrated Faith-Based initiative for HIV and AIDS. Cape Town: University of Cape Town, African Religious Health Assets Programme.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaikh, S. (2003). Transforming feminisms: Islam, women, and gender justice. In O. Safi. (Ed.), Progressive Muslims speak: On justice, gender, and pluralism. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, B. (2001). Breaking the silence on HIV/AIDS: religious health organisations and reproductive health. Conscience: Catholics for a Free Choice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sloan, R., and Bagiella, E. (2002). Claims about religious involvement and health outcomes. Annuals of Behavioural Medicine, 24, 14–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinitz, L. (2006). Scaling up effective partnerships: A guide to working with faith-based organisations in the response to HIV and AIDS. Geneva: Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susser, I., and Stein, Z. (2000). Culture, sexuality, and women's agency in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. American Journal of Public Health, 90(7), 1042–1048.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Takyi, B.K. (2003). Religion and women’s health in Ghana: insight into HIV/AIDS preventive and protective behaviour. Social Science and Medicine, 56, 1221–1234.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • The Body (2006). World Catholic and Jewish leaders meeting in South Africa unite against AIDS. http://www.thebody.com/content/living/art38712.html. Accessed 11 August 2008.

  • Toefy, M.Y. (2002). Divorce in the Muslim community of the Western Cape: A demographic study of 600 divorce records at the Muslim Judicial Council and the National Ulama Council between 1994 and 1999. Cape Town: University of Cape Town.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsevat, J. (2006). Spirituality/religion and quality of life in patients with HIV/AIDS. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 21(5), 1525–1497.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • UNAIDS. (2007). Revised estimates show lower HIV prevalence in India. http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2007/20070704_India_new_data.asp. Accessed on 15 November 2008.

  • UNAIDS. (2007). Traditional healers join the AIDS response. http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2007/20070207_Traditional_Healers_BP.asp. Accessed on 12 August 2008.

  • UNAIDS. Religion and AIDS. http://www.unaids.org/en/Partnerships/Civil+society/religionAndAids.asp. Accessed on 12 May 2008.

  • Van Wyngaard, A. (2005). Towards a Theology of HIV/AIDS.’ Presented to the General Assembly of the Reformed Ecumenical Council held in Utrecht in the Netherlands.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weaver, R. (2004). Reaching out? Donor approaches to faith-based organisations in the response to HIV/AIDS. TEARFUND Briefing Paper 1. Middlesex, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whetten, K., Reif, S., Lowe, K., and Eldred, L. (2004). Gender differences in knowledge and perceptions of HIV resources among individuals living with HIV in the Southeast. Southern Medical Journal, 97(4), 342–349.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wreford, J. (2006). Involving traditional health practitioners in HIV/AIDS interventions: lessons from the Western Cape Province. Cape Town: Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Toefy, Y. (2009). HIV/AIDS, Religion and Spirituality. In: Rohleder, P., Swartz, L., Kalichman, S., Simbayi, L. (eds) HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0306-8_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0306-8_16

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0305-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0306-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics