Fighting HIV/AIDS and Transforming Communities through Interfaith Partnerships: Why and How Christians and Muslims Must Collaborate

Abstract

Interfaith partnerships are the key to combatting a global, complex problem like HIV and AIDS. Since globalization has turned all of humanity into neighbors, partnerships that build social capital, foster reconciliation, and strengthen collaboration as means to end HIV/AIDS are a necessity. Previous negative experiences, current prejudices, and apathetic or partial interpretations of scripture have hindered many opportunities for Muslim-Christian partnerships, but it is time that these relationships are restored so that healthy partnerships can address HIV/AIDS in an effective and holistic way. This paper will attempt to succinctly address the complex issue of HIV and AIDS and why interfaith action is necessary, the major challenges and benefits of said partnerships, and how and why such communication and collaboration can occur. Through case studies, examples of effective Muslim and Christian partnerships for the sake of HIV/AIDS and community development around the world will be explored. To finish, general principles of interfaith partnerships will be drawn out and applied in an attempt to answer the question: How does one work with people who are dissimilar to themselves?