South Asia Inter-Religious Council on HIV/AIDS

The South Asia Inter-Religious Council on HIV/AIDS (SAIRC) is a network of religious leaders committed to combating HIV/AIDS through cooperative advocacy, anti-stigma and discrimination initiatives, and compassionate prevention and care for those living with and affected by the disease. After being proposed at the December 2003 South Asia Inter-Faith Consultation on Children, Young People and HIV/AIDS in Kathmandu, SAIRC held its inaugural meeting in New Delhi in November 2004. The council, led by Secretary General Akhtarul Wasey, developed a "Consensus Framework for Action" outlining the new organization's goals, structure, and next steps; it especially emphasized addressing stigma, educating religious leaders and youth about HIV/AIDS, and mobilizing community resources to more effectively respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. SAIRC has received support from Religions for Peace and UNICEF.