Speakers at the prayer breakfast in New York. Photo:Gregoire Fombelle/WCC
Prayer breakfast highlights ongoing need for united global effort
(LWI) - A prayer breakfast, held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, brought together religious leaders, policymakers, and health advocates to highlight the critical role of faith-based organizations in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Leaders speaking at the breakfast emphasized the ongoing need for a united global effort to end AIDS by 2030, focusing on investments in pediatric HIV programs and advocating for sustained support for families and children affected by the virus. The annual breakfast was co-hosted by UNAIDS, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Addressing a “Forgotten crisis”
Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), spoke at the event. Reflecting on her experience in Estonia in the 2000s where she organized an HIV/AIDS awareness raising and anti-stigmatization training at the Theological Institute of her home church, she shared, "At that time, I saw well how NGOs and the government worked to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make medication available. Because of this, the rate of new infections has gone down considerably in my home country, while remaining a huge challenge in many countries across the world."
Rev. Dionne Boissiere, chaplain to the United Nations Church Centre moderated the discussion. Photo: Gregoire Fombelle/WCC.
The prayer breakfast gathered leaders from faith groups and civil society. Photo: Gregoire Fombelle/WCC
LWF General Secretary Burghardt reminded participants that it is urgent to act together. Photo: Gregoire Fombelle/WCC
The LWF General Secretary addressed the concerning trend of HIV/AIDS being treated as a “forgotten” crisis in many regions. “It must receive the necessary attention. We have learned from other health issues, like COVID-19, that nations and people of the world can come together and take decisive action at all levels,” stated Burghardt. She emphasized the need to protect and care for children affected by HIV/AIDS, highlighting the unique calling of faith communities to support the marginalized and vulnerable.
Addressing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, Dr. Burghardt warned against misleading theologies that see disease as a punishment from God. “This contributes to stigma,” she said. “It is not in line with how Jesus treated those who needed healing or support. As faith communities, we must address and combat misleading theologies and teachings.” She also called on faith communities to offer leadership through education, spiritual care, and psychosocial support, urging, "We need to act and live as caring communities. And it is our duty to remind societies at large that HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health issue today."
The event featured notable speakers, including PEPFAR Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Christine Stegling, and Bishop Leah D. Daughtry of the House of the Lord Churches. Wendy Ramirez, an advocate from Honduras living with HIV, added a personal perspective to the discussion.
A key message of the gathering was a reinforced understanding of the importance of faith-based organizations in addressing HIV/AIDS. Their long-standing roles in providing care, support, and advocacy remain crucial to sustaining global momentum toward an AIDS-free future. Speakers also called for renewed global commitment to eliminate AIDS, especially by focusing on pediatric programs and fighting stigma and discrimination within communities.
