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ANGOLA: Religious leaders urged to tackle HIV/AIDS

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 18 February (PLUSNEWS) - An international aid agency, Christian Aid, has urged stronger support by Angolan religious leaders in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.

Rachel Baggaley, head of Christian Aid’s HIV/AIDS unit, was quoted by Reuters as saying: "The church and other faith-based organisations have a massive role to play in HIV prevention and care. The church is part of the problem - church leaders often stigmatise people living with HIV and are not compassionate or open about HIV."

Research shows that the current HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Angola is between five and seven percent.

Baggaley warned that this figure could soar to over 20 percent within five years if the country did not act immediately.

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