TANZANIA: Zanzibar's clerics join fight against HIV/AIDS

Muslim clerics on Tanzania's semiautonomous island of Zanzibar are using religious messages to woo citizens into changing their behaviour to curb the spread of HIV.

Sheikh Khalid Muhammad Mrisho, the main speaker at recent celebrations marking the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, said the Prophet had taught that one should take precautions, and "the affected person must not transmit to others".

Posters advocating HIV testing before marriage were displayed at the venue, a rarity in this conservative Muslim society.

Muslim clerics have been reluctant to deliver HIV/AIDS messages at public gatherings, despite calls by HIV activists.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

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