Inter-religious Health Committee (IGC) - Suriname

A conference on health and religion for various religious groups. Participating religious groups included Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Baha'i. Similarities in attitudes towards health were identified and the IGC was created. A common mission and vision were established, and although it was a challenge to negotiate religious principles, similarities were identified through discussion. A pamphlet called "Religion and Health" was produced, containing health statements that were backed and supported by all religious leaders. The statements covered topics including nutrition, society, hygiene, family life and social behaviours with a focus on health promotion. Other activities included the publication of a reference book on religious ideas and traditions about healthy lifestyle and preparations for a campaign for healthy living. On several occasions, religious groups were mobilized through the IGC to participate in safe blood initiatives, community marches and other Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) health events.
Counselor training will be provided for pregnant women who are HIV positive. This partnership capitalizes on the effectiveness of communication through community leaders in a unique partnership for health promotion.
A second conference was held on November 27, 1999 where the main religious groups were represented, which evaluated the previous work on planned activities and made further decisions on the preparation of the proposed health campaign. During this workshop, the Ministry of Public Health became involved. On March 28, 2000, religious leaders met to discuss the dengue epidemic and proposed activities including training health educators, providing social education to congregation members, establishing health education centres, emphasizing health issues by religious leaders and establishing health committees within religious organisations on the priority issue, dengue. This activity was fully supported by the Bureau of Public Health.

Health, HIV/AIDS, Immunisation & Vaccines.

The initiative was initiated in May 1998 to build effective relationships between religious groups and PAHO to promote health. Activity outputs of the conference on November 27, 1999 included a "health calendar" for the years 2000 and 2001, with the celebration of international health and environmental days, a conference on the care for patients with AIDS and the start of an office for the coordination of these activities. Through this partnership approach, information is adapted to meet sensitive cultural needs, both within the context of the country and within the religious communities.