8th of August 2006 Toronto Toan Nhu Tran Buddhism as a support mechanism for people living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam 8th of August 2006 Toronto Toan Nhu Tran

Presentation Social context of Vietnam Background to Tue Tinh Duong (TTD) Activities working with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Impact of TTD activities on PLWHA and the community Religion and HIV/AIDS

1. Social context of Vietnam HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam Is currently concentrated in the high risk groups of IDUs and sex workers. In Vietnam, drugs and prostitution are viewed as “social evils.” The stigma that accompanies this label is often transferred to PLWHA.

1. Social context of Vietnam Discrimination in the community PLWHA are often not treated with compassion and respect, but seen as criminals involved in sex work or drugs. Many PLWHA in Vietnam are stigmatized and ostracized from their communities: through words, actions, perceptions and lack of access.

1. Social context of Vietnam Discrimination in the health system There is a lack of trust in health clinics in terms of: Confidentiality Provision of non-judgmental care and support Some PLWHA don’t know where and how to access health services.

2. Background to Tue Tinh Duong The name “Tue Tinh Duong” comes from the 14th century monk Tue Tinh who used traditional medicine to treat poor patients. Tue Tinh Duong has been a sector of the Vietnamese Buddhist structure for centuries. In 1998, The Danish Red Cross provided funding for monks to be trained in traditional medicine and community health. Tue Tinh Duong now works in collaboration with a center in the Hanoi Medical University.

2. Background to Tue Tinh Duong Objectives of Tue Tinh Duong To advocate and act under the Buddhist spirit of mercy to provide assistance to poor people. “Saving a man is as good as building 7 pagodas”.

3. Activities working with PLWHA CARE and Tue Tinh Duong (TTD) CARE and TTD have been working together in HIV/AIDS since 2004. Since January 2005, TTD and CARE have been implementing a project with funding from PEPFAR.

3. Activities working with PLWHA Key activities TTD support PLWHA and tackle stigma and discrimination through: Preaching sessions at pagodas Counseling and spiritual support at pagodas Home-based care and support

3. Activities working with PLWHA Objectives of preaching sessions: Use Buddhist philosophy and participants’ belief to integrate preaching and reducing stigma and discrimination in the community. Mobilize the participation of the community. Help people have in-depth and correct knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Reduce pain and build trust for PLWHA, their families and friends.

3. Activities working with PLWHA Beneficiaries of preaching sessions (incorporating HIV/AIDS): People in the community People with high risk behaviors PLWHA and their families

3. Activities working with PLWHA Outputs of preaching sessions (incorporating HIV/AIDS): Nearly 1,000 people have participated in 9 sessions. The number of participants is increasing. People in the community feel closer to and understand better PLWHA. PLWHA feel that the community is paying attention to them and understands them.

3. Activities working with PLWHA Objectives of counseling and spiritual support: Reduce spiritual burden for PLWHA and their families. Support ARV treatment adherence. Build relations and support networks for PLWHA and their families.

3. Activities working with PLWHA Beneficiaries of counseling and spiritual support: Peer educators People with high risk behaviors PLWHA and their families Community

3. Activities working with PLWHA Outputs of counseling and spiritual support: 1,432 people have been counseled. Counseling is on HIV/AIDS knowledge, care, support, how to use traditional and modern medicines. Counseling is conducted at the pagoda and in the home. Beneficiaries receive the necessary information and care. They are able to share the difficulties they meet in life.

4. Impact of TTD activities Community understanding: Monks can mobilize many people to participate in preaching sessions at the pagoda. The community now understands that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not only the task of the health sector, but involves other government bodies, organizations and the community. Monks participation in the project has considerably changed people’s opinion on HIV/AIDS and PLWHA. It has built community trust and support for PLWHA and their families.

4. Impact of TTD activities The Pagoda: People come to the pagoda to seek psychological and spiritual support when they met difficulties. Thus, it is an ideal place to implement support activities. Pagodas are easy to access and unlike health clinics, are free of associations with HIV. PLWHA feel more comfortable accessing health information from them. PLWHA are not afraid of being stigmatized and discriminated there.

4. Impact of TTD activities Confidentiality and honesty: PLWHA believe that their situation will be kept confidential when accessing services at the pagoda. A general concept for living in Vietnam is that people “do not lie when faced with Buddhism”. The pagoda is a large roof for vulnerable people who want support.

4. Impact of TTD activities Access to a range of services: PLWHA can access a range of services: counseling, spiritual support, modern and traditional medicines and HBC. There is harmonious coordination between Tue Tinh Duong and health officers in providing counseling, technical support and Buddhist psychology.

4. Religion and HIV/AIDS Religious institutions and leaders are effective in HIV/AIDS programs: Easy to access religious places of worship to get information on HIV/AIDS. Closeness and access to the community and vulnerable people. Confidentiality and compassion. Able to implement timely support for PLWHA.

4. Religion and HIV/AIDS Religion’s influence on people’s opinions and behaviors: In-depth knowledge of its people. Significant influence on people’s lives. Can encourage PLWHA to live a more positive life and restore hope. Can reduce stigma and discrimination in the community.

4. Religion and HIV/AIDS Changing role of the community and religious organizations: The community now sees that it has a clear responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Expectation of religious organizations to participate in the fight against HIV/AIDS as it is a social, not just health, issue. The government and other organizations create favorable conditions for religious organizations to participate in HIV/AIDS activities.

(Vietnamese Buddhist greeting) Thank You Nam Mo A Di Da Phat (Vietnamese Buddhist greeting)