UGANDA -- Soon after President Bush declared his State of the Union address, promoting church and government leadership in preventing HIV/AIDS, over 35 Anglican Church across Africa gathered in Uganda for a workshop to help initiate the effort.

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Professor Apollo Nsibambi, officially opened the event; the workshop is the first of its kind to assemble representatives from all Anglican Provinces in Africa.

Among the key points of the gathering is removing stigma for HIV positive people, encouraging home base care, and reducing HIV prevalence through behavioral change.

"We as Governments of Africa urge you, religious leaders, to continue playing your traditional and divine role of caring and providing spiritual support to those infected and affected by AIDS," he said.

Throughout the workshop, Nsibambi called for a more active approach towards advocating HIV AIDs measures from the Church.

The Most Revd Livingstone Mpalanyi-Nkoyoyo, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda commended the Government of Uganda for working closely with the Church and other faith-based organizations, noting the benefit of the Church in having a grass roots network and a captive audience.

The workshop, which began Jan 27, was organized by the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa, and represents all Anglican Provinces in Africa.

Also present are the Chairman of CAPA and Primate of West Africa, Archbishop Robert G A Okine. Uganda will provide participants with a right showcase for the progress made in HIV care and Prevention through the past years.

By Pauline C.