UNICEF Teams Up With Buddhist Monks

Thanks to the Buddhist Leadership Initiative (BLI), a UNICEF-supported programme, adults and children living with HIV are able to access spiritual and material resources. In 2004, the Ministry of Cult and Religion started the BLI in Cambodia. Approximately 75,131 Cambodians live with HIV/AIDs.

Monks receive specialized HIV/AIDS counseling training; they offer group meditation and visit families that are affected by HIV/AIDs. An example of this are the recent activities at the Ang Popel Temple. Monks led a prayer session, meditation and support services for over 30 adults living with HIV. These sessions have an immense impact on people affected by HIV/AIDS. "Before these sessions, we were stressed and ashamed...But now we are a lot more positive," said Ken Chanthy. Sessions are also organized for children. At the Tula Sala Temple, monks taught life lessons and personal hygiene to children.

Ulrike Gilbert, a UNICEF HIV Specialist, has said that the monks "address the spiritual needs of a Buddhist people as well as mobilizing material support for affected families."Gilbert goes on to state that this programme is "instrumental in helping to reduce stigma and discrimination."

-Akshika Patel


SOURCE: UNICEF