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Partnership for Life Initiative
Introduction
The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund has been working in solidarity with partners around the world since 1959. This approach means that PWRDF listens and responds to agencies and local communities who have identified their own needs and devised strategies to address them. The role of PWRDF is to walk side-by-side with partners by providing funding, support and analysis, in a relationship where PWRDF and the partner learn from each other working together towards social justice.
In the context of these ongoing relationships, PWRDF found itself accompanying many organizations facing the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS as early as twenty years ago. As a result, regular operating funds have been covering the costs of partners' AIDS education and health care programs for many years. Their needs, however, went beyond the capacity of our regular operating funds, so a dedicated fundraising plan, Partnership for Life was launched to raise $1,000,000 over 3 years. This fundraising initiative is supported by education within Canada.
In 2004, the annual resources of The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund informed Anglicans about the pandemic and the need for Anglicans to support partners who are living and dying with HIV/AIDS. At the 2004 General Synod of The Anglican Church of Canada, HIV/AIDS was very much on the agenda with a motion affirming church action and a presentation by Stephen Lewis, recorded and published in the video For a Generation without AIDS.
In 2006, with a year remaining in the Partnership for Life fundraising initiative and $565,000 raised, PWRDF is telling the stories of work being done with the funds and encouraging communities across Canada to continue their courageous education and fundraising activities.
Key Messages of the Initiative
Address Root Causes of Vulnerability
The world's poorest people are the most affected by HIV/AIDS. Ninety-five percent of all infected people live in the developing world. The link between impoverishment and the spread of AIDS is undeniable.
Promote Gender Equality
The AIDS crisis fuels women's inequality and the inequality of women fuels the AIDS crisis. Women and young girls are almost invariably left with the biggest burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic - as mothers, workers, care-givers and educators and ultimately by default as heads of households.
Support Community Led Development Initiatives
Including: prevention education; youth peer education; family re-composition; care and accompaniment of People Affected by AIDS; income generation for families and orphans; nutrition and health education; agricultural innovation; refugee education; HIV+ groups; widows support; community palliative care and grief programs; food security; and advocacy aimed at access to healthcare; economic justice and peace-building.
Put People Before Profits
The vast majority of people living in developing countries have limited or no access to many medicines that have saved and extended the lives of those in wealthier countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 2 billion people - 1/3rd of the world's population - still lack regular access to essential medicines.
Mobilize International Resources
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is a new multilateral financial instrument established by G8 leaders after their meeting in Genoa in July 2001. It is the largest global fund of its kind.
Resist Stigma and Discrimination
The persistence of stigma fuels the spread of HIV/AIDS by undermining prevention efforts and perpetuating high risk behaviour. Fear of discrimination prevents people from being tested and is an impediment to grieving families.
Proclaim the Gospel of Hope
As people of faith we come to this grievous situation through the bigger story of life that conquers death. As faithful global partners we are witness to countless acts of courage and conviction by those who can not afford to lose hope. We cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed by despair.
