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Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics, participated in the workshop, asking questions of speakers, and entering into various dialogues.
To Prof. Sheila Tlou, from Botswana Open University, former cochair of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition, former UNAIDS regional director, and former minister of health of Botswana, Ross posed the question: “What is the role of religious leaders supporting initiatives like the Global Fund while accompanying countries in mobilizing domestic funding?”
Tlou emphasized that governments must continue supporting the efforts of the Global Fund while avoiding excessive dependence on its resources. She stressed that religious leaders should be equipped to clearly convey to policymakers that the Global Fund is intended as a complementary mechanism—a top-up—while the primary responsibility remains the mobilization of domestic resources to ensure that people are cared for in all circumstances.
In addition, the WCC extended congratulations to Mgr Robert Vitillo, who received the “Guardian of Life” award from the Pontifical Academy of Life in recognition of his extensive work in global health, HIV, and migration. The award particularly highlights his leadership in bringing together religious leaders and pharmaceutical companies to reduce prices and remove barriers to accessing pediatric medicines for HIV and tuberculosis. In his acceptance speech, Vitillo noted that this initiative began when he and other ecumenical partners could no longer accept the unjust reality of children dying from HIV. He acknowledged that this work has been strengthened by the support of numerous partners, including the World Council of Churches.
