Geneva, 8 May 2025 — A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the powerful role of faith-based platforms in improving HIV testing and treatment among men, who continue to be underserved in the global HIV response.
Titled “Improving HIV Testing for Men and Linkage to Services Through Faith Platforms,” the report draws on case studies from across sub-Saharan Africa and other regions, showing how partnerships with religious institutions are helping to dismantle stigma, increase access to testing, and ensure better treatment adherence among male populations.
“Expanding HIV service coverage for men is not just a men’s health issue—it’s a public health imperative,” said Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes at WHO.
Why Faith-Based Approaches Matter
Globally, men are less likely than women to get tested for HIV, start treatment early, or stay in care. WHO attributes these gaps to stigma, social norms, financial barriers, and limited access to male-friendly health services.
Faith-based organizations (FBOs)—including churches, mosques, and faith-affiliated NGOs—are deeply embedded in communities and trusted by local populations. These institutions are now proving to be effective allies in the fight against HIV.
The WHO report identifies five core strengths of faith-based models:
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Trusted relationships within communities
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Access to underserved areas
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Culturally sensitive care
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Holistic, compassionate service delivery
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Dedicated support for health workers and volunteers
Innovative Models That Work
The report highlights six standout initiatives:
1. Circle of Hope (Zambia)
Faith-led Community Posts located near markets and churches provided decentralized testing and same-day ART initiation. Result: a 4x increase in men receiving treatment from 2018 to 2022 and over 1200% growth in new HIV case identification.
2. Eastern Deanery AIDS Relief Programme (Kenya)
By training religious leaders to distribute HIV self-test kits in Nairobi’s informal settlements, EDARP saw a 117% rise in new male diagnoses and high linkage to care—even during COVID-19.
3. Faith and Community Initiative (PEPFAR countries)
Operating in Uganda, Malawi, Botswana, and Eswatini, this program delivered tailored HIV messaging through sermons, WhatsApp groups, and radio. Uganda saw higher test positivity rates (6.9% for men) and more efficient HIV case-finding than standard approaches.
4. Healthy Beginning Initiative (Nigeria)
Using culturally relevant baby showers hosted by churches, this model engaged male partners in HIV testing and care in a non-threatening, celebratory environment.
5. The Luke Commission (Eswatini)
With mobile clinics and a central “Miracle Campus,” TLC used faith outreach to reach men in remote areas, offering stigma-free care integrated with broader health services.
6. Church-Based Testing Campaigns (South Africa)
Collaborations with groups like INERELA+ targeted men and LGBTQ+ individuals in inclusive, affirming worship spaces—breaking down barriers to access and reducing stigma.
A Call for Integration and Investment
The WHO urges global health stakeholders to formally integrate faith-based strategies into national HIV responses. Key recommendations include:
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Training faith leaders to support HIV testing and care
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Expanding access to HIV self-test kits, PrEP, and ART
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Creating faith-informed, male-friendly care environments
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Partnering with religious institutions for community outreach
“Faith leaders are trusted figures. Their influence can help normalize testing, combat stigma, and support men throughout their treatment journey,” said Francesca Merico, co-author of the report and PEPFAR–UNAIDS Faith Initiative coordinator.