FIMA Holistic Approach to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted predominantly by promiscuous heterosexual and homosexual relations, from mother to child, and through drug abuse and transfusion of blood products. Worldwide efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic have been disappointing. The Islamic approach, adopted by organizations working under the umbrella of the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), is a holistic system of prevention, treatment, care, and support to combat the spread of the pandemic and to limit its deleterious health, psychosocial, and economic consequences. This paper outlines this holistic approach.