Save Sex rather than 'Safe Sex'

The Muslim AIDS Committee (MAC)

The Muslim AIDS Committee (MAC) is a non-governmental organisation operating on a national, provincial and community level. MAC is a joint project of the Jamiatul Ulama, Islamic Careline and the Islamic Medical Association. MAC is also involved in President Mbeki's Partnership Against AIDS initiative.

Objectives of MAC

  • To sensitise, mobilise and equip Muslim Communities to become involved in AIDS prevention, using a value-based approach.
  • To mobilise and equip Muslim Communities to become involved in the care and support of those infected or affected by AIDS.
  • To offer AIDS education based on moral values (abstinence before marriage and faithfulness within marriage) to the broader community.
  • To implement a comprehensive life-skills programme for Muslim youth so that they can make Islamically motivated choices for their future.
  • MAC welcomes Muslim organisations and individuals to join them in the global struggle against HIV/AIDS.

Progress and Mobilisation

  • Evaluation: Questionnaires were used to evaluate the level of AIDS awareness in organisations and schools. The analysis showed a lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and necessitated the implementation of this programme.
  • Workshops: One-day AIDS awareness workshops are currently available. These cover discussions on attitudes towards AIDS and People Living With AIDS (PLWA); facts about HIV/AIDS; sexuality and Islam, and Death and Dying.
  • Training: Train-a-trainer workshops are conducted where participants are certified as AIDS educators. This intensive training includes audio-visual material as well as reading manuals to facilitate education of HIV/AIDS.
  • Media: Small and mass media have been used to promote the AIDS Awareness programme.
  • Seminars: Seminars on HIV/AIDS have been conducted for health care workers in order to equip them to manage and treat HIV/AIDS-related conditions.
  • Networking: Working relationships have been developed with relevant community leaders and HIV/AIDS directorates both locally and internationally.
  • Community Awareness: MAC is available to present papers or talks in order to mobilise communities and to spread the message that the Islamic lifestyle is the cure to HIV/AIDS.

Contact Details:

  • Islamic Careline: Tel: 011 838 6085/6

ISLĀM IS THE CURE
ISLĀM SAYS NO TO:
Sex outside Marriage
Drugs and Alcohol

  • Islamic Medical Association: Tel: 011 837 6717
  • Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal: 011 834 2859