Odo-Ya Project: HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Context of Afro-Brazilian Religion

Abstract

The social cultural political and economic influence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is evident in the changes occurring in the lifestyle of Brazilian people. Aside from reviving discussions related to old taboos about sexuality the body and pleasure HIV/AIDS has also prompted some religious groups to reflect on the importance of spirituality and its role in disease prevention and the solidarity among HIV positive individuals. To this effect diverse religious traditions joined together in an effort to educate and prevent HIV/AIDS and to support HIV positive individuals. This paper examines the aspects of spirituality that were the basis of a communication strategy for education and prevention projects for HIV/AIDS. These aspects of spirituality include legends and traditions that form the doctrine of the religion attitudes within the spiritual community spiritual values of religious people and community solidarity found in the religious group. Focusing on the lessons of the Odo-Ya Project initiated by the Instituto de Estudos da Religiao it is evident that spirituality is an element that unifies communities. Thus it must become a major component of communication projects for HIV/AIDS prevention care and support.