Campaigners on HIV and AIDS have welcomed a decision by President Barack Obama to remove US entry restrictions based on HIV status and want others to follow his example.

Two prominent Catholic theologians have strongly criticised attitudes influencing the church hierarchy over its stance on measures to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS.

The Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has called on the South African government to ensure that it upholds its commitment to women's rights as an important step in the battle against HIV and AIDS.

Civil society and faith groups campaigning on HIV and AIDS have urged United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to step up efforts to combat discrimination and criminalisation that prevent access to infomation and services.

Former Zambian President Kenneth David Kaunda, will be discussing his work in tackling HIV/Aids and poverty in a visit to the Church of Scotland today (Friday 12 June). He himself is the son of a Presbyterian missionary.

Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have joined African religious leaders in publicly undergoing testing to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and combat its stigma.

The UK Christian relief and development agency Tearfund has this week announced a major financial milestone in its campaign to tackle HIV through grassroots initiatives.

The Malawi Council of Churches is reviewing its opposition to the use of condoms in the country's anti-AIDS fight, and has said it may support the use of condoms by married couples where one or both partners are HIV positive.

The Geneva-based global network the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has released a new guide entitled: "Exploring Solutions: How to talk about HIV Prevention in the Church", recognising the need to challenge silence and prejudice.

Kay Warren, Executive Director of the HIV initiative at Saddleback Church, California, USA, is adding her support to a Tearfund programme raising the awareness of HIV-AIDS with UK churches. She says the church has a key role to play.