In the October edition of Snapshots from the Field, Family Health International (FHI) examines the vital role that faith-based organizations (FBO) play in the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

These organizations have long held an important role in guiding the spiritual life of individuals, but today FBOs are taking an increasing role in the physical body, and in particular, in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Currently, from Thailand to Nigeria to Haiti, FBOs design and manage HIV/AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment interventions. And in many AIDS-affected regions of the developing world FBOs serve as the primary and sometimes the only providers of HIV/AIDS services. Their unique and indispensable role in the global battle against the epidemic is widely recognized.

In Sounding the Call, FHI examines the reasons why FBOs are so widely successful by discovering their roles as:

• Committed caregivers
• Behavior change initiators
• Testing, counseling and treatment providers
• Leadership and network creators