KARACHI: Religious scholars and experts on Tuesday agreed that the former could play a vital role in reining in the growing challenges of HIV/Aids in the country by creating awareness among people vis-avis the lifelong consequences of the deadly disease.The consensus emerged during an orientation session organised by the Sindh Aids Control Programme (SACP) to mark World Ai Day. In attendance were religious scholars and prayer leaders, representatives from different minority faiths, health experts, lawyers andmedia persons.

Highlighting the significance of religion in controlling `immoral activities` in society, participants believed religion was one vital factor that could restrain the spread of HIV which is currently infecting 104,000 people across the country, half ofthem in Sindh.

As religious leaders have a great say among the masses, participants urged them to create awareness about the disease, help patients and educate the population on how to protect itself from the deadly infliction.-Staff Reporter