THE Muslim leadership in Muheza district has called upon the Government to adopt Islamic (Sharia) Law which provides for the stoning to death of adulterers. This is in an effort to clamp down on sexual intercourse as one way of containing the HIV/AIDS spread in the country.

Speaking at a seminar on HIV/AIDS in the district recently, the leaders noted that promiscuity was on the increase and, as such there was no other effective way to stop other than adopting the Sharia system.

They said the Government and other institutions fighting the HIV/AIDS malady were doing no more than just advising people to stop practising unsafe sex, a method which has not had any palpable results so far.

Citing as an example, the religious leaders said countries where Sharia is in operation, the rate of HIV infection is invariably low. This is because the people fear the punishment of being stoned to death for their sexual peccadilloes.

Although the Government is always saying that it is secular and has no religion, the Muslims argued, if it want to effectively combat HIV/AIDS, then it must be prepared to adopt Sharia. Otherwise, many more Tanzanians will perish from AIDS.

While at it, the Muslim leaders in the district resolved to be screened for HIV so as to be an example for other people to follow suit. They would cultivate the habit of testing for HIV/AIDS every now and then to show their seriousness in fighting the scourge.

Declaring their decision, the Chief Sheik of Muheza district, Athuman Zuberi, said all Muslim leaders in the district must show an example to their followers by having their blood screened for the AIDS virus.

He also called upon the people in general to turn up for HIV screening as their leaders are doing.

Because of the alarming rate of HIV infection in Tanzania in general, and in Muheza district in particular, everyone -regardless of their position in society or religion - should endeavour to fully participate in measures to combat the scourge.

Sheik Zuberi said that, in addition to the efforts that are being made by others, Muslims leaders should also urge the followers of their faith to effectively combat HIV/AIDS by, among other things, avoiding adultery and other sexual adventures.

He thanked GTZ of Germany for conducting the seminar edwhich was designed for Muslim leaders in the district. The seminar had enlighten them regarding HIV/AIDS issues, a move that has put them in a good position to preach about them to their followers.

The Muheza district HIV/AIDS coordinator, Dr Christopher Mnzava, said GTZ had collaborated with the health department of the Government to conduct the seminar for the Sheiks because many of the clerics were in the dark regarding the war against the malady.