Kampala — Religious leaders in Apac district have resolved to jointly fight the spread of the HIV virus. The Christian and Muslim clerics agreed to include messages about the prevention of HIV/AIDS in their sermons at a workshop on Monday.

The seminar was organised by the Northern Uganda Malaria, AIDS and Tuberculosis, a non-governmental organisation, at St. Thomas church in Apac town.

The organisation's Martin Odipo said the fight against the diseases needed a joint effort. "The services of political, spiritual and medical workers are important in reducing the spread of HIV," Odipo said.

He urged the religious leaders to offer counselling services to their flock affected by the disease. He urged members of the community who cannot restrain from pre-marital sex to always use condoms.

Odipo said they would train clerics and students on caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in Apac and Oyam districts.