HIV/AIDS continues to advance relentlessly in the developing countries with the
Caribbean ranking second to sub-Saharan Africa in rates of infection. Using the social
influence theory that recognizes the role of opinion leaders in social and behavioral
change, this study examines the contributions of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in
addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica. Through data gathered qualitatively from
FBO members and persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), this article demonstrates that
religion plays a crucial role in the Jamaican culture and that religious leaders have the
potential to address the widespread HIV/AIDS epidemic in their communities. Many of
them have established programs that provide social, psychological, and physical support
and have collaborated with health organizations to initiate health educational programs
that seek to impact understanding to motivate behavioral change. This FBO integrative
approach complements mass media public awareness HIV/AIDS campaigns but is
hampered by HIV/AIDS-related stigma, socio-cultural and religious beliefs, the lack of
HIV/AIDS policies, and the inadequate capacity among religious leaders to address the
epidemic. This article recommends further research on strategies to incorporate
spirituality into health communication interventions, as well as on the overall impact of
the FBO approach to HIV/AIDS prevention in the Caribbean region.
