Calling attention to HIV epidemic on World AIDS Day

Thursday, December 1 marks the 23rd anniversary of World AIDS Day. Several events are planned across the country to raise awareness and remember the 25 million people around the world who have died from the disease.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is 'Getting to Zero'. The global community has committed this year to focusing on achieving three targets - "Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths"

Around the world, 191 countries are observing this day to draw attention to the AIDS epidemic.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people living with HIV. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus, including an estimated 390,000 children.

In India, about 2.4 million people are living with HIV. However, the country has witnessed a decline in new infections by 56% from the epidemic's peak in 1996.

According to the UNAIDS World Aids Day report 2011, the number of new HIV infections has been falling significantly in Asia, with India leading the pack.

The report said number of people dying of AIDS-related causes fell to 1.8 million in 2010, down from a peak of 2.2 million in the mid-2000s, while a total of 2.5 million deaths have been averted in low- and middle-income countries since 1995 due to antiretroviral therapy being introduced.

"In South and South-East Asia, the estimated 270,000 new HIV infections in 2010 was 40 per cent less than at the epidemic's peak in 1996," said the report.

UNAIDS noted that prevalence of HIV is mostly higher among key populations at higher risk of infection, such as sex workers, drug users and homosexuals.

For years, Christian groups have been involved in spreading awareness and supporting campaigns for AIDS affected people in India.

Christian Aid has six partners in total working on HIV in India, whose nature and focus ranges from helping socially excluded Dalit communities to access adequate health care, and protecting those affected from contracting or spreading the virus.

It works with Emmanuel Hospital Association in North India to reach rural communities with information on the risks of HIV and how to prevent its spread.

In honor of World AIDS day, Protestant and Orthodox churches across the country last week were encouraged to organise special events, prayer sessions and lighting of lamp as symbol of pledge for rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) urged its member bodies to "respond compassionately and responsibly to issues related to HIV and AIDS".

The apex body of the Protestant and Orthodox churches initiated a campaign to draw the national ecumenical movement's attention to the denial of the rights of people living with HIV and mobilize support in order that they may achieve public access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

"The joy of Advent contrasts sharply with the suffering of people living with and affected by HIV, and the deaths of over 27 million people due to AIDS related illnesses," said Rev Dr Roger Gaikwad, general secretary of NCCI.

"Over these decades we have learned that everyone is affected by AIDS, and our calling as Christians demands leadership in demonstrating love, compassion, solidarity and practical care and support to all in need," he expressed.

The inclusion of people living with HIV in all forma and levels of ministry, he said, would help churches to "make our words and actions more caring and effective".