Campaign launched to remember HIV-affected on Dec. 1

The apex body of the Protestant churches in India has kick started a campaign to draw people's attention to the plight of HIV/AIDs affected in the country.

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) launched the 'Light a Lamp - Pledge for Rights' campaign encouraging churches and Christian institutions to organize prayer meetings and community gatherings with lighting lamps on December 1, 2010.

The Council aims to mobilize support and solidarity for the protection of the rights of people living with HIV in order that "they may achieve public access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support".

"Advent is a season of hope and expectation. The joy of advent however contrasts sharply with those suffering with and affected by HIV and the deaths of over 27 million due to AIDS related diseases. Let us therefore make this season a meaningful reflection on the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS," said Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, secretary of the Commission on Justice that is spearheading the campaign.

"Over these decades we have learned that many are affected by AIDS, and our calling as Christians demands leadership in demonstrating love, compassion, solidarity and support to all in need," he added.

He encouraged churches to have special prayers and sermons centered on the theme and also to invite a victim to share their experiences as a testimony.

December 1 each year is observed as World Aids Day to increase awareness and promote HIV education and prevention. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. During 2008 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people died from AIDS.

India has over 2.5 million HIV infected people making it the world's fourth largest population suffering from AIDS.