Church recommits itself in fight against HIV/AIDS

The Catholic Church of India has recommitted itself in its struggle against the spread of HIV/AIDS and has expressed its willingness and readiness to work with the government and other agencies.

The Health Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) organized an international consultation and workshop on "Church's concerted response to HIV/AIDS in India," April 12–13, in New Delhi. It marked the second phase of a Church project that began in 2003.

Approximately 70 participants including officials of U.N. organizations such as UNAIDS, UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) and the World Health Organization attended the event. Representatives of the U.S.–based William J. Clinton Foundation, USAIDS and the Catholic Medical Mission Board of the United States also participated, as did Indian government and Church health–care officials.

The Catholic Church in India is "a willing partner and collaborator to combat this menace," Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana declared at the international meeting.

Urging "greater participation of civil society" and "greater involvement of people of good will from all sectors of life," the Nuncio said that the fight against the pandemic should not only be confined to "those who occupy positions of responsibility in the field of HIV/AIDS."

Archbishop Quintana asserted that the Church has always paid great attention to the service toward the sick and suffering as an integral part of her mission using the maximum resources for the campaign.

"The Church provides health care for all who need it irrespective of their socio–religious and economic status," he added.

"The Church is fully committed to and actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by promoting a compassionate society where the true value and dignity of all is assured," the prelate said.

"The Church is ready to respond to the signs of time...[It is] yet another mark of our commitment to our people and our nation," said Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore, chairperson of the CBCI's Health Commission, welcoming the gathering.

The goal, he said, was to understand national priorities and programs and ways in which the Church could collaborate in their implementation. Another aim was to foster better understanding and coordination within the Church.

A third objective, he cited, was searching for ways to broaden the campaign against HIV/AIDS by involving more women, young people, parents and teachers. This, Archbishop Moras added, would help a growing generation.

Shedding light on Church's contribution in containing HIV/AIDS, the archbishop said, "From the time HIV raised its ugly head in our country, the church related institutions have been actively involved in all aspects of the disease control namely prevention and care."

"Church through its wide network of institutions such as educational and women self–help groups have been promoting healthy life styles, advocacy and knowledge to reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS," Archbishop Moras said.

The archbishop opined that the Church has to scale up its interventions for prevention of HIV and care and support of the people living with HIV and AIDS.

"In order to continue imparting value based, culturally sensitive and regional–specific study programs the CBCI has joined hands with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and instituted the CBCI–IGNOU Chair for Health and Social Welfare and launched the programs of study, 'HIV and Family Education,'" he said.

"The consultation intends to plan on the implementation of the project of the Global Fund by the Church–related network in 45 community care centres for PLHA in Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, Chattisgarh and Gujarat," he noted.

Tracing the beginning of consultation, the archbishop said, "the first phase of the Church's Concerted Response to HIV/AIDS in India" was initiated in 2003, with the support of the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB).

"You are our star players. You are doing wonderful service in the fight against AIDS," said Sujata Rao, director general of the Indian government's National AIDS Control Organization (NACO).

Assuring government assistance to the Catholic Church's service to ostracized HIV victims and their families, NACO chief Rao noted, "HIV affected people respond to drugs much better when they get care and love."

While the training of nurses has been the strength of missionary hospitals, Rao pointed out that in north–eastern India's Nagaland state, where Baptists have a strong presence, "the Church is talking to the youth" and spreading awareness about AIDS.

The Catholic Church is the single largest non–governmental HIV and AIDS care provider in India, with more than 2000 beds in dedicated centres, alongside those offered in general hospitals.

According to UNAIDS, India has the largest number of HIV–infected people with an estimated 5.7 million cases, more than South Africa's 5.6 million cases. NACO, however, puts the figure at 5.2 million HIV cases in India.

"With over 5.7 million HIV/AIDS infected in India, the pandemic is a serious issue in the country India. With the highest number of HIV/AIDS infected in India and more contracting the same, both the government and NGOs need to do their best to stall its spread," Dr. Denis Brown, UNAIDS country director for India, said.

"The UN will offer all its support for your work," Dr. Brown said. Highlighting the crucial role faith–based groups can play in combating AIDS, he pointed out that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, with NACO's collaboration, has decided to support 45 new HIV/AIDS centres to be opened by the Catholic Church in different parts of the country.

The fund disburses billions of dollars in grants to fight the three lethal diseases worldwide.

Lauding the CBCI efforts to bring succor to HIV/AIDS infected and affected, Swami Agnivesh, International President of Arya Samaj said, "It is inspiring to see the participation of faith–based organizations working together to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and poor under the leadership of CBCI."

"It's unfortunate that people do so much for the gods carved out of stones and wood, while neglecting children and the sick made in God's own image and likeness," the Hindu revivalist said.

"There is lot of inter–religious tourism going on in the name of inter–religious dialogue. What we need today is that people of different religions should work out a 'common minimum programme' to fight the scourge of poverty, sickness and HIV/AIDS," Swami Agnivesh said.

"The CBCI's leadership to faith–based organizations in providing concerted response to HIV/AIDS is truly commendable," Jack Galbraith, president and CEO, Catholic Medical Mission Board, said.