Church to open 45 Community Care Centers for HIV people

Preparations are underway for 45 new community care centers (CCCs) in five Indian states by the Health Commission of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. The five states that would benefit are – West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Chattisgarh and Gujarat.

According to CBCI, the project will be achieved with the help and partnership of Caritas India and the technical guidance of Constella Futures.

The primary aim of the Community Care Centers is to ensure access to treatment for opportunistic infection (OI) and to improve drug adherence for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA). The care centers will also integrate HIV care and support services into existing healthcare facilities and build capacities.


Following a commitment taken up by the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Aids in June 2001, "The Global Fund" – made an innovative approach to international health financing by creating a fund to prevent and treat AIDS, TB and Malaria.

The independent organization is governed by an international Board that consists of representatives of donor and recipient governments, non–governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector (including businesses and philanthropic foundations) and affected communities.

“The selection of the CBCI Health Commission as a Sub Recipient of the Global Fund was also due to the fact that it has a comprehensive Policy on HIV and AIDS, and the Commission was instrumental in establishing the CBCI–IGNOU Chair for the study programs on HIV in distant mode of learning,” said the chairman of the Health care Commission Archbishop Bernard Moras.

CBCI quoted Fr Vadakunthala saying, “The comprehensive care offered through unique commitment and understanding is expected to bring much solace and support to the people living with HIV, especially in the states where healthcare infrastructure is otherwise so scanty.”

A four–day staff orientation program starting from September 19 – 22 will be held in Delhi by the commission – as a part of the programme.