U.S. Charity Body and CBCI Join Hands to Combat HIV/AIDS in India

New York, USA – Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) on December 20 has signed an agreement with CARE USA for the receipt of a $150,000 CORE Initiative grant. This grant, according to news reports, will be utilized by CMMB for its HIV/AIDS initiatives in India.

In this regard, CMMB and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s (CBCI) Commission for Health are collaborating to explore ways to check the spread of HIV/ AIDS among youngsters in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It has also been announced that the two bodies will jointly implement the HIV/AIDS counseling and education initiatives.

The series of projects, funded by $150,000 grant from the Communities Responding to HIV/AIDS Epidemic (CORE) Initiative, is a part of a global program that will be funded by the United States Agency for International Development. These HIV/AIDS projects will strive to contribute to reduction in HIV prevalence and improve the quality of HIV/AIDS services to individuals, families and communities.

According to the news reports, the Board and Health commission will work with voluntary agencies in testing centers and schools in the two south Indian states. They would counsel and provide health care to the affected, in the programs entirely aimed at youth.

The program would aim to directly reach 20,000 youth, 10,000 young women and 10,000 young men – with voluntary the help of voluntary agencies. It would reach another 20,000 – 10,000 girls and 10,000 boys – in 100 high schools with prevention education.

"Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the states that have the highest prevalence of HIV infection in the country. With this grant CMMB will help provide young people access to age and gender appropriate information that will enable them to protect themselves from infection or access much needed care and support services," said CMMB President and Chief Executive Officer, John "Jack" Galbraith, noting the need for HIV/AIDS education for the youth in India.

Peter Bell, President and CEO of CARE, added, "Reaching young people in schools in India, is an essential step in reducing HIV prevalence and improving HIV/AIDS services in communities."

Since 1928, CMMB has served as the leading U.S.– based Catholic charity focusing exclusively on international healthcare, particularly the well–being of women and children.

CARE, an international humanitarian organization, supports HIV/AIDS projects in more than 35 countries that reach some 5.5 million people.