Indian Church leaders call for renewed efforts to fight AIDS pandemic

(August 7,2008): A call for a renewed commitment to fight against the AIDS pandemic by joining hands with global agencies was made by several church leaders from India. They include the Chairman of the Commission for Health of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Archbishop Bernard Moras, Executive Secretary Fr. Alex Vadakumathala and several other delegates.
Their call was made during the 17th International AIDS Conference, currently in session in Mexico City, August 3-8. "The Church has to take a lead to curb the further spread of HIV pandemic, and it needs to increase its efforts in offering compassionate care, support and treatment to people living with HIV. This is an opportunity for renewed commitment, and at the same time a challenge", said Archbishop Moras, who spoke at a reception hosted by Cardinal Roberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico. "The pandemic”, said Archbishop Moras, “is affecting mostly the youth, women and the poor and this is indeed a serious concern for the Church.” Recalling the appeal of late Pope John Paul II, he said, “the battle against AIDS has to be everyone’s battle”.
Earlier at a workshop organised by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, titled, ¨Faith Leadership Expressed through Action, Promoting Universal Access to Prevention, Care, support and treatment in India", Archbishop Moras, Monsignor Robert Vitillo of Caritas Internationalis and Fr.Vadakumthala, spoke of the work of the Catholic Church in India. They highlighted the collaboration with funding agencies, regional health structures and state governments in facilitating access to care and support. Fr. Vadakumthala said the Church in India has set up 20 Community Care centers in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Chattisgarh and Gujarat, with the support of the Global Fund and it plans to set up 45 such centers within the coming two years.