International Consultation on Church’s response to HIV/AIDS to be held in N.Delhi

(Tues.10 April, 2007):-An International consultation and workshop on the Church’s concerted response to HIV/AIDS in India, will start April 12 at The United Service Institution of India in New Delhi. The two-day program will be organized by the CBCI Commission for Health in collaboration with UNAIDS and Catholic Medical Mission Board. The Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana will deliver the inaugural address. And the chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Commission for Health - Archbishop Bernard Moras will welcome the gathering.
“The programme intends to scale up concerted effort, strategic planning, programme management, evaluation system and seek coalition among various Catholic organisations working for HIV and AIDS affected people”, said the Executive Secretary of CBCI Commission for Health, Fr Alex Vadakumthala. The consultation will witness eminent people working in health related organizations put forth their views on several key issues. Some of the topics for discussion are National AIDS Control Program, life skills training for HIV prevention for Youth, increasing the proportion of persons living with HIV/ AIDS receiving care, support and treatment, and establishing a nation-wide strategic planning, programme management, monitoring and evaluation system. During the two-day consultation a documentary film titled “HIV and AIDS in India and the Church’s Response” will also be screened.