Message of Archbishop Bernard Moras for World AIDS Day
( Dec.01,2009): Marking World AIDS Day observed on Tuesday, Dec.1st, Archbishop
Bernard Moras, Chairman of the Health Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference
of India – CBCI, sent a special message affirming that the Catholic Church will continue
in its commitment to help all those affected by HIV/AIDS. The theme for this day is
“Stop AIDS, keep the promise, Universal access and Human rights.” Archbishop Moras
says that ever since HIV became a problem, there have been efforts to stop it from
becoming a threat to humanity, and many individuals, groups, organizations, and countries
have contributed to this effort. The prelate says that one of the greatest contributions
of science and technology to humanity is the Anti Retroviral Therapy, ART, which prevents
HIV infection from progressing into AIDS and today with the availability of ART, it
is possible to stop HIV infection progressing into AIDS, and prevent unnecessary,
suffering and premature death. The prelate’s message calls NGOs, peoples’ movements,
and the other civil society initiatives, to rise above their own little world and
work together, towards strengthening the National programs. Archbishop Moras.
says that the social teaching of the Church is translated into action in the field
of health care through its vast health care network in the country, which is the 2nd
largest, next to the government of India. Of the 5500 plus health care institutions
of the catholic church in India, about 80% of them are small clinics in the remote
parts of the country, contributing to primary health care, through its committed work
force, mostly religious sisters. The message says that the Catholic Church in India
has been involved in the field of HIV/AIDS ever since it became a problem in India.
It mentions that the CBCI through its health commission, has been involved in the
PACT project -Promoting Access to Care and Treatment, sponsored by the Global Fund
since June, 2007. Under the PACT project CBCI has been able to set up 44 Community
Care Centers in five Indian States - Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and
Orissa. In conclusion, the message of Archbishop Moras for World AIDS Day, affirms
that the Catholic Church in India, in the footsteps of Jesus, the Divine Healer will
work towards the promotion of the human rights of every citizen of India, living with
HIV/AIDS, especially the poor and the marginalized. Although there are no accurate
figures, it is estimated that more than one million children under 15 years in India,
have lost one or both parents, as suffering from AIDS and the number is growing.