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Caritas response to HIV

5. February 2010

Written by Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual / Servant Leader  

 Opinionhttp://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=28:opinion&layout=blog&Itemid=64 Did you know that the number of people living in the world today suffering from HIV alone has exceeded the 2007 markers of 33.2 million adults and 2.5 million children? The HIV pandemic “is exceptional because there is no plateau in sight, exceptional because of the severity and longevity of its impact, and exceptional because of the special challenges it poses to effective public action,” so explained Dr. Peter Piot, executive director of UNAIDS.
Already, the Church, through no less than Pope Benedict XVI, appealed for solidarity with those living with HIV and other infectious diseases: “How can we forget the many people with infectious illnesses forced into segregation, and sometimes marked by a humiliating stigma? The seriousness of these lamentable situations is highlighted by the disparity of social and economic conditions between the North and South of the world. Such situations must be answered with concrete initiatives that favor proximity to the sick, enliven the evangelization of culture, and inspire the social and economic policies of governments.”

After all, did you know that the Catholic Church is one of the biggest health providers worldwide? According to Caritas Internationalist, the Church runs 5,246 hospitals, 17,530 dispensaries, 577 leprosy clinics, 15,208 houses for the elderly, chronically ill and people with physical and learning disabilities globally and, in fact, Catholic Church agencies such as Caritas provide a quarter of all HIV care in the worst-hit continent of Africa.

The Holy Father’s appeal is also wise counsel that Caritas Internationalist has translated systematically, into a road map for action to counter the HIV pandemic, spanning 2003 to 2011. For the period 2007-2011, the Caritas focus includes three key moves. First, commitment to increase opportunities for information and experience exchange among Catholic organizations active in HIV services on local, national, regional and global levels. Second, pursuit of capacity-building and funding opportunities extended through the United Nations and other international agencies. Third, intensification of relationships with ecumenical, interfaith and other civil-society organizations responding to the pandemic.

As reported to the United Nations, the Caritas response to HIV “is grounded in the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church which mandates the Catholic faithful and Church-related institutions and agencies to read the signs of the times in order to accompany the most vulnerable and marginalized persons found in contemporary society. This doctrinal foundation has inspired and facilitated the Caritas’ ability to develop creative HIV programming, which remain faithful to the Church’s magisterium. Such programs have been enhanced through partnerships with a wide range of Catholic, other faith-based, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as with governmental and intergovernmental structures.”

Like many Caritas organizations in 107 countries, Caritas Manila and its volunteers from the health professions have been working together since 1987 to deliver the ABCDE of evangelizing and healing action to respond to the HIV health crisis: A for accessible accurate information; B for buildup of sustained, effective response on the ground; C for Caritas care (of course) that is grounded in highest form of professional health care and the teachings of the Catholic Church; D for discouraging stigma by encouraging compassion; and E for evangelization.

Caritas Internationalis HIV and AIDS specialist Rev. Msgr. Robert Vitillo has said, “the most objectionable and sinful form of discrimination occurs under the guise of religious denunciation of people affected by HIV and AIDS. Both the doctrine and tradition of the Churches have been built upon Jesus’ preaching, His sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. These salvific experiences should guide us to a selfless and nonjudgmental acceptance of all human family, and most especially, of the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. As Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “a person living with HIV/AIDS is Jesus among us. How can we say ‘no’ to Him?”

Announcement: On February 11, World Day of the Sick, Radio Veritas is cosponsoring the Healing Explosion and Concert with Rev Fr. Fernando Suarez and other healing priests at the Cuneta Astrodome. Free admission, first come, first served: Contact Radio Veritas or Caritas Manila for details. For comments/feedback: e-mail: caritas_manila @ yahoo.com; for donations to Caritas Manila: 563-9311; and for inquiries: 563-9308 and 563-9298;  Fax:  563-9306.



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