Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New York (Agenzia Fides) – An effort to widen access to anti-retroviral therapy and life-saving action for AIDS patients, openness and presence of Catholic institutions and Bishops’ Conferences in stopping the spread of the disease and in providing aid to the victims, the need to fight tuberculosis and malaria as two of the leading direct causes of death from AIDS...these were some of the issues addressed by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, during a high-level meeting dedicated to the spread of HIV/AIDS and the problems related to this disease in the world (see Fides 12/6/2008).
Archbishop Migliore recalled the great effort being made by many Bishops’ Conferences on the planet, especially “among the most marginalized populations,” as occurs, for example, in India, where “more than 100 centers that offer treatment, care and support to AIDS patients have been put in place. Soon, in addition to these institutions, another 45 centers will open in rural and isolated areas.” The representative of the Holy See to the United Nations mentioned that the United States Bishops Conference “supports approximately 250 projects in the poorest countries, a figure that in 2007 amounted to over $120 million in assistance.”
He continued, saying, “at the international level, the Holy See through its various institutions is present in all continents of the world, providing education, treatment, care and support regardless of race, nationality or creed.” With the help of thousands of volunteers, the Church provides medical and nutritional care and support to almost 350,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and anti-retroviral treatment to over 90,000 men, women and children. The Archbishop also pointed out, however, that they are still many victims of HIV/AIDS that have been infected by tuberculosis or malaria. “In this regard, we support and encourage all those who focus upon and work to reduce the number of TB infections and the devastating effects of malaria,” the Holy See’s representative affirmed. (Mtp) (Agenzia Fides 13/6/2008)
