Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - It is a fight that mainly affects the youth, the nation’s future: the fight against AIDS is one of the topics on the agenda for the government in the Solomon Islands. The political, social, and religious institutions hope to place the AIDS phenomena under control, enough so that it does not become a national emergency and a disease that could infect and destroy a population (450,000 people) that is 50% under the age of 18.
According to official statistics, the rate of AIDS on the Islands went up 0.09% for every 10,000 people (in 2005) and 0.2% for every 10,000 people (in 2007). Although it is a number that is lower in comparison with other nations, it does make one think that the fight is not over in the disease’s prevention effort.
In this battle, the Catholic Church is offering the country a concrete, qualified contribution that is appreciated, as they work alongside other institutions and organizations, especially educational and formation groups.
It begins with cultural awareness, courses and seminars on “education for life,” directed towards youth and adolescents. The seminars, which are attended by college students, members of youth groups, movements, parishes, etc., insist on HIV awareness and prevention through explanations given by specialists who explain how a healthy lifestyle can avoid infection.
The Church emphasizes the fact that Oceania’s communities should seriously work in the area of campaigns for the defense of life and AIDS prevention, especially for the sake of the young people. The moral and spiritual growth of the youth is important. As soon as each one of them begins to reflect on the fact that they are “a unique and precious creature made in the image of God,” they will be less likely to fall into practices such as drugs and alcoholism, and be liable to AIDS infection because the sense of dignity and the “gift logic” prevail over selfishness and consumerism.
In addition, the Church is working to help those infected with the virus, teaching them how to live with the illness and encouraging the rest of the population not to marginalize them, treating them as if they were “lepers.”
Throughout Oceania, the Church is working in the fight against AIDS, with the great prevention campaign “Born to Live” that tries to spread greater awareness about the disease, especially in rural and mountainous regions. The efforts against the disease work to diminish the rate of victims through awareness and social assistance for those who run the risk of infection. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/7/2008)
