Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - This year World AIDS Day, celebrated worldwide on December 1, is part of a worrying scenario: that of waning international engagement in the struggle against the pandemic, reflected in serious funding shortages for life-saving anti-retroviral therapy (ART). As stated in the message of JESAM (Organization of the Jesuit Superiors of Africa and Madagascar), released by AJAN, the African Jesuit AIDS Network, AIDS is not being perceived as an emergency anymore. In 2008, 1.9 million people became infected in sub-Saharan Africa and 1.4 million people died of AIDS-related complications. Most countries still depend on foreign aid for health care and funding in recent years has been inadequate.
The invitation of the Jesuits is to take advantage of this Day to reflect on the chilling reality of this pandemic and to redouble efforts to stem the spread of the pandemic and to support the sick. In a very broad apostolic context, involving parishes, schools and universities, community centres and hospitals, Jesuits and lay people offer support and assistance to people living with HIV and their families, and strive to raise money for prevention. Research and theological reflection offer information and insights that enable this ministry to be conducted more effectively. The Message ends with a reference to the Gospel of Mark in which Jesus, who is moved with compassion by a leper who kneels to beg for his healing, stretches out his hand, touches him and says, “I do want to. Be clean!” Mk 1:40-41. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2010)
