Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nuova Delhi (Fides Service) - The Catholic Church in India is launching a new plan to fight HIV/AIDS. Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, President of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India CBCI will preside the launching ceremony in New Delhi.
The new guidelines are the fruit of widespread consultation at the regional and national levels with the support of USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) and Futures Group Policy Project. Dr Sherry Joseph, co-ordinator of the Futures project said the principles followed in the process of elaborating the new policy included dialogue and a major plan of research. Activities undertaken included research and documentation of interventions by Catholic organisations which deal with various aspects of HIV/AIDS treatment and assistance.
In India the Catholic runs 4,790 health centres, 64 for HIV/AIDS.
Speaking of the new policy, Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras, President of the CBCI healthcare commission said that in the present situation the Church is called to make greater efforts to provide assistance in remote areas. The plan to fight HIV/AIDS includes programmes of prevention, treatment and support for HIV postive people asm well as those who live with them. (AP) (31/8/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:24; Parole:222)
