Church needs to scale up HIV response

A Catholic bishop stressed the need for the Church to scale up its fight against HIV/AIDS and counter discrimination against those living with the con

Dec 02, 2016

By Roy Lagarde
A Catholic bishop stressed the need for the Church to scale up its fight against HIV/AIDS and counter discrimination against those living with the condition.

In the Philippines, where there has been a spike in HIV cases, Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortez of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Healthcare (ECH) recognised that more than words are needed. “In fact, we are impelled to do something and, for this reason, we are called to have a pro-active Catholic response to the reality of HIV/AIDS in our country,” said the prelate over Manila archdiocese Radio Veritas. “As Christians, we are impelled by our faith to respond to situations of suffering like illness and sickness, guided by our faith in Jesus Christ,” he said.

Cortez was in Manila for the 6th Catholic Asia-Pacific Coalition on HIV and AIDS Conference, which ended Nov 17.

The gathering, which aimed to step up the Church’s involvement in HIV/AIDS mitigation, prevention, and care programmes, was attended by more than 65 participants from at least 11 countries. Malaysia was represented by Alvin Santhanam from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Elizabeth Thomas and P R Selvarajan from the Diocese of Penang.

Fr Dan Cancino, ECH executive secretary, said that while debates and discussions are important, they need to be translated into action. “There should be concrete steps, and we are challenged to take these measures,” said Cancino, who is a medical doctor specialising in public health and infectious diseases.

The priest reiterated the Church’s call for an end to the HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. “Let’s stop the stigma and discrimination. They are also humans. They are also created by God. They also have dignity,” said Cancino. --CBCPNews

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