United Nations and Caritas together in the fight against AIDS
Manila (AsiaNews) Officials from Caritas International and the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) met yesterday at a forum in Manila where they agreed that their contrasting stances on sex and preventive measures should not hamper global efforts to help AIDS victims and save lives.
Fr Robert Vitillo, special advisor on HIV/AIDS to Caritas, said the collaboration is "based on shared concern for humanity and shared values to bring access to care, treatment and support, especially to the most vulnerable and excluded in this age of HIV-AIDS." He added that the "Church wants to affirm without qualification the value of every human life and to stand with and protect those whose survival is in any way threatened or compromised." Although he praised the government's efforts and the work by Catholic health workers, he also stressed differences in areas such as prevention.
Father Vitillo said the Church will not change its stance and will continue to fight the disease through education, social services, advocacy for patient rights, and non discrimination. He stressed that for the Church abstinence and fidelity in marriage remain effective preventive measures against AIDS, adding that a number of studies in various countries have proven that these have succeeded in curbing the number of cases of the disease.
He also quoted Pope Benedict XVI, who during World AIDS Day last year, called for a "renewed commitment in the work of prevention and supportive assistance to those afflicted."
In "[c]losely following Christ's example," the Pope said, "the Church has always considered care of the sick as an integral part of her mission. I therefore encourage the many initiatives promoted to rout this disease, and I feel close to persons with AIDS and their families, invoking for them the help and comfort of the Lord."
Dr Jean Marc Olive, the World Health Organisation representative to the Philippines, and Filipino Health Secretary Francisco Duque also attended the forum.
"We will continue to support and participate in this process of developing Church-based programs toward a genuine multi-sectoral and expanded response to HIV/AIDS in the country," Dr Olive said.
"I would like to reassure the public that we are in control of the situation. Preventive measures are in place and being sustained. Our government has [. . .] purchased P20 million (US$ 385,000, 320,000) in antiviral drugs," Duque added.
According to the Filipino Department of Health, about 11,200 adults were infected with the HIV virus in the country last year. A study by the National Epidemiology Center revealed that the disease is spreading fastest among drug users.
The Catholic Church's campaign against AIDS is spearheaded by Caritas Manila, which is under the leadership of Fr Anton Pascual.
"Let our differences not stop us from helping, from saving life. And now it is time to stop talking. It is time to act," Father Pascual said.
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