A Message for World AIDS Day from the CAPA Chairman

Posted On : November 29, 2007 9:44 AM | Posted By : Webmaster Related Categories: Africa ACNS:4347

Greetings in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ,

At our last 10th Council Meeting held in Mauritius October 2007, we were
greatly encouraged by the progress made by CAPA on educational and pastoral
concerns in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

We do however remain concerned about what seems to be the unabated spread of
the pandemic, and the effect that it has on family life.

As we approach World AIDS Day (WAD) 2007 with its theme: Keep the Promise
Take the Lead, we would like to encourage all governments, donors, and those
responsible to the implement policies, ensure that resources are channelled
to areas they are most needed, and are used in the most effective ways.

We are encouraged by the UNAIDS and WHO 2007 AIDS Epidemic Update, which
indicate a reduction of HIV infection in some African countries.

We support the universal access to prevention, care and treatment strategy
and advocate for its implementation especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
and Asia, where the AIDS epidemic is hard hit.

As Faith communities, together with other partners, we should continue to
speak out against any form of discrimination and stigmatization, and improve
ways of addressing issues around behavioural change and morality.

We can never educate enough on this issue, and we should therefore continue
to ensure that factual information is assimilated to prevent the spread of
HIV and AIDS in our communities.

The Most Rev'd Ian Ernest, G.O.S.K.

PRIMATE OF INDIAN OCEAN & CHAIRMAN OF CAPA.

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