wfn.org | NCC India - Children: the Silent Majority!

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Today, around the world, there is a whole plethora of programmes being
organised to focus attention on HIV/AIDS; its prevention, the stigma and
discrimination being faced by those who are infected and affected. The
number of people living with HIV globally has reached its highest level with
an estimated 40.3 million people, up from an estimated 37.5 million in 2003.
A large percentage of these numbers comprise of the vulnerable and the
defenceless: our children, tomorrow's present.

More than three million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2005; out
of these, MORE THAN 5,00,000 WERE CHILDREN. The UNAIDS report notes that,
without HIV prevention measures, about 35% of children born to HIV-positive
women will contract the virus. In India, HIV prevalence of over 1% has been
found in pregnant women in four of the industrialized western and southern
states of India (specially Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil
Nadu,) and in the northeastern states of Manipur and Nagaland (NACO, 2004a).

The statistics are alarming and the prognosis is startling. As a response to
this scenario, the HIV/AIDS Task force of NCCI, which met on November 24,
2005 comprising of representatives of different churches and Christian
organisations, decided to give priority to children suffering from and due
to HIV/AIDS. The Task Force, under the chairpersonship of Dr. Samuel Kishan,
took a strong pro-life stance affirming the dignity and inviolability of
life.

Fr. Alex, from the Catholic Bishop's Conference of India, shared the health
and HIV/AIDS policy of the Catholic Church. Rev. Enos Das Pradhan,
Chairperson, Commission on Polity & National Governance, speaking on the
occasion of the World AIDS Day appreciated the initiative of the Catholic
Church and said, "the challenge is to sharpen our faith perspective, our
theological foundation for responding to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS.
Therefore, the challenge before the Indian Church is to develop an
integrated policy to combat HIV/AIDS."

The Council of World Mission has developed HIV and AIDS Policy and Strategy
Guidelines. These are can be found on our new website, www.ncindia.in .On
this day let us all pledge together to join hands to work towards and AIDS
free world.

Amelia Andrews
Associate executive Secretary-Communication
National Council of Churches in India
Room No. 301,
CNI Bhawan ,
16, Pandit Pant Marg, New Delhi-110001
Visit us at: www.nccindia.in
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News letter : N C C India