Caritas Int’l, UN renew commitment to fight AIDS

The Roman Catholic Church and the United Nations have once again set aside their differences on various health concerns and renewed their commitment to fight the spread of AIDS in the Philippines.

Officials of Geneva-based Caritas International (CI) and the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) agreed yesterday that their contrasting stances on measures to prevent the disease, such as use of condoms, should not hamper global efforts to help victims and save lives.

Fr. Robert Vitillo, special advisor on HIV/AIDS of 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."

Dr. Jean Marc Olive, chair of the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS and World Health Organization representative to the Philippines, said provisions in the memorandum of understanding they had signed with CI in 1998 still stand.

"We will continue to support and participate in this process of developing Church-based programs toward a genuine multisectoral and expanded response to HIV/AIDS in the country," Olive said during a forum at the Manila Hotel yesterday.

Under the MOU, UNAIDS and CI agreed "to work together to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, responsible behavior and care for those affected, and address the wider development issues highlighted by the pandemic while always keeping the human being at the center of development."

Vitillo stressed that while the Church would never retract its position on pressing issues about the prevention of AIDS, it has been doing its part in confronting the disease through education, social services, advocacy, reduction of stigma and discrimination, and pastoral response in various countries.

"The Church desires 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. The AIDS pandemic threatens the very survival of individuals, families and communities, we are called to reflect on how the Church’s pre-eminent call to defend life impels her to respond in this crisis," the priest explained.

Vitillo said the Church has been endorsing abstinence and fidelity in marriage as preventive measures against AIDS. He added that a number of studies in various countries have proven that these have been effective in curbing cases of the disease.

"What we agreed on today is a real commitment of people within the Church to collaborate with each other, with UNAIDS, and with the government and non-government organizations to fight AIDS," he said.

Last year, Pope Benedict XVI called for a "renewed commitment in the work of prevention and supportive assistance to those afflicted."

"Closely following Christ’s example, 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," the Pope said in his message during World AIDS Day.

The Department of Health (DOH) has placed at 11,200 the number of adults infected by HIV in the country last year. A study of the National Epidemiology Center revealed that the disease is spreading fastest among drug users.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that while the spread of HIV in the country is relatively slow as compared to other developing nations, the government is taking the issue seriously.

"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 invested over P20 million in the fight against AIDS. On top of that, we have purchased P20 million in antiviral drugs," Duque said at a press conference that followed the forum.

Duque added that they intend to focus on prevention programs for high-risk groups — injecting drug users and gay and bisexual men — and would also establish adequate education campaign and develop more voluntary networks.

Vitillo lauded efforts of both the government and Church in the Philippines to combat AIDS:

"I was struck by the work of Catholic groups here. I was informed about their programs and how they have been helping sex workers find alternative jobs," he said.

Vitillo said they have been conducting social services health care programs especially in low-income countries and helping relatives take care of victims."

The Catholic Church’s campaign against AIDS is spearheaded by Caritas Manila, which is under the leadership of Fr. Anton Pascual.

Pascual said they are specifically working on "programs to reach out to high-risk sectors through direct services and to strengthen networking of social workers."

"Let not our differences stop us from helping, from saving life. And now it is time to stop talking, it is time to act," he said.