Catholic Relief Services Remembers the Millions Suffering on World AIDS DayCatholic Relief Services As World AIDS Day approaches this December 1, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) urges the Catholic community to remember the more than 40 million people around the world affected by HIV/AIDS. The agency warned that Africa in particular is in the midst of a devastating crisis this year. Many Africans infected with HIV/AIDS are also confronted with severe food shortages, a condition promising to accelerate the progression and spread of the disease.  Today, sub-Saharan Africa, with only 10 percent of the world's population, is home to 70 percent of the world's HIV-positive people and 95 percent of the total number of AIDS orphans. An estimated 40 million children are projected to be orphaned in Africa by the year 2010. "We have seen the look on children's faces who have lost their family to this awful disease and our AIDS-related programming in Africa works to alleviate their suffering," said Sr. Ann Duggan, HIV/AIDS Coordinator. "We are duplicating these efforts in other countries severely affected by HIV/AIDS. Our AIDS program strategy addresses AIDS-related stigma, the additional burden of poverty, and the special vulnerabilities of women and children." CRS has been responding to HIV/AIDS since 1989 and promotes innovative and effective community-based programs that respond to the immediate needs of those infected, and addresses the underlying causes of AIDS in order to reduce the spread of HIV. CRS relies, in part, on funding such as the $50,000 grant recently received from Paul Newman's charitable organization, Newman's Own, donated specifically for HIV/AIDS programming. Care, support, education and empowerment program activity is concentrated in Africa, but is also active in the hardest hit areas of Asia and Latin America. In addition to its programming in the countries most severely affected by the disease, CRS has worked to encourage U.S. lawmakers to allocate sufficient resources to combat the spread of AIDS worldwide. A fair annual contribution by the United States based upon its share of the world economy would reach at least $2.5 billion, which is almost three times what the U.S. is currently spending. Unfortunately, Congress was unable to complete work in 2002 on a bill that would provide increased funding. CRS plans to continue its work with lawmakers in 2004 to provide the highest level of spending so far proposed. The urgency of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, combined with a critical food shortage, makes Africa a special priority for CRS and its partners. CRS recognizes the key role that advocacy can play in countering stigma and reducing poverty that leave people vulnerable to the disease. The Africa Campaign, Africa Rising: Hope and Healing features HIV/AIDS as its primary focus and plans to mobilize people in the United States to pursue policy changes that support development. Other principal components of the Africa Campaign are to rally resources, expand access to essential medicines and support increased debt relief for those countries crippled by AIDS. World AIDS Day, established by the United Nations, is commemorated around the globe on December 1st. It celebrates progress made in the battle against the epidemic and brings into focus remaining challenges. The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is "Live and Let Live," intended to focus on stigma and discrimination. Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community. The agency provides assistance to people in more than 87 countries and territories on the basis of need, not race, creed or nationality. To contribute to Catholic Relief Services' efforts, send donations to: Catholic Relief Services
For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org |
 |
Email Article To A Friend |  |
Link to us! |
