December 3, 2005
by Amelia Andrews

NEW DELHI, India – 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, http://www.nccindia.in/ .On this day let us all pledge together to join hands to work towards and AIDS free world.

National Council of Churches in India
Amelia Andrews is Associate executive Secretary-Communication of the National Council of Churches in India.