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Christian Conference of Asia
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Situation of HIV and AIDS in Asia and some Churches' and Interfaith ResponsesAsia is home to three of the world’s largest populations China in the East, India in the South and Indonesia in the South-East. It is also a diverse region where faith traditions and cultures meet. Asia is blessed with hospitable people and exotic places, a magnet for tourism and development. It is a land of opportunities with two countries, China and India as projected to be the emerging giants in the world economic order. But it is also a land of threats as more development aggressions take place in different countries of Asia. It is a land of contrast where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It is a place where human resources are mobile and considered as the main export to Middle East, Europe and North America and also in the more industrialized nations of Asia like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Asia is also a militarized region and a staging ground for geo-political interests of the powerful countries in the world. In 2001, Asia became the epicenter for the HIV and AIDS epidemic according to the Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS of the United Nations (UNAIDS). At the turn of the twenty-first century, HIV had spread among Asian women, most of them contracting HIV from their husbands. It is estimated that at the end of 2007, there were 380,000 new cases of HIV infections and 350,000 died of AIDS-related illnesses. At the end of 2007, five million people in Asia were estimated to be living with HIV, half of these are coming from India. Of these statistics, 4.85million were injecting drug users in South, East, and South-East Asia. Injecting drug use is the most common route of infection – 72% in Malaysia, 54% in Indonesia, 52% in Vietnam, and 44% in China. Overlapping drug use is a major concern in Indonesia, India, and Pakistan. Parent-to-child transmission is a significant route of spread in Asia. Of the five million people living with HIV, it is estimated that 140,000 children are living with HIV in South and South East Asia and 7,800 in East Asia. Of these numbers, only 64,000 received antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Parent-to-Child transmission is a significant route of spread in Asia. The numbers of AIDS orphans are increasing as more adults die from AIDS-related illnesses. Despite the availability of drugs to inhibit the growth of the retrovirus and to treat opportunistic infections, many people living with HIV and AIDS are untreated, mainly because of lack of access to prevention and treatment because of various factors related to poverty and stigma and discrimination that are fuelled by cultural taboos and religious doctrines on morality. Access to treatment continues to be a problem in many countries despite the efforts of the Global Fund on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to provide funds for antiretroviral drugs. In Myanmar, the Doctors Without Borders that started to help people living with HIV and AIDS in 2003 are treating 11,000 people. They reported that of the 240,000 living with HIV and AIDS in 2007, around 76,000 could die by the end of 2008 if they remain untreated. The ARV costs US$29/month but the people are earning only US$1.20/day. While there is no definitive cure for HIV, there are treatment that could delay the replication of the virus through the ARV, which has proven to extend the lives of people living with HIV. Mothers with HIV who are provided treatment during pregnancy have a higher chance of not passing HIV to the fetus. Statistics on HIV and AIDS in some Asian countries as of end of 2007 (UNAIDS Report): In Thailand of the 65, 493,000 population, 610,000 are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS. The proportion of adult women with HIV is 42%. Estimated number of AIDS-related illnesses is 31,000. There are many active organizations involved in meeting the challenge of HIV and AIDS. Faith-based organizations are actively involved. Thailand is the birthplace of the Interfaith Network on AIDS in Thailand (INAT, 2003) and the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA, 2005). The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry is actively involved in home-based care and training of caregivers in Chiang Mai and other areas in Thailand. The Global Fund on AIDS, Malaria and TB is actively supporting programs in Thailand. The Christian Conference of Asia supported the interfaith gatherings since 2001. In Cambodia of the 14, 242,000 population, 75,000 are estimated to be living with HIV. The proportion of adults with HIV and AIDS who are women is 29%. Estimated number of AIDS-related illness is 6,100. In Vietnam of the 86,117,000 population, 290,000 are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS. The proportion of adults with HIV and AIDS who are women is 27%. Estimated number of AIDS-related illness is 20,000. In Laos, of the 6, 678,000 population, 5,500 are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS. The proportion of Adults with HIV and AIDS who are women is 24%. Estimated number of AIDS-related illness is less than 100. In Myanmar, of the 47,758,000 population, the estimate number of people living with HIV is 240,000. The proportion of Adults who are living with HIV and AIDS who are women is 42%. The estimated number of AIDS-related deaths is 24,000. The Myanmar Council of Churches is involved in HIV and AIDS integrated program for the Member Churches. In Indonesia, of the 234,693,997 population, the estimate number of people living with HIV is 270,000. The proportion of Adults with HIV and AIDS who are women is 20%. The estimated number of AIDS-related deaths is 8,700. The United Evangelical Mission (UEM) is involved in AIDS program not only in Indonesia but also the rest of Asia. The Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA) was formed in 2007. In the Philippines, of the 91, 077,287 population, the estimate number of people living with HIV is 8,200. The proportion of Adults with HIV and AIDS who are women is 27%. The estimated number of AIDS-related deaths is less than 200. Despite the low prevalence of HIV, the situation will worsen in three years time. The percentage of HIV in September 2008 rose by 128% compared to September 2007. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) has updated the AIDS ministry involving many young people who are enthusiastic to develop information, education and communication on HIV and AIDS and in proposing an HIV and AIDS policy to the leadership of the NCCP. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines will soon form an AIDS Working Group under the Health, Environment and Socio Economic Program. In India, of the 1, 120, 086, 154 population, 2, 500,000 people are living with HIV and AIDS. The National Council of Churches in India and the Catholics in India has an HIV and AIDS policy. The Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) is actively involved in equipping health coordinating agencies in India with information, education and communication on HIV and AIDS. The Indian Interfaith Network on AIDS (IINA) was formed in 2006. AINA and IINA facilitated the Hindu Caucus with the funding of UNAIDS in Bangalore on June 1-2, 2008. Please share with us what your Churches and Council of Churches are doing in the HIV and AIDS Ministry. Support for the HIV and AIDS ministry is welcome. Please contact the Christian Conference of Asia to give your support. Thank you. Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias Consultant on HIV and AIDS Christian Conference of Asia posted by CCA HIV and AIDS Ministry on 5:53 PM Frequently Asked Questions on HIV and AIDSFrequently Asked Questions on HIV and AIDS
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Syndrome means a group of symptoms or illnesses associated with a severely damaged or deficient immune system making the body unable to fight opportunistic infections. Bacteria and other microbes take the opportunity to thrive where the immune system is damaged. As the body loses the capacity to fight diseases, anyone or more of the opportunistic infections like severe diarrhea, pneumonia, tuberculosis, brain infections, and cancer like Kaposi's sarcoma can cause severe loss of weight and deterioration of health condition.
A person is said to be living with AIDS if he or she is HIV positive and has one or both of these conditions (Center for Disease Control criteria):
1. Experienced one or more AIDS-related infections or illnesses such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, herpes, or cancer 2. The number of CD4 cells has reached or fallen below 200 cubic microliter of blood
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) belongs to a class of viruses called retroviruses. HIV destroys the body's immune or defense system.
HIV attacks a particular type of white blood cell, called the CD4 lymphocytes, a particular T-cell subtype, which normally protects the body against infections. Normally the virus has an envelope or outer coat but HIV sheds off the envelope before entering the CD4 cell. HIV is not recognized as a foreign organism and is accepted by the CD4 cell. HIV inserts its own reproductive material into the cell and selectively destroys it. When the CD4 cells are destroyed large numbers of virus particles are released into the blood stream. This process is repeated in even more CD4 cells, gradually depleting the number of CD4 cells in the body. The normal CD4 cell count is usually between 600 and 1,800 per cubic ml. of blood. When the count drops to 500, the person begins to suffer from minor infections. When it falls below 200, signs and symptoms of AIDS appear.
The following may be warning signs of infection with HIV: flu-like symptoms which may include fevers, fatigue, rashes, sore joints, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. During primary infection, HIV makes its way to the lymph nodes. This may take 3-5 days. HIV actively reproduces and releases new viruses into the blood stream. This usually lasts 2-3 months. The immune system begins to react to form antibodies. An HIV test would confirm that a person is living with HIV.
The person living with HIV may continue being asymptomatic for several years. As the immune system continues to break down, other illnesses may manifest such as respiratory tract infections, occasional fevers, skin irritations and rashes, fungal infections, thrush/candidiasis (white eruptions in the mouth, throat and tongue), and herpes blisters in the mouth or on the genitals. This is called the symptomatic stage.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is present in the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk and other body fluids containing blood. The virus is passed on from one infected person's body fluids into another person.
HIV can be sexually transmitted by having unprotected intercourse (without using female or male condom) as the virus can enter the body during sexual activity through the mucous membranes of the vagina, penis (urethra), anus or mouth, through sharing needles or body piercing equipment, transfusion of infected blood, parent-to-child transmission (during pregnancy, during the birth of the baby as the baby passes the birth canal, and during breastfeeding).
Women are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection because of the larger mucosal area in the genitalia that can be exposed to the virus. Men's semen contains greater amount of virus compared to vaginal secretions. Male to female transmission of HIV is 3-4 times more efficient than female to male transmission.
Risk of infection through sexual intercourse increases in the following conditions: · If either person has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially those with ulcerative lesion, because the disease often cause breaks in the genital mucosa; · Rape could cause bleeding due to tear in the genital mucosa; · Sexual intercourse with young girls makes them vulnerable because of immature cervix, skin that is more easily broken and relatively low vaginal mucus production; · Sexual intercourse with a circumcised female especially those whose genitalia have been mutilated could lead to bleeding; · Anal and oral intercourse by heterosexual couples and men who have sex with men (MSM); · Unspoken tolerance of men engaging in extramarital affairs put faithful women at risk; · Refusal by an HIV infected person to use a protective mechanism such as condom due to religious reason or for personal pleasure. Even if both are living with HIV, it is better to use condom to prevent transmission of different strains of the virus.
HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing the common cup during Holy Communion, working alongside people living with HIV, sharing the same telephone, sharing food and drinks, sharing clothing, using second-hand clothes, contact with a toilet seat, swimming, insect bites like bed bugs or mosquito or animal bites, ordinary social kissing, hugging, shaking hands, massage.
What do we mean by safer sex practices?
Safer sex practices are those sexual practices which reduce the risk of transmitting HIV during sexual activity. It means not coming in direct contact with another person's infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Intercourse when neither partner is HIV infected is safe but the difficulty lies on being 100% sure both are really free of infection. Latex condom provides good protection against infection and pregnancy, but they are not 100% reliable. Hugging, kissing, massaging, petting and masturbating are safe but a person is at risk if these activities end up being foreplay to unprotected sex.
Is there a cure for HIV and AIDS?
There is still no cure for HIV. One is definitely not cured by having sex with a virgin. This is a myth.
Treatment with anti-retroviral drug (ARV/ART) can reduce the rate at which the virus multiplies in the body, thereby decreasing the viral load, slow down the rate at which the disease progresses, restore the functioning of the immune system, make the person less infectious, thus reducing the transmission of HIV.
A combination of 3-5 drugs (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy or HAART) taken at the right doses and right times is beneficial. HIV mutates or changes the structure of the virus and may become resistant to the drug if the treatment regimen is not strictly followed.
Alternative medicines and local wisdom, which are very connected to spirituality and environment, does increase the well-being of positive people but should not be mistaken as cure. Prayers strengthen one's relation with God and create a space for living positively. Other supportive measures are good nutrition, education, and monitoring of CD4 counts every 3-6 months.
Visiting people living with HIV and AIDS in their homes and developing a support group in the Church to provide care for people living with HIV are important component of the Church's healing ministry. Giving people living with HIV and AIDS the opportunity to participate meaningfully in Church life, as part of the body of Christ will strengthen the whole congregation's ministry or participation in God's mission. This will also contribute in enabling people with HIV to live positively.
People living with HIV and AIDS can give their testimony and witness and thus, make prevention work more authentic or real. They can serve as counselors. Church people have much to learn from people living with HIV and AIDS.
Is there a vaccine to prevent HIV?
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV. There are clinical trials going on but it may take years before a vaccine is discovered.
Who is Vulnerable to HIV and AIDS?
Everyone is vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. Social vulnerabilities and factors that drive the HIV epidemic are: poverty and social instability that result in family disruption, high levels of other sexually transmitted infections, the low status of women, orphaned and other vulnerable children, human rights violations, ineffective leadership during critical periods in the spread of HIV, low literacy, urbanization, imprisonment, migration and separation from family, lack of access to health care, and sexual violence. Sexual violence includes high incidence of forced sexual intercourse by male partners and poor negotiations on condom use.
Who are more at risk in contracting HIV?
People more at risk than others in contracting HIV are migrant male workers (such as truck drivers, laborers) and their wives, sexual networking, sex workers, those who engage in unprotected sex especially in anal intercourse, injecting drug users, alcohol users. For example, sex workers voice difficulty in accessing health services because they have no official identification which recognize their condition. Moreover, there are countries that criminalize sex workers and do not provide support against violence committed against women.
What is the impact of HIV and AIDS?
When a member of a family is living with HIV and AIDS, the whole family is affected. Children are orphaned and families are taken care of by children or old people, usually by one of the grandparents. Children drop out of school or are excluded from basic services. AIDS creates extraordinary care needs that must be met, withdrawing another household member from school to work to care for the sick. A mother living with HIV finds it difficult not to be able to breastfeed her baby. In some Asian societies where women have no choice, women suffer from rejection and blame.
Household expenditures rise as a result of medical and related costs, as well as funeral and memorial costs. The whole community is affected as they begin to lose the productive members of the community – farmers, agricultural workers, migrant workers, industrial workers, truck drivers, construction workers, health professionals, community workers, teachers, religious leaders, traders, maintenance workers, homemakers. Hospitals are overburdened because of the number of persons being treated for opportunistic infections. The economy suffers. Development work is affected. It could make or break communities depending on the responses of the people.
Communities have varied responses to people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. Information, education and communication (IEC) on the facts and fiction of HIV and AIDS are important to change the attitudes of the people and to prevent the spread of HIV. Issues on stigma, discrimination, exclusion and human rights violations need to be addressed by all sectors. Religious leaders in faith communities can help shape a positive response to HIV and AIDS.
It is important to note that for two decades now, people living with HIV and AIDS are creating new hope for living a meaningful life as they begin to accept their HIV positive status. Many have established AIDS support group such as the Global Network for Positive People (GNP+), the Thai Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Lanka Plus in Sri Lanka, the Indian Network of Positive People (INP+), Pak Plus Society in Pakistan, and Positive Plus in the Philippines. The most recent organization is the International Network of Religious Leaders living with/Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+). The first organizational meeting was held in Nagpur, India in November 2008.
There are also interfaith communities that have organized themselves for better collective actions. The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) helped in the organization of the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA) on May 7, 2005.
There are also movements that address HIV and AIDS from a rights-based perspective. The Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism (ECOT) is beginning to explore the links of tourism and HIV and AIDS.
What are the roles of Religious and Faith Leaders?
Faith leaders have the spiritual influence and mandate to care for the spiritual life of their communities and serve the needs of the people. Faith leaders are present in local communities and are deeply rooted in the historical, social and cultural environment. They have the respect and trust of their communities as well as the moral and ethical know how to influence individuals and communities to choose the path that leads to meaningful life and relationships. They can inspire their faith communities. Faith leaders run Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs). They have hospitals, clinics, school, day care centers and nurseries, orphanages and developmental programs. Long term commitments are necessary to respond comprehensively to the challenges of HIV and AIDS. FBOs have a proven track record on sustainability through continuous presence in human communities for centuries.
What are the useful resources to enable us to learn more about HIV and AIDS?
World Council of Churches
Facing AIDS: The Challenge, The Churches' Response. Geneva. 1997. Companion document: Facing AIDS: Education in the Context of Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS – four modules: Community, Change, Vulnerability, Care and Prevention. Geneva. 1997.
The Lutheran World Federation
Grace, Care and Justice: A Handbook for HIV and AIDS work. Switzerland. 2007. The handbook has been translated into other languages. For copies, contact sni@lutheranworld.org
Mission 21 – protestant mission basel, United Evangelical Mission and The Lutheran World Federation published:
Hedrich, Ute, et al. God breaks the Silence: Preaching in Times of Aids. Germany: Medienhaus Pumb GmbH, Rheinbreitbach. 2005.
Mailing address:
The Lutheran World Federation Department for Mission and Development 150 rte. de Ferney PO Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, a broad ecumenical network giving one voice against injustice, to confront structures of power, practices and attitudes, which deprive human beings of dignity and to offer alternative voices based on the Gospel. You can order for CD-ROM on Christian Responses on HIV and AIDS.
Lux, Steven and Greenaway, Kristine. Scaling Up Effective Partnerships; A guide to working with faith-based organizations in the response to HIV and AIDS. Oxford (UK): Seacourt Limited. 2006.
Mailing Address:
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance 150 rte. de Ferney CH-1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland
Useful web links
UNAIDS www.UNAIDS.ORG World Health Organization www.WHO.INT/HIV/FACTS/EN Christian Conference of Asia www.cca.org.hk
Please send your questions or comments to:
Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias Consultant on HIV and AIDS Christian Conference of Asia c/o Payap University Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand
Email:
Home Office: Paradise Farm and Forest Park Barangay Payong-Payong Pigkawayan 9421 North Cotabato Philippines posted by CCA HIV and AIDS Ministry on 9:53 PM Discussion Paper on "The Christian Conference of Asia's Pastoral Guidelines on HIV and AIDS"A Discussion Paper on The Christian Conference of Asia's Pastoral Guidelines on HIV and AIDS for CCA Member Churches and Council of Churches
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) will urgently and seriously respond to the issues related to the rapidly spreading Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired-Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) through deep spiritual and theological reflection and compassionate action of the Churches.
CCA will specifically focus on breaking down barriers and minimizing judgmental attitudes that could lead to stigmatization, discrimination and violation of human rights through promoting HIV- and AIDS-competent Churches.
CCA will promote and enable Member Churches and National Council of Churches to integrate HIV and AIDS in their healing and reconciling ministry and to address prevention of HIV in a holistic manner.
CCA commits to enhance access to treatment for all.
CCA will promote care and support for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS as a special ministry of the Church, following the principles of non-discrimination and de-stigmatization.
CCA will advocate for protection of rights and care of people living with HIV through partnerships, working with political and other leadership and introduction of legislation as appropriate. Responding to gender inequalities will remain at the core of the advocacy work.
CCA will seek to understand human sexuality in the contexts of personal responsibility, relationships, family and Christian faith to uphold mutual respect in all forms of relationships.
CCA will identify staff persons mandated to follow through on HIV and AIDS, and will work with Member Churches and Council of Churches to do the same and will assure effectiveness and efficiency and accountability to Member Churches and National Council of Churches.
PRINCIPLES
The essential elements of a Church HIV and AIDS strategy and policy:
. >Loving others as oneself (John 13; 34-35); >In the divinity of the other and the sanctity of serving (Matthew 25: 31-40); and >In seeing the whole community as part of one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12); and
The strategy and policy is developed and adopted in participatory and experiential processes involving:
The strategy and policy promotes dealing with HIV in a forthright manner and will have mechanisms to sustain this engagement in the Church by:
The strategy and policy is designed to mobilize the Church in advocating and acting on the issue of HIV:
The strategy and policy promotes the Church in advocating and acting on specific aspects of HIV such as:
The strategy and policy commits the Church:
PASTORAL GUIDELINES
The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) exists as an organ and a forum of sixteen (16) National Council of Churches and over one hundred (100) Churches in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong SAR China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand. CCA seeks to act from deep spirituality and theology as a facilitating agent for dialogue and action on issues of common concerns and for the breaking down of barriers that separate and cause division between peoples of Asia.
CCA faces the urgent and serious issues related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that has continued to spread rapidly in Asia. The epidemiological pattern varies from country to country, since some parts of Asia have high incidence while others have low prevalence.
While there were some Member Churches that have started to act after the first decade of the infection, Church-related hospitals and health coordinating agencies in India, some Churches in Thailand and Council of Churches in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, and Myanmar, much more needs to be undertaken by all the Member Churches and Council of Churches, not only in areas with high incidence but also in areas with low prevalence of HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
The presence of HIV and AIDS calls for deep spiritual and theological reflection and compassionate action of the Churches. In almost three decades of the epidemic, the lack of adequate response and especially the stigma, discrimination, and judgmental attitudes of our Christian organizations and Churches in Asia is fuelling the epidemic more quickly that the virus itself.
As members of the Body of Christ through our baptism, we are ordained into a Christian life that follows the Lord Jesus Christ who "came that we may have life in all its fullness."(John 10:10) This fullness of life is given to all, even among the sick in our society. "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ." (Romans 8:35) The continuous and rapid spread of HIV and AIDS challenges and compels all of us as members of the body of Christ "to suffer with those who suffer" 91 Corinthians 12;12). The people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS are full members of the same body of Christ. They are equally important bearers of the witness to the gospel of love that brings about justice and well-being for all God's people that includes even those outside the Christian fold.
CCA has demonstrated its leadership and commitment to HIV and AIDS by preparing the liturgy for the observance of World AIDS Day (December 1st), gathering member organizations to discuss the appropriate response to HIV and AIDS and reporting in CCA News, and facilitating the organization of faith-based groups in responding to the epidemic through the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA). Much more needs to be undertaken in the coming years.
CCA is called to:
The active response to HIV and AIDS cuts across fair and respectful relationships, human sexuality and gender justice. The ministries of the Churches need to address vulnerable children, young people, women, men, sex workers, and prisoners.
Spiritual and Pastoral life of the Church
The compassion and commitment to each other and to the wider web of life of the congregation is an essential foundation and principle of our spirituality. The congregation is a healing and reconciling community just as everyone is loved unconditionally by our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Asia, there are also many other faith perspectives and cultural perspectives. We recognize the importance of appreciating the diverse expressions of spirituality and learning from one another through joint reflections and actions.
HIV and AIDS, challenge us to break down barriers of us and them, and our judgmental attitudes that could lead to stigmatization, discrimination and the violation of human rights. There is a need to review the liturgical rites and practice of Baptism, Eucharist, and funeral in churches to ensure that they do not violate the rights of people. The active participation of people living with HIV and AIDS in the life of the congregation will enrich our spiritual experience and bridge the gap between our religious teachings and the realities on the ground. Everyone in the congregation needs to experience the fullness of life that Christ offers all. We should promote non-judgmental messages and create safe spaces for sharing experiences that will enhance our understanding of one another in the spirit of compassion and forgiveness, thus reconciling us to Christ who makes us whole.
We will promote HIV- and AIDS-competent Churches in Asia by preaching and teaching non-judgmental messages about HIV and AIDS in our Sunday Schools, worship, various lay-led fellowship meetings and Bible Studies; conduct community outreach program, designate special times of healing and prayers in the liturgy; learning from the experiences of people in the margins and inviting them as full participants in preventing the spread of HIV; and celebrate World AIDS Day every December 1st and AIDS Sunday on the nearest Sunday following – that incorporates the experience and needs of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
We will build the capacity of our members to engage in the various aspects of the ministry. We will encourage and translate in Asian languages, materials and resources that are available in the World Council of Churches (WCC), other world communions, faith-based communities, inter-governmental organizations like the Joint United Nations Programme of HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).
We will endeavour to equip pupils and students in Church-related and owned institutions, and in ministerial formation centres with knowledge, skills, attitudes that will actualize our roles as a healing and reconciling community.
Integrating HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support of People Living with and Affected of HIV and AIDS
Everyone is vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. Prevention, treatment, care and support of people living with HIV and AIDS need to be integrated within the healing and reconciling ministry of the Church.
Prevention
CCA calls on Member Churches and National Council of Churches to address the prevention of HIV in a holistic manner including encouraging discussion on, and understanding of:
On the issue of condoms (including the use of male and female condoms), we support the findings of the Consultative Group on AIDS of the World Council of Churches. After careful consideration of the ethical questions and of the technical details, the following conclusion was drawn: "Without blessing or encouraging promiscuity, we recognize the reality of human sexual relationships and practice and of the existence of HIV in the world. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that education on positive measures of prevention and the provision and use of condoms help to prevent transmission of the virus and the consequent suffering and death for the many of those infected. Should not the Churches, in the light of these facts, recognize the use of condoms as a method of prevention of HIV/" (WCC Study Document: Facing AIDS, the Challenge, the Churches Response, p. 62)
We commit to practice an openness and acceptance and full participation of those who we often marginalized such as Intravenous Drug Users (IDU), Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), sex workers, and most importantly, people living with HIV and AIDS.
We commit to actively reach out to those who are vulnerable in society and within our members, especially to those who are less reached.
We commit to encourage and support persons living with HIV and AIDS to exercise their rights and responsibilities to themselves and to their families.
Treatment
The scientific communities are looking for definitive treatment for HIV and AIDS through vaccine development and other drugs. We note the importance of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) and Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) in reducing the rate at which the virus multiplies in the body, in slowing down the rate at which the disease progresses, in restoring the functioning of the immune system, and in making the person less infections, thus reducing the risk of spreading HIV. However, various ART and other drugs to treat opportunistic infections (OIs) are not yet accessible to all PLHIV.
We commit to enhance access to treatment for all, including pregnant women and children and those in substance addictions, through efforts such as treatment literacy, awareness workshops, promotion of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) dispensing of medicines, treatment of OI, ART, and post exposure prophylaxis.
This includes actively helping individuals to access services that are available from providers other than the Church.
Care and Support
We will promote care and support as a special ministry of the Church, following the principles of non-discrimination, de-stigmatization and providing scientifically proven methods of care and support as well as support those looking for alternative treatment and supportive measures.
We will promote policies and dialogue that promote the human rights and dignity of people living with HIV and AIDS, as either employees or members within our communities.
Within our organizations, we will seek to create an environment that empowers people living with HIV and AIDS to share their HIV status with others. In this time, co-workers living openly with HIV and AIDS may be employed in order to bear witness and to encourage others to do so.
We will promote the adoption of policies and practices that protect confidentiality and enable openness between Churches and people living with HIV and AIDS.
Advocacy
We will advocate for and with people living with HIV and AIDS:
In undertaking advocacy, we will actively seek to:
As Churches, we need to have more understanding of the scientific findings and reconciling basis of our faith on the following cross-cutting issues:
Gender inequality is at the centre of gender-based violence which is a pervasive public health and human rights issue worldwide. Gender-based violence includes domestic violence against women, exploitation of children (child labor, sexual abuse such as incest, early marriages), prostitution, human trafficking and unfavorable cultural practices such as widow inheritance, polygamy, female genital circumcision and cleansing rituals (which includes the sexual violation of girls). All these increase the risk of HIV infection.
Therefore:
Human Sexuality
One of the challenges for what the Churches can do is "to seek to understand more fully the gifts of human sexuality in the contexts of personal responsibility, relationship, family and Christian faith." We can no longer ignore the importance of discussing this gift of God in Churches. We can draw some wisdom from the findings of the research of scientific communities on the different forms of sexual practices. We need to uphold mutual respect in all forms of relationships.
Stewardship of Finances and Resources
To ensure that HIV and AIDS is addressed in the Asian region, CCA is expected to identify staff persons mandated to follow through on HIV and AIDS, and will work with Member Churches and National Council of Churches to do the same. Available structures will be maximally utilized. CCA will have mechanisms that ensure accountability to the people we serve, those from whom funds are received, and Member Churches and National Council of Churches.
Submitted in the Blog for Discussion of Member Churches and National Councils of Churches By Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias Consultant on HIV and AIDS Christian Conference of Asia February 4, 2009 posted by CCA HIV and AIDS Ministry on 4:38 PM |
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