HIV/AIDS Policy of the Catholic Church in India

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HIV/AIDS Policy of the Catholic Church in India

Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) Health Care Commission

to Officially Launch Health And HIV/AIDS Policy

New Delhi, July 26, 2005 (Sijo Merry ):

The Health Care Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of

India will officially launch the CBCI's Health and HIV/AIDS Policy

on August 31 at Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The policy has been prepared by the CBCI Health Care Commission and

approved by the CBCI Standing Committee during it's meeting in April

2005.

Highlighting the need for a revised health care policy, chairman of

the CBCI Health Care Commission, Archbishop Bernard Moras

stated, " In the emerging scenario of health exigencies in our

country, the revised Health Policy of the Church calls for a renewed

commitment with a wider reach-out, especially to the under-served

areas " . He added, " The HIV/AIDS Policy, as the title reminds, is a

commitment to compassion and care', which includes comprehensive

programmes for prevention, care and support for the people living

with HIV and those affected. It also addresses other related issues

like stigma and discrimination. "

Speaking on the process of preparation of the policy, the

commission's executive secretary Father Vadakunthala

stated, " The policy formulation is a product of extensive

consultation at the national level as well as among representatives

involved in health care in all the 12 ecclesiastical regions held

under the patronage of the bishops in-charge of health care in the

regions. The policy took its complete shape in collaboration with

various health and development organizations with technical

assistance from the USAID and the policy project of the Futures

Group. "

Commenting on the policy, the programme coordinator of the Futures

Group, Dr. Sherry ph said, " The principles followed in the

policy development process included policy dialogue, broadened

participation of stakeholders and policy relevant research. One of

the activities undertaken was to research and document the

interventions by the Church-based organizations working on different

aspects of HIV/AIDS. A compilation of 11 such case studies,

entitled `Streams of Compassion', will be published on August 31. "

Speaking on the process of implementation of the policy, Father

declared, " The official launching is in view of planning a clear

strategy of implementation of the policy and foster greater response

to the multiple challenges in the field of health and build a wider

commitment to principles and practices. "

The Catholic Church in India runs 4,790 health care facilities, out

of which 58 centres are care and support homes for the people living

with HIV/AIDS.

http://www.cbcisite.com/NU350.htm

[Note: A drat copy of the policy document is available from the moderator]