Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) with the CBCI Office for Health Care, with the support of Misereor, Germany conducted a national level Consultation for those who are caring for Children infected and affected by HIV, at CHAI central office Secunderabad, India on Aug 29.
The Consultation workshop was held with the objectives to understand the situation of Adolescents and children infected and affected with HIV and to facilitate Networking among the member institutions. Totally 48 participants from 38 organizations of 14 states participated in the consultation workshop, which was facilitated by Fr Mathew Abraham, Director General CHAI.
The Catholic Church has been a leader and pioneer in responding to the needs of HIV infected persons across the country from the very beginning of the HIV /AIDS epidemic in India. With reduction in new infections and better quality of life and longevity for those who are infected, the focus is shifted to the complex needs of the children who are surviving.
Fr. Mathew Perumpil, CBCI Secretary for the Health Office shared his pioneering efforts in the care of HIV infected children and the enormous challenges the society faces in guiding these children to a respectable future. He invited the participants to focus on the changing landscape of care needs that are more complex as they are getting older and come out with some workable strategies.
It was observed that it was important to share and network with each other to find a way to help the children build a better future. It is also a great opportunity and challenge for the Church to respond creatively to a critical need of the country.(CBCI)
(Vatican Radio)