TO increase awareness and bring more attention to the circumstances of those living with HIV/AIDS, the Catholic Church in the Philippines will be launching its first National AIDS Sunday next week.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared every first Sunday of December as National AIDS Sunday during its 103rd Plenary Assembly in July.
The bishops’ collegial body noted that while the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines remains at a relatively low level compared to other poor countries, there are Filipinos afflicted with the disease who need support and compassion.
December 4 shall be the launching of National AIDS Sunday to be held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
The event will be highlighted by the formation of a human AIDS ribbon by HIV-positive communities, families and civil society groups as an expression of commitment to stop the spread of the virus, to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease and to be in solidarity with persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Recently, the CBCP announced that it was strengthening its campaign against the dreaded disease.
The CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa) has come up with a 43-page booklet entitled “Love Casts Out Fear,” which was prepared to raise awareness and strengthen the Church’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
The booklet will be distributed to various parishes and Catholic schools across the country.
“Awareness is very important because HIV/AIDS is a big problem for us and also for the people to be more careful and avoid behaviors that causes it,” Manila Auxiliary Bishop and Nassa Chairman Broderick Pabillo said.
“At the same time, we want to solve the AIDS stigma, which continues to grip our country and for us to be able to take care of the victims,” the bishop added.
