Catholic religious vow to end HIV in Goa

The Goa Chapter of conference of religions of India, a forum of various religious congregations, decided to work together to end human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the state by 2030. Father Paul Alvares ofm cap, President of CRI-Goa Chapter, said Catholic that the religious got together to discuss the response from the community  to HIV in Goa on the side lines of the International AIDS Candelight Memorial, organised by Human Touch Foundation (HTF) in Margao.

HTF founder Peter F. Borges welcomed the move saying the religious leaders’ interventions could have massive impact because of their considerable presence and reach. “The Church can help shape government policies and advocate better access to healthcare” he said. “The Church is a powerful agent to change individual beliefs and values”. He called for the faith leaders to set examples and shape attitudes about HIV.

HTF is represented in the Global HIV Strategy Group and International Reference Group of Ecumencial Advocacy Alliance, an initiative of the World Council of Churches, a global network of Churches and related organizations committed to campaigning for justice and dignity.

Sister Crina Cardozo said HTF’s plans include working to reduce stigma associated with infection and promoting HIV testing. She said faith leaders should demonstrate to the faith community that HIV does not need to deserve stigma. Further, she called on the faith leaders to preach sermons about the importance of testing and treatment, breaking silence and stigma, promoting human rights and building bridges between people and communities. During the dialogue, participants addressed the realities of how stigma and discrimination are perpetuated both in religious communities and the larger society.